Chapter 15

Had Adrian’s call really made the war legate send an invitation to the Cowells? “Thanks to the legate. Thank you, General Summers.” Violet gazed at the invitation. Her tears started falling as she put out her hand to accept it. Daniel nodded and said, “Everyone here is invited. We’ll reserve seats for you. Have a good day.” “Please see General Summers off,” Violet said. Hugo and Nathan escorted Daniel out. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the invitation as if they were in a collective dream. “Grandmother, this is a genuine invitation!” Francis excitedly said. “It is. The legate actually gave us an invitation!” “The gods are smiling on us. We’re on the road to becoming one of the richest families in Swallowston!” Violet looked up and gave her thanks to the Heavens. Samantha looked at Adrian in shock. Had this invitation really come because of his call? However, Simon suddenly said, “Congratulations, Grandmother. Truth be told, before coming over, my father contacted the legate to ask for one of these. I thought we were going to fail, but I guess Father managed to pull it off.” Simon took all the credit and spoke as if that was the truth. Violet was surprised when she heard this. She thought it was Adrian who had gotten them the invitation. “Simon, your father was the one who asked for this invitation?” she asked. Simon nodded. “Yes, my father is well acquainted with General Summers. The general must have made a call to the legate this morning. My father was the one who got the invitation.” “That’s amazing, Simon!” Nathan was delighted. Simon was Nathan’s future son-in-law, so he was elated at how capable Simon was. Everyone present was even more impressed by Simon. Clara smiled and said, “That’s my fiance. Unlike some other guy who pretended to have gotten an invitation. He was overreaching.” Clara scoffed at Samantha and mocked Adrian. The Cowells believed that Simon’s father was the one who had gotten them this invitation and it had nothing to do with Adrian. Violet fully believed in Simon as she gave off a motherly smile. “My good grandson-in-law. From today onwards, you’ll be the head of the Cowell Group. “All right, that’s all for today. We’ll attend next week’s investment conference.” Violet walked away with her cane. Once she was inside the house, Clara, Simon, and Francis went in happily too. Clara chuckled. “Samantha, wasn’t your piece of trash husband going to get an invitation for us? Where is it?” Simon joined in. “You’re such a liar.” “Haha! Samantha, you’re going to be cut off from the Cowells starting today. We’re going to attend the event and get a spot in Swallow Central. Enjoy the rest of your life with this piece of trash!” Francis laughed. Adrian never knew that the Cowells were such a shameless bunch. How did the invitation have anything to do with Simon? What Samantha’s family members said left her absolutely humiliated. She did not want to be there anymore, so she turned around and left. *** Samantha left her family home in tears, opened the car door, and got in. “Sam, listen. I was the one who got the invitation.” Adrian rushed over to her. Samantha was crying uncontrollably at that point. She replied, “Before we came here, I told you not to speak. Do you really think that you’re so great that you can get an invitation? You disappointed me, Adrian Xander.” Adrian’s heart ached when he saw her crying so bitterly. He tried to wipe her tears away. “Don’t touch me!” She slapped his hand away. “Sam, they were lying. You’ll find out on the day of the conference. You’ll be the woman everyone is envious of. I want you to be the happiest woman in Swallowston—no, the entire world,” Adrian insisted. Samantha smirked. “I’ll be happy even if you put in just a bit of effort. I don’t expect you to do anything more. Just be a down-to-earth person and I’ll be thankful.” “Please trust me, Sam.” “How can I?!” Samantha yelled. She was very disappointed in him. Adrian knew that she would not believe him no matter what he said, but he would prove to everyone during the conference that he was indeed the war legate. Samantha took a deep breath and said, “I need to be alone for a while. Take a cab home.” She drove away and left Adrian standing there. Seeing how disappointed Samantha looked, Adrian sighed and swore that he would prove himself one day. He picked up his phone and dialed Daniel’s number again. Daniel picked up. “Sir?” “Spread the word that the war legate’s wife will also be attending the conference. Remember to make the venue look as grand as possible, and make sure Lucas attends,” Adrian ordered. Daniel heard Adrian’s instructions and then said, “Yes, sir.” “One more thing,” Adrian continued, “The legate’s wife will be arriving in an armored chopper and will show up at the rooftop garden of the building. Block off the public’s access to Swallow Central.” “Yes, sir.” *** After hanging up, Daniel got to work. In the tallest building of Swallowston, Daniel made a call. “Hello, this is General Summers. Send out twenty armored vehicles during the Swallow Central investment conference. Get all the most affluent families to…” He then started on the decorations. Later on, word spread throughout the city. The war legate’s wife would be attending the event at Swallow Central and that Battle Warrior Jenner would be escorting them. Everyone was excited once they heard this. They were all looking forward to the conference.