Chapter 903 The Aldridges' Most Distinguished Friend
Dmitri Powell, captain of the Cattells' guards, joined by Trix and Zayden, made their way swiftly toward the rear garden of the estate.
Meanwhile, Mateo, with four guards at his side, moved toward the front entrance to greet Felix and his entourage.
This was a first for him, as he had never witnessed such a high-profile visit since his arrival at Qacalisle Island.
Even back in Ugonland, Felix had never made an appearance. No warning or rumors had preceded his arrival, leaving Mateo baffled by the unexpected visit.
To make matters even more extraordinary, Luella, the only heir to the Aldridge family, had arrived with the Aldridges' elite staff and top-tier guards, giving the impression that the Aldridges' headquarters had moved to Qacalisle Island.
This display of power was on par with the most influential nations, showcasing a level of prestige that few could rival.
Among the guests were renowned experts, former heads of state, and retired generals-individuals who had once held great power in their respective countries. Their presence, along with that of Felix and Luella, suggested they were preparing for an important event, perhaps even the Qacalisle Summit Meeting.
Yet, that seemed highly improbable. Felix had never shown interest in global politics or the affairs of nations.
The Aldridges' core survival principle was to avoid direct involvement with the social rules of the mundane world. This principle was also the key to their ability to remain detached from society and grow into a uniquely formidable force over the years.
They stood proudly above the rest of the world, a solitary and unrivaled power. So powerful, in fact, that no superpower or organization dared to provoke them lightly.
Mateo was at a loss. He couldn't grasp why Felix was here.
As Holden had mentioned earlier, Felix had arrived at the Cattell estate but refused to enter the main hall, opting to wait outside the gates for someone-someone he referred to as his "most distinguished friend." This was a concept Mateo had never encountered.
In this world, no individual could truly qualify as a "distinguished friend" in Felix's eyes.
Considering the immense power and influence wielded by the Aldridges, it wouldn't be far-fetched to describe them as sovereigns of a realm beyond the ordinary.
For someone of Felix's stature, was it even possible for a friend of greater distinction to exist?
What kind of unparalleled figure would it take to command Felix's genuine respect?
Even the heads of the most formidable global superpowers appeared utterly insignificant, barely worth mentioning, in Felix's presence.
If Holden's claims were indeed accurate, Mateo couldn't help but feel an intense curiosity to behold the identity of this so-called friend.
As he hurried toward the gates, Mateo's thoughts raced. Who could possibly deserve such reverence from Felix? His mind searched through Felix's old allies, but none seemed worthy of this level of respect. Upon reaching the gates, Mateo was struck by the sight of Felix, Luella, their chief assistant, Darson, and their distinguished party, all waiting with the utmost respect.
It was clear now-Felix wasn't simply waiting for anyone. He was waiting for someone of enormous importance.
Holden quickly approached Mateo. "Mr. Mateo, Mr. Felix and his group have been waiting here for quite a while."
Mateo straightened himself, adjusting his attire before heading toward Felix. "Mr. Felix, I deeply apologize for the delay in welcoming you. Please forgive me."
Felix waved it off casually. "It's not your fault. I didn't have them notify you in advance."
Mateo gave a slight bow. "Mr. Felix, please come inside and rest in the main hall."
Felix shook his head. "We'll wait here for a while longer. My most distinguished friend will be arriving soon."
"Of course, Mr. Felix," Mateo said with a nod, stepping back. "Holden, could you please bring chairs for Mr. Felix and Ms. Luella's group?"
"No need!" Luella snapped sharply. "How could we sit while waiting for the Aldridges' most esteemed friend? Do you want us to appear disrespectful?"
"A-ah, I'm terribly sorry, Ms. Luella," Mateo stammered, his nerves showing.noveldrama
Who could this person be someone so significant that even the mighty Aldridges show such deference?
Mateo's curiosity burned, but he kept his questions to himself.
He quickly instructed Holden to
bring all the family members to the
gates to greet Felix and Luella. Not long after, Asher, now in a wheelchair after his injuries, was brought forward by two of the Cattell family members.
"Mr. Felix, Ms. Luella, this is my son, Asher," Mateo introduced him respectfully. Asher, supported by the guards, offered a bow. "Greetings, Mr. Felix, Ms. Luella." Luella eyed Asher's injured leg before turning to Mateo. "Your son ... Is he lame?"
Mateo quickly explained, "Ms. Luella, Asher is in good health-he's a perfectly fine young man. It's just that... earlier today, he had an unfortunate encounter with some
individuals from Draconia on the
island.
"My son is kind-hearted and always tries to keep the peace," he continued. "But even after trying to calm them, these people went too far and broke his leg.
"These thugs were completely out of control," Mateo went on. "Despite knowing we work for the Aldridges, they remained defiant, even saying they would keep attacking us, no matter who stood before them!" Felix's gaze turned cold as he looked at Mateo and Asher. "It seems you've made some powerful enemies."
Asher quickly defended himself. "Mr. Felix, they were truly arrogant! I told them I was with the Aldridges, and they still attacked me!
"Mr. Felix, Ms. Luella, their behavior is a direct insult to the Aldridges!" Asher added passionately.
Darson, however, interrupted sharply. "Enough! You have no right to speak like that in front of Mr. Felix!"
One of the Aldridges' guards stepped forward, slapping Asher hard across the face. "Watch your mouth! Who in the world dares to speak like that about the Aldridges?"
Mateo rushed to intercede. "Mr.
Felix, Ms. Luella, please forgive my
son. He's young and doesn't always know the right words to use. Please excuse his rudeness. But the truth remains-those people were truly reckless!
"They ignored even our mention of the Aldridges-"
"Enough!" Felix cut him off sharply. "We'll discuss this later. For now, we must wait for my most esteemed friend."
As soon as Felix finished speaking, a sleek Mercedes pulled up, with Robin sitting inside.