Chapter 33: Musical Encounter IV

Elson nodded, recognizing Kenneth as the son of the Verlice Family, the most prominent family in City B.

"I am Gabriel Crassus, nice to meet you," said the next person.

"Crassus Media," Elson replied, interested.

Crassus Media was among the top 3 companies for publishing books, magazines, and newspapers.

"I'm just the son of the youngest daughter," Gabriel added modestly.

His mother was the youngest child of the current president, the eldest son manages the newspapers, while the second son manages magazines. His mother was taking care of the side of the company that published different books.

Elson smiled, in the first place, he wasn't there to question his cousin's friends or check their backgrounds.

"I'm Luca Atkinson," Luca introduced himself, and Elson narrowed his eyes slightly before shaking his head with a smile.

"I guess that's a name you only use for school," he said knowingly.

Luca's smile widened, it seemed that Elson recognized him.

"I can introduce myself differently," he suggested, but Elson shook his head.

"No, I'm meeting my brother's friends, not the kids of your families."

"I'm liking your cousin more and more," Kenneth said to Justin, who rolled his eyes in response.

Elson laughed before turning to Beatrice and Kathrine.

"Beatrice Falcon," Beatrice introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you," Elson greeted her warmly.

"Kathrine Oscar," Kathrine said, extending her hand toward Elson.

Elson chuckled as he shook her hand, "A pleasure to meet you."

Kathrine's smile widened, lighting up her face.

Justin rolled his eyes at the friendly exchange, a gesture Kathrine quickly noticed, leading her to glare at him playfully.

The two friends were quite different. Beatrice had a face that seemed made for the entertainment world, with features that could easily light up a screen. Her vibrant smile radiated warmth, effortlessly drawing people in and making them feel comfortable. There was a charm in her presence as if she made even strangers feel like friends.

In contrast, Kathrine had an aura of strength rooted in her bold personality. She was confident and assertive, unafraid to speak her mind and take charge. Her straightforwardness and honesty left a strong impression, making her a natural leader among her peers.

Yet, despite their differences, these two remained close friends since childhood.

"Anyway, eat to your heart's content. This is my treat," Elson announced just as the dishes they ordered arrived.

…

"Why are you here exactly?" Justin asked Elson as they made their way back to his apartment.

"Wow, that hurts. Don't you want me here?" Elson pretended to clutch his chest dramatically.

"Stop with that act. Aren't you busy? You were still touring Australia a week ago," Justin replied, unimpressed.

"You were performing; why can't I come and watch?" Elson shrugged, acting innocent.

"Ha… ha… I've been to so many competitions without you watching them," Justin shot back.

Elson rolled his eyes, "Fine. The old man asked me to check on you just as I finished my tour."

"Grandfather? Why would he ask about me?" Justin furrowed his brow, confused.

"He's worried. He only has three grandchildren; of course, he'd care about us. While you keep in touch with your parents, you don't call him. Do you know how hurt he was?"

"Have you forgotten how he kicked me like literally kicked me when I said I was going to make a name for myself in this country?" Justin replied, shaking his head.

"Anyone would kick you. Even your parents were shocked when you announced you were coming home," Elson argued.

"It was normal to try and make a name for myself!" Justin defended.

"It's normal if you had sat us all down and talked about your goals. Everyone would have supported you instead of kicking you. What's not normal is telling us through a video call that you're leaving for our home country… when you were already at the airport thirty minutes from leaving!"

If not for their grandfather being near the airport at that time, Justin would have left without anyone seeing him off. And of course, being sent off by his grandfather was more of a kick in the rear.

"You even asked one of our servants to join you because you were basically underage when you decided to come here! You got your parents' signatures without telling them what it was for!"

He was never a problem child, and as an only child, Justin was quite spoiled. His parents trusted him so much that they signed whatever he asked without really checking.

"Expect that everything you get Auntie and Uncle to sign will be triple-checked after that stunt of yours," Elson warned.

"Because it would have taken longer if I explained it the normal way," Justin retorted.

Elson raised his hand and playfully hit him on the back of his head.

"Hey!" Justin protested.

"And what do you mean by not watching all those competitions? You never told us what competitions you were entering. How will we come and watch you?"

"I did inform you from time to time," Justin said defensively.

"Yeah, on the same day as the competition! How do you expect us to cross the world in just a few hours?" Elson exclaimed, clearly frustrated.

Augustus Murphy had only two sons and three grandchildren: two boys and one girl, with Justin being the youngest. That is why he was also quite worried about this one who suddenly thought of making a name for himself and then leaving just like that.

"At least I was telling you," Justin pouted.

"Are you really saying that now?" Elson raised his hand again, mock threatening.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was wrong," Justin quickly covered the back of his head.

"If not for me looking into Wynter Morgrave's competition, I wouldn't even be here right now," Elson said, shaking his head.

When he checked the participants, he found his cousin's name on the list. And that is how he came here.

"You're following her?" Justin's surprise was clear.

He knew how talented his cousin was, and despite his own skills, he still checked on musicians who played different instruments.

"Wynter Morgrave is quite well-known in the classical music industry. Her techniques are impressive. Not as famous as our family, but she has a name in the industry," Elson explained.

"Anyway, I brought back some things from everyone. Be sure to call them all."

"Even grandfather?" Justin grimaced.

"Especially grandfather," Elson reiterated.