"You hosted us when we visited you, so now that you're in Clearfield, we definitely must show you our hospitality."
Kaden chuckled, "Why don't you just come stay with us? My house is big enough, and we have plenty of guest rooms."
"Thank you, sir, but my secretary's already booked a hotel room for me. After this, I'll head there to freshen up before going to the office."
Every time he went on a business trip, his secretary would help him book his accommodation and flights.
The only exception was if he already owned a place at his destination. Then, he would just stay in his property, and his secretary would book his flight or train tickets for him.
"Is that so? Alright, then. The next time you visit, you should give us a heads up. We'll arrange everything for you."
Sonny thanked him with a smile and did not turn down Kaden's platitudes outright.
The three chatted for a while before the manager entered with some servers to serve the food.
"Do you drink, Mr. Brown?" Kaden asked.
"Want to have a drink or two to commemorate your rare visit?"
Everly said, "Grandpa, Mr. Brown has work in the afternoon. I don't think that's a good idea."
Sonny also said, "Ms. Flemming took the words right out of my mouth. Work comes first. Once that's done, we can have a drink or two."
"That's settled, then. Once you're done with work, we'll treat you to a meal and enjoy a proper tipple.”
"Sure." Sonny agreed good-humoredly.
While eating, Kaden was very enthusiastic. He kept offering Sonny more food. When he was not doing that, he was asking his granddaughter to get more food for Sonny.
Sonny had to emphasize that he would help himself more than once before Kaden finally stopped doing so.
Everly also surreptitiously kicked her grandfather under the table to signal him not to be overly enthusiastic, so he wouldn't scare off Sonny.
Kaden grumbled internally that Sonny was not so fainthearted that he would be frightened by his enthusiasm.
He truly thought highly of Sonny and viewed him like a grandchild.
Once the trio ate and drank their fill, they did not rush to depart. Kaden suddenly asked Sonny, "Are you free tonight, Mr. Brown? You just arrived today, you shouldn't overdo it tonight."
"Is something the matter?" Sonny asked. "If it's something you need my help with, I can make time."
He had been planning to work tonight because he wanted to settle his work matters as soon as possible and rush to Havenmill.
Laurence had just taken over the leadership of the Longbottom family and would be very busy. He needed Sonny's help.
Though four of their elders had gone
over there already, they were there mostly to watch the show. Laurence
to wa
did not need the elders to do
anything either It was enough for
them to support him by letting
others know he had powerful backers.
"There is a little something I wanted to ask your help with."
Upon hearing her grandfather say this, Everly's eyebrow twitched. She had a bad feeling about this.
Sure enough, Kaden said, "Mr.
Brown, there's a banquet I have to attend tonight, but I've just been so tired lately and my body can't handle it anymore. You know how social engagements at banquets are. It's both mentally and physically draining, and at my age, it's really too much to handle.
"Can you do me a small favor and accompany Everly to that banquet? You'll be able
to meet Clearfield's business leaders, and since Lewis & Co. has business here, it'll
help your business if you get to know them."
Everly's expression turned flinty. "Grandpa, if you're not feeling well, you should rest at home. I can attend the banquet myself Don't worry explan it clearly to Old Mr. Lang. You've been friends with him
for decades. He won't fault you for
it."
Kaden said, “But I'll worry if you go alone. What if you get drunk, or someone sabotages you?
"If Mr. Brown goes with you, I'll feel more at ease. I trust his character, and I'll only be able to rest at ease if you're in his care."
He was just creating an opportunity for the two youngsters to have some alone time anyway.
Though neither of them had intentions of the sort, that was because they had not spent enough time with each other yet. Once they had spent more time with each other, something might spark between them.