The crowd turned towards the source of themotion and saw a man who exuded an aura of undeniable power and sophistication. Dressed in an impably tailored dark suit, tie neatly in ce and apel pin adding just the right touch of elegance, he was the epitome of high society. His wristwatch glinted under the light, and his hair was groomed to perfection. It was clear from his demeanor that he was no ordinary man.


    Trailing behind him was another man, his features pleasant and his presence soothing, carrying an assortment of gifts. It seemed they were here on a visit, a master and his aide, perhaps.


    The Patel brothers were the first to recognize him, their surprise evident. "Isn''t that Tarquin, the wealthiest man in Jindale City?"


    yton was taken aback. "Mr. Bradford? What''s he doing here?"


    The Murphys too were wide-eyed, their surprise mingled with suspicion.


    Roger voiced his disbelief, "Dad, is that... is that the famous Tarquin, the nation''s top tycoon? Why would hee to the Hawkins residence? What could possibly link the Hawkins to him?"


    Bobby was skeptical, "Impossible! If yton had any ties to him, we''d have known by now!"


    "The timing of his visit is curious, though. Could he be yton''s secret ally?"


    "That''s even less likely! The Hawkins Sea-freight is known worldwide, sure, but they have no dealings with the Bradfords up north. They don''t mix business with pleasure, so to speak. It''s not like yton has the charm to woo anyone he pleases!"


    "And yet, Mr. Bradford arrives bearing gifts, as if on a social call..."


    "Those gifts might not even be for the Hawkins!"


    Bobby was adamant, refusing to believe yton could have such a connection, especially not with someone of Tarquin''s stature. After all, yton, despite being Oceanopolis''s richest, was small frypared to the national wealth of Tarquin. Moreover, yton was practically a pariah now; who would willingly associate with him, let alone someone of Mr. Bradford''s caliber?


    "Dad, doesn''t Mr. Bradford look a bit familiar to you?"


    As Roger finished his sentence, a child''s voice rang out, "Daddy!"


    Elliot and Evan suddenly dashed through the crowd towards Tarquin.


    The Murphy men were stunned. Daddy?!


    They looked from the boys to Tarquin, their shock palpable. Good heavens, could it be that these kids were Tarquin''s own?


    And what about Elysia?


    Automatically, their gaze shifted towards her, only to see her approaching Tarquin, her eyes shining, "Honey!"


    The Murphy men nearly copsed. Bobby would have fallen if not for his cane.


    Elysia''s affectionate call left them bewildered.


    "Weren''t we told that Elysia came from a humble background, that her husband was just some unemployed nobody?!"


    Bobby asked, shaking.


    Roger was equally panicked, "I... I had no idea! My sister said Elysia was just an ordinary housewife and her husband was jobless. They said her family was easy to push around!"


    Bobby was furious, "You idiots!"


    If only they had known her connection to Tarquin, they would have steered clear of any trouble. Now, they had truly bitten off more than they could chew.


    Aside from Charles, who seemed unfazed, Joshua, Robert, and yton were utterly shocked at the unfolding scene between Tarquin and Elysia.