Chapter 4

The black car with its silver top didn't stop at the revolving door. Instead, it circled the fountain and drove straight into the underground garage, likely heading to the VIP elevator on Level B2 for a direct ride up to the banquet hall.

As the car brushed past her, its rear window already rolled up, Winnie stood in the rain, holding her umbrella. Reflected on the wet, darkened glass of the window was her own image—drenched and ghostly.

She looked like a mess.

What she didn't know was that the man inside had also lifted his gaze for one last glance at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Eric, the driver gripping the steering wheel, noticed and paused for a moment, glancing at the rearview mirror to catch the man's expression.

Eric was nearly sixty, with graying temples, and he preferred being addressed simply as Eric. In the Marlowe family, every sibling had their own designated "Eric" since childhood, responsible for their daily needs and etiquette training. As they grew older, these personal assistants also managed interpersonal and private affairs.

Eric was Van's exclusive "Eric."

"Do you know her, young master?" Eric asked as he smoothly maneuvered the car into the garage.

Van's movements before the age of twenty had mostly been confined to Europe. After that, he immersed himself entirely in managing the group's Las Vegas operations, leaving him unfamiliar with people and events in L.A., let alone having any old acquaintances here. Eric knew this better than anyone.

"Did you see the promo video for Chill's new casino?" Van asked.

Chill Entertainment was a Marlowe family enterprise encompassing casinos, hotels, and resorts, currently overseen by the eldest daughter, Cherry Marlowe. Earlier this year, Chill, which had never hired a brand ambassador, officially announced its first-ever global spokesperson: Winnie. The commercial featuring her had been broadcast worldwide and played nonstop on Las Vegas's iconic advertising screens.

Eric recalled it after a moment, a realization dawning on him. "She's the leading lady? So… are you interested in something beyond the video, or was this just a lucky coincidence?"

Van let out a soft grunt and replied, "Neither."

The car drove into the second basement level and parked in the reserved spot. Van grabbed his suit jacket and, as he opened the car door to step out, confirmed Eric's guess. "It's her."

Eric, now certain that the woman in the casino commercial was indeed the same Winnie he had just seen, seemed a bit startled. It was hard for him to connect the "ghostly" figure he had just seen with the glamorous movie star in the commercial. After processing for a moment, he shook his head and chuckled, "I didn't recognize her. Her makeup was really heavy." Then, he asked the key question, "How did you figure it out from that far away. Looks like the real reason wasn't about the commercial after all."

Van paused for a moment, turned around, and gave Eric a cold glance. "Being too clever isn't always a good thing."

Eric fell silent and followed Van.

The black, tail-less suit had an unmatched texture and sheen, but Van casually draped it over his shoulder. He entered the elevator lobby and, while waiting for the elevator, took his time putting it on. He then adjusted his tie, giving it a little twist. Compared to the well-dressed guests in the banquet hall, he looked almost like someone hastily thrown together to fill in as a last-minute guest.

The elevator chimed, signaling its arrival. As the doors opened, Edison caught sight of Van's nonchalant demeanor.

"You really got here early," Edison teased.

Van responded with the same relaxed tone as his pace. "I'm not late."

The two shook hands, giving each other a familiar pat on the shoulder. "Long time no see."

The elevator doors closed, and Eric pressed the button for the next floor.

"How's the new place settling in?" Edison asked.

"It's not in the best shape. I'm worried it won't adapt well. They've sent two experts from Australia to check it out, and they'll meet with your people when the time comes."

Edison chuckled. "I'm asking you, not the koala."

Van's new villa was a place Edison had reluctantly parted with. It was originally a plant conservation center with natural oxygen-rich areas and outdoor viewing windows. Van was someone who liked to keep his work and life separate, and he hoped to live in a natural setting.

Van gave a lazy smile. "The koala isn't doing great, and neither am I. All I can think about is going back to the oxygen bar to breathe fresh air and exercise instead of sitting here drinking."

Edison tossed Van a cigarette. "This time, you're buying ports and ships. How many billions have you thrown at this?"

Van smirked, his tone hard to tell if it was a joke or serious. "Haven't spent much in a while. Let's just call it a little treat."

While settling into his new home was something he could take his time with, another matter was urgent. As a newcomer, he needed to build relationships and resources, but matchmaking wasn't something just anyone could do—it had to be someone with enough clout. Edison was that person.

The door to the banquet hall was just ahead. Edison wiped the smile off his face, seeking his guest's opinion. "So, what's it going to be? Come in with me, or do you want to look around first?"

He knew Van adhered to the company's deep-rooted tradition of low-key behavior, was naturally proud, and had an air of aloofness. He didn't want to walk in and be the center of attention, surrounded by people treating him like a revered figure.