“THE worst of things could have happened if not for you and your brother,” the duke continued. “That’s why the Grimaldi family will forever be grateful to the two of you.”

And then he gave a swift glance to the people around who were secretly whispering to themselves. That one glance made the others froze in place.

“And please, don’t be mistaken that the opportunities you got had something to do with the favor we owe you. If it did, you would have already starred as the main character of a number of big productions. You got it all because of your ability. And the success you’re experiencing now is all on you, not on anyone else. So, don’t ever let other people think otherwise.”

Astrid blinked, feeling very surprised by the duke’s sudden statement. Because of how the other acted during the launch party, he expected that he would do the same here. But surprisingly, he was actually trying to salvage the situation. And his method was quite good.

In his way, the duke told all the people here that the reason he was close to Nicol was because he saved the other. And then he followed that by saying that the success he had now was not because of the Grimaldi family, but because of his own abilities. That part, he made it quite clear to the others.

Although they might still gossip about this, at least it would not be the same as he was worrying earlier. Now, they would not think that he’s a member of the Grimaldi family. But instead, they would just think of him as someone who’s lucky enough to save a member of the said renowned family.

Once some of these people asked him about it later, which he was sure they would, then he’d just tell them some of the important details. And that one post of him that went momentarily viral last year would easily back this. That could be easily searched on [Cyberspace]. Then they would know that what the duke said was true.

Astrid smiled at the duke. “Thank you for your high opinion of me, Your Grace. But I believe anyone in our position would do the same.” He looked down at the boy, who was just silently listening to the conversation, and ruffled the other’s hair. “Especially since anyone could see how special Nikki is.”

Nicol grinned happily hearing that, which also made Astrid smile.

Anthony was surprised to see the young man’s smile. Not because it was the first time he saw it, but because the difference between the smile he gave him and the one he gave Nicol was almost night and day.

If the one he gave Nicol was full of pure joy. Then the one he gave him was like a business smile. Like they were in a professional setting and the other was just smiling to be polite.

For some reason, Anthony felt a bit of gloom in his heart. It was a strange emotion to feel, especially when Astrid was just a stranger. No matter how the other saved his grandson, it wouldn’t explain why he felt this way.

He shook his head. There’s only one reason he could think of, really. Because of watching that series, [The Great War], with his grandson every weekend, he became, what would they call, a fan. Not of the show per se, but of Astrid specifically.

The young man was an amazing actor. When he played a part, he became that character completely, almost like he erased himself. All you could see was the character he was acting, and that’s what the audience focused on.

In fact, he admired his acting skills so much, he even found that series he guested and that one movie he appeared in. And he was magnificent in both. He was even waiting patiently for the next project the other would appear on.

If he was looking at this from the perspective of a fan, it would be understandable why he felt a bit sad that the other seemed to treat him in such a polite manner. He wouldn’t probably feel this way if it’s just that. It’s mainly because he could feel that the young man was clearly putting a solid wall between them. It’s like he’s saying ‘there’s a line here and you shouldn’t cross it’.

It’s probably weird for an old man like him (although people his age would probably disagree with him calling himself that) to feel this way. No, it was most definitely weird. But it’s just something he couldn’t help.

Anthony sighed. Old people like him should really not dwell on this. So, he just said;

“Please do join us for a cup of tea after you’re done changing.”

Astrid didn’t expect such an invitation. He almost showed an awkward expression. Good thing he had good control over his facial muscles. So, he was able to show an apologetic expression instead.

He was about to refuse the invitation in a very, very polite way, but before he could, Nicol suddenly held his hand. He gazed down and saw the boy looking at him with hopeful eyes.

“Join us, Brother Aster. Please, please?”

The words of refusal automatically got stuck in his throat. He could only show a helpless smile at the end.

“Okay.”

———-

At the main headquarters of EMMA.

Casey was busy reading and signing documents. On the side, his secretary was telling him about his schedule for the next day. While he was multi-tasking like this, he received a sudden video call request.

He opened his Terminal and furrowed his brows when he saw the name of his older brother. He really didn’t want to answer. But then, he thought it might have something to do with Nikki. So. he had no choice but to answer.

He accepted the request and Tommy’s face appeared on the virtual screen.

“I’m kind of busy here, so if you have something to say, please be quick with it,” he started.

Tommy didn’t show signs that he minded his almost rude greeting. Instead, he said, “Do you know why Father sent for Nicol in the manor being used by your company as a set location?” S~eaʀᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

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