Chapter 46 As soon as Miranda heard that voice, she knew exactly who it was.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea, and there strode Elian, all long legs and composed. Beside him was an elderly gentleman.
Sebastian glanced over at Elian, behind the glasses, a glint of something sharp in his eyes. No one was particularly surprised to see Elian. After all, the Ashcroft family and the Lancaster family had a bit of shared history.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThree years ago, this young maverick had left Virell to take over the Ashcroft enterprises in Zephra. His reputation for ruthless efficiency and ironclad control preceded him plus the title and clout of the Ashcroft family, and everyone in the room treated him with fear.
He was the kind of man who could erase every trace of his digital footprint at the snap of a finger.
But it wasn't just Elian who had everyone whispering. The elderly gentleman walking beside him - dressed in a classic suit - was even more of a shock.
As they approached, the chatter in the room died down to a respectful hush. Anyone who'd been around long enough, or had the right connections, recognized the elderly man as the Noble General. His status was unmatched by any of the local elite.
Even the older generation looked at him with newfound respect. Even Lavinia was visibly anxious yet honored. She quickly moved to assist Mr. Ashcroft. "Uncle, what brings you here?" Her voice was a mix of humility and reverence.
Sebastian nodded slightly toward the older man. "Mr. Ashcroft." Miranda was taken aback for a moment. Wasn't this the sman she'd helped when he'd fallen ill on the street? Mr. Ashcroft smiled warmly at Miranda. "Elian mentioned I'd meet my guardian angel here. I couldn't resist coming to see for myself, though I didn't expect such a lively gathering." Lavinia looked puzzled. "Guardian angel?" As if she realized something, her eyes darting to Miranda, seeking answers.
Miranda chuckled and replied, "I ran into Mr. Ashcroft on my way back last time." With fondness in his eyes, Mr. Ashcroft playfully dubbed her, "The Good Samaritan." Miranda couldn't help but laugh. "Indeed, the Good Samaritan." She didn't plan to introduce herself at that twhen she treated the elderly man as she'd never imagined to encounter again. Turned out he was someone she could know of, and was a relative of Elian.
Elian grinned. "See, Grandpa, I told you we'd find your guardian angel." Although he addressed Mr. Ashcroft, his gaze rested firmly on Miranda. The entire room thought differently of Miss Lancaster who not just had charming looks and decorum, but conversed so effortlessly with Mr. Ashcroft, earning his appreciation.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHer connections were enough to make many of the young ladies green with envy.
For someone like Mr. Ashcroft, who was typically an enigma reserved for the upper echelons of city was the kind of man one only heard about on the evening news occasionally, a mythical figure who could determine the fate of entire businesses with a single word.
He never appeared in any public occasions. To see him here, for Miss e Lancaster, spoke volumes about her significance in his eyes.
Sebastian cast a meaningful glance at Miranda, as if surprised by her continuously unfolding layers. Alden and Grace stood dumbfounded. The daughter they had once dismissed was now the toast of the town, bringing the Lancaster family into the favor of someone as influential as Mr. Ashcroft. They were utterly frustrated with envy and distress. Miranda, at the center of attention, left her four brothers with a complex mix of emotions.