Chapter 896 The Aldridges
At 7:30 AM.
30,000 feet above the South Panacea Ocean, 4,000 nautical miles from Qacalisle Island.
A private Airbus A380, the most expensive private business jet in the world, flew directly to Duskhaven Airport on Qacalisle Island at a speed of 600 miles per hour. Escorted by a squadron of ten F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, and a C-130 logistics transport aircraft.
On board, the 500 million Airbus A380 was Felix Aldridge, the head of the world's most exclusive and secretive aristocratic family, along with his team of assistants. The aircraft was equipped with two levels and living spaces for up to 300 people, as well as an office, conference room, gym, and entertainment room.
At this moment, the conference room was occupied by Felix, his three senior assistants, and his only granddaughter, Luella.
Last night, Luella learned that Robin had arrived on Qacalisle Island to attend the Qacalisle Summit Meeting and immediately informed her grandfather. Felix worked late into the night, ensuring all matters were arranged.
This morning, he flew directly to Qacalisle Island with his team of assistants and the family's elite security.
Felix's main goal for this trip was to meet Robin.
Back then, his old rival, Ernst Cesar, had enlisted the Urbs wizard to cast three blood curses on the Aldridge family.
The first two curses had come true.
The third curse was about to reach its deadline.
This curse concerned the life and death of the Aldridges' only heir, Luella.
Felix, willing to set aside all other matters, was determined to reach Qacalisle Island.
Luella checked the time, then the navigation distance, her impatience growing.
"Grandpa, what kind of lousy plane is this? It's too slow! We've been flying for so long and we're still not there. Just change it already!"
Felix asked his assistant and, upon learning there were still 180 miles to go, he smiled.
"Luella, this is the fastest private jet in the world, cruising at 620 miles per hour. And you're calling it slow? Should we take a rocket to Qacalisle Island instead?
"Be patient," Felix said sternly, noticing her growing impatience. "We'll be there in just half an hour.
"I've told you before, Luella, that no matter how urgent something is, you must learn to stay calm. You can't be this impatient!
"The future of the Aldridges will one day be in your hands. With your rash behavior, how can I trust you?
"Always remember, every choice you make will determine the fate of the Aldridges!"noveldrama
Luella nodded apologetically. "Grandpa, I'm sorry. I was too impatient. I just really want to meet Mr. Ramsey." Felix took a deep breath. "Luella, I want to meet Mr. Ramsey too. He's the only friend I have in this world. "What's even more important is that only Mr. Ramsey can save the future of the Aldridges."
At this point, Felix turned to look at his assistant, Darson Dale.
This man, in his fifties, had been by Felix's side for 35 years.
He knew Felix's thoughts and actions as if by instinct.
"Sir, are you asking for the information on the Qacalisle Island's chief manager?"
Felix nodded. "Darson, who is the current chief manager of Qacalisle Island? And when did they take office?"
Darson immediately activated the display screen in the conference room.
"Sir, five years ago, the former chief manager of Qacalisle Island, Ricardo, completed his term and retired and the Cattell family took over his position. "Mateo Cattell, 57 years old, was the president of the Aldridges' hotel division in Ugonland before taking the position of chief manager at Qacalisle Island. "However, with nearly half of Ugonland's 80 five-star hotels operating at a loss, the Aldridges' headquarters decided to let Mateo go.
"Coincidentally, Ricardo retired and left the position vacant, and Aldridge headquarters gave Mateo another chance."
"Mateo gladly accepted the role of chief manager at Qacalisle Island and has been working there for five years.
"Under his leadership, the island's operations have been relatively stable, though there have been a few concerning reports sent to headquarters." "Concerning reports? What do you mean?" Felix frowned, studying the operational data for Qacalisle Island on the display.
"Mateo's son, Asher, is arrogant and reckless by nature.
"Back in Ugonland, he often broke local laws due to his troublesome behavior and was arrested by the police multiple times. "But Mateo has always indulged his only son.
"Each time Asher got into trouble,
Mateo didn't try to correct his behavior. Instead, he would use the money to cover for him and even help him deal with the aftermath.
"After arriving on Qacalisle Island, Asher became even more brazen.
"The managing director of Panacea Ocean, responsible for overseeing the islands, submitted a report to headquarters detailing Chief Manager Mateo's unethical behavior during his time in office.
"But there was no suitable replacement at the time, so the issue was temporarily set aside.
"Headquarters issued a formal warning, giving Mateo a deadline to improve the security situation on Qacalisle Island."
Felix looked at a recent photo of Mateo and his son on the display. "Darson, how do you suggest we handle this matter?"
"Sir, since we're already here, it would be best to assess the situation firsthand before making any decisions," Darson replied, shutting off the video. "Very well," Felix said, closing his eyes and leaning back in his seat. "What's the update on our meeting with Mr. Ramsey?"
"Mr. Felix, I initially planned to inform Mateo directly to handle the reception and services for this matter," Darson paused briefly before continuing.
"But I'm concerned that he's not entirely reliable, and his son, Asher, has a poor reputation on the island.
"If we let them handle the reception and communication with Mr. Ramsey, it could potentially affect the Aldridges' respect for him.
"And that could ruin everything.
"That's why I didn't inform Mateo about Mr. Ramsey in advance."
Felix opened his eyes and nodded in approval. "Well done, Darson. I'm very pleased with your judgment.
"In this world, the Aldridges can afford to make enemies with anyone, but we can never afford to offend Mr. Ramsey.
"Remember this, all of you, whether I'm here or not, Mr. Ramsey will always be the Aldridges' one and only most esteemed and most trusted friend!"
...
In front of the Qacalisle International Convention Center lobby, Asher led 30 island guards to block Robin and his party's vehicles. Jackson signaled to Jethro and Anton, urging them to stay calm and exercise restraint to prevent the situation from escalating.
The scene immediately drew the attention of delegations from various countries and regions, as well as the media covering the event.
Jackson quickly directed the secretariat to reach out to the conference organizing committee, providing them with the full details of the situation.
Upon learning Asher's identity, the
committee made it clear to Jackson that Robin, Trix, and Zayden were to accompany Asher and the guards to the police station to clarify the situation and face any necessary consequences.