Chapter 164

Chapter 164: The Grandfather's Regret

"I regret," Barry Hilton, the owner of the Hilton Hotel, confessed to his granddaughter Paris as John Chris Morgan and David Rockefeller made their appearance.

"Dear Paris, I suddenly regret it," he added, catching Paris off guard.

"What do you mean?" Paris inquired cautiously, sensing an unusual hint of regret on her grandfather's face.

Barry sighed, expressing his remorse about not encouraging Paris to associate with Abel Smith during a past reception.

"If you were by his side now, as his female companion, how wonderful it would be!" Barry exclaimed, urging Paris to consider taking the initiative.

Paris, feeling reluctant to make the first move, pondered over the idea. She considered herself the Hilton Hotel's successor, accustomed to her grandfather's spirited demeanor.

Barry encouraged her, stating, "You are more beautiful and attractive than Ikana. Believe me, Paris, if you take the initiative, no man can resist your charm!"

Paris, lacking confidence in Abel's interest, hesitated. Barry, concerned about the Hilton family's future, reassured her that making a move wouldn't be a loss.

Encouraged by her grandfather's words, Paris contemplated the possibility of being by Abel's side. However, her self-doubt surfaced as she compared herself to other women linked to Abel.

Barry, undeterred, smiled, "You are more beautiful and attractive than Ikana. Believe me, Paris. If you take the initiative, no man can resist your charm!"

Paris, unsure of Abel's feelings, questioned her grandfather's confidence. Barry, seeing an opportunity for the Hilton family, believed encouraging Paris was a wise move.

As Paris weighed her options, Barry emphasized the potential benefits, stating that even if she failed, the experience could be valuable in the future.

Barry acknowledged that the Hilton family needed a strong connection, and if Paris could find it with Abel, it would be a significant advantage.

Encouraged by her grandfather's perspective, Paris gained a newfound courage. Barry, however, expressed surprise at another guest's arrival, diverting their attention.

As Abel greeted the newcomer, George, Barry recognized the significance of the moment. Despite Paris's indifference, he hoped this connection would strengthen the Hilton family's position.

Certainly, here is a refined version:

---

Let those around understand that the middle-aged individuals arriving at this moment don't represent a specific group.

He represents only himself and his family.

Now, having reached this point, he possesses the qualifications to represent only himself and his own family.

This is something the families who assisted him to the top cannot prevent.

"Hi, Davis, you're here too!" The middle-aged man greeted Davis Brown with a smile after shaking hands with Abel.

Davis Brown responded enthusiastically with a smile.

Following them were David Rockefeller and John Chris Morgan, who also responded warmly.

"I'm thirsty. If I may, I won't bother you for a drink," the middle-aged man said with a smile.

"No problem. I'll join you later, dear George," Abel replied.

The middle-aged man patted his shoulder with satisfaction, saying, "Do you still remember Jenna and Barbara? You played together quite well when you were young. Remember to get in touch when you have time!"

"Ah," Abel was startled and quickly responded, "Okay, I also miss Jenna and Barbara a bit," he added politely.

At the same time, he searched his memory for this past recollection.

Around ten years ago, when the original body was five or six to seven or eight years old, the middle-aged man in front of him initiated a call in Texas to establish a powerful Rangers baseball team. Abel used to visit Alex frequently, and Alex would take him to the baseball field, including the baseball companies.

During those times, he played with the two middle-aged daughters who were about the same age as the man in front of him. There were probably three or four such experiences. However, if you asked how familiar it was, it wasn't much. They were just playmates from his youth.

In the current moment, the middle-aged man spoke as if everyone present were childhood sweethearts, leaving Abel a bit speechless.

With the addition of the two sisters, their appearance and figures could only be described as average—neither ugly nor beautiful. Abel responded politely, and the middle-aged man, satisfied, patted Abel on the shoulder and walked away.

This scene surprised many observant individuals at the reception. It seemed to match the amazement they had experienced over the past year.

However, the giants around were not surprised; the relationship between the Smith family and the middle-aged family was no secret to them. They knew that the Smith family and the middle-aged man's family were not as close as the middle-aged man had just portrayed. Nevertheless, now this middle-aged man was taking charge, and Abel's outstanding performance made him a valuable connection.

If Abel were ordinary, even with a good relationship between the two parties, the middle-aged man wouldn't have appeared that night.

After the middle-aged man's appearance, it was almost half-past seven. Most of the expected guests had arrived, and the Hilton Golden Hall, with its more than a thousand square meters and over forty waiters, buzzed with lively chatter.

Even in high society, when people gather to chat, it's no different from an ordinary party or haggling in a marketplace. We're all human beings alike, with differences in status, food, drinks, and party venues.

"Hoo~" After David Mellon arrived, Abel finally had some free time. Amidst the crowd, he approached Ted Lena and his daughter Ikana, who were in a quiet corner.

"Hi, Ikana." Abel greeted her with a smile, leaning in for an intimate kiss, noting the pleasant scent of perfume and hormones. In a voice only she could hear, he whispered, "I didn't expect you to join us. I thought you'd be resting on the yacht!"

Ikana resisted the urge to react strongly in front of the onlookers. Instead, she rolled her eyes and responded in a similar tone, "Just saw you and Peggy Morgenthau. Seemed like it wasn't about Amanda Hearst. You and Morgenthau are also involved, right?"

"Ah," Abel looked at her, surprised by her observation. Indeed, Peggy Morgenthau and Robert had just arrived.

And Anne Hearst with her baby girl, Amanda Hearst.

The elders of the two, at this moment, Biddlerner, have a higher status.

He is also more proactive.

As soon as he approached, he took his daughter and granddaughter to find Abel.

Unlike Ted Lena, he genuinely wanted to talk to Abel.

But he was restrained by his daughter.

This led to Abel's different reactions when he met Amanda and Peggy just now.

Just shaking hands with Amanda, even if she had already hinted at a cheek kiss.

With Peggy, when she was about to reach out her hand, he took the initiative to lean forward and give her a peck on the cheek.

This small action went unnoticed by many, considering it a normal behavior in European and American social etiquette. However, Ikana, being observant, immediately noticed it.

Abel smiled and said softly, "Ikana, I think you'd make a talented detective. You could even apply to the New York Police Department."

"That's right," he smiled and added, "Peggy Morgenthau is actually my girlfriend, believe it or not?"

Ikana rolled her eyes at him again, looking elegant and charming.

She was skeptical about Abel's words because her intuition suggested that Abel might have a crush on Peggy, and Peggy might feel the same way. However, the two should not have that kind of relationship because the cheek-kissing etiquette seemed a bit awkward.

"If I had that kind of relationship, I wouldn't feel this strange," Ikana thought.

"Hey, Smith," Ted Lener's voice sounded, "You can't just talk to my daughter. You're going to make me a laughing stock today!"

Ted Lena had noticed the transparency in the reception, with at least a hundred people looking their way.

Feeling pressured but slightly relieved, Ted Lener couldn't accept Abel only talking to his daughter.

He spoke up immediately, "Ha~ How could I forget you, Mr. Lerner." Abel smiled and shook hands with him.

However, Abel noticed Ted Lener whispering to himself while shaking hands, "Boy, as long as you get a little closer to Ikana tonight and show your relationship, I'll forgive you for cheating on my daughter!"

"Ha~" Abel raised his eyebrows, responding in a low voice, "Then how do I show it? Just hug her and kiss her? As a father, don't you mind?"

Ted Lener didn't expect Abel to be so shameless but reluctantly accepted the situation.

When Ted Lener was a little upset, Abel reassured him with a smile, "Don't worry. Ikana is my woman, and I won't let her be wronged. But today is not the right occasion. Believe me, Mr. Lerner. I will make your daughter one of the happiest women in the world."

One of many, Ikana thought.

More guests with exaggerated identities arrived, and Ted Lener realized that Abel's strength was far more significant than he had shown before.

Now, Ted Lener found that this was just the tip of the iceberg.

Under the iceberg, what kind of scene would unfold?

Ted Lener could only say sullenly, "Well, I hope you keep your word. Then I will allow you to associate with my daughter!"

"Dad~" Ikana said coquettishly.

Just at that moment, David Mellon and Melio walked towards Abel.

Ikana, who was about to say something, knew that dinner was coming tonight.

She immediately stopped and watched the conversation between David Mellon and Abel curiously.

David first greeted Ted Lena and his daughter in a friendly manner.

Then he said, "Boss, it's almost time."

Abel nodded, "Then let's start."

David hesitated for a moment, "I still think it would be better for you to go up in person."

"I'll go up. But after that, David, like in the capital market, I need you to lead the way for me."

Abel looked at him with a smile, "Whether it's before, now, or in the future. Do you understand what I mean?"

David was taken aback, then a happy smile appeared on his face.

"I see," David said softly and happily. This was Abel, revealing to him the future of Smith Capital.

Even after this, Smith Capital expanded its scale, gaining many other shareholders.

There may be more personnel sent by these shareholders, but Abel would support David Mellon, ensuring he continued to sit in his position.

"And Merio," Abel looked at Merio next to him again, "I want you to work for me until you retire. Even after you retire, your kids can work for me. That would be great."

"Ha~ Definitely, Boss. I am willing to follow you forever, and my child, if he is not willing, then I will break his leg!" Merio said excitedly.

Abel smiled, then patted David on the shoulder.

"Go, my friend, my partner."

"Go and tell the crocodiles in the pool how well we have done in the past six months!"