He was afraid Matthew would screw up his friendship with Nathan, if he focused all his energies on making Phoebe his. He needed to give up on that idea. He was too high-profile now to create a scandal like that.

“You? Introduce a girl to me?"

“That's right. There's nothing good about pursuing a married woman.

I'll find someone far better for you." Carlos had already found the right woman for his son.

“Mind your own business, old man!" With an emotionless face, the young man turned to leave.

"We've already been over this. Let's not fight about it. So here's a reminder: I won't Let Phoebe marry you even if you do win her over."

When Matthew opened the door to the study, Carlos followed him and said, “Your uncle Wesley and aunt Blair will be here the day after tomorrow. They'll have Erica in tow, too. They invited us to dinner, so you'll need to be there. Hey, Matthew! Stop! Did you hear me?"

To save Carlos' face, Matthew turned around and said calmly, "Your voice is as loud as it is annoying. I'm not deaf. How could I avoid hearing you?"

Carlos' eyes widened in anger. He wanted to teach this kid a lesson, but the hostile aura he used to carry when he was young was already gone.

"Dinner, the day after tomorrow," he demanded. What he didn't know was that he was no longer as intimidating as he used to be to his son. Even if he puffed himself up and tried to sound threatening, it just fell flat.

He also forgot he wasn't as powerful as he was. He didn't wield the financial influence he used to. It was his son, Matthew, who was now the most powerful man in the financial world.

And- his son-in-law, Sheffield, who was known as "Smiling Tiger" by many people in business circles.

The name was well-earned. He appeared to be friendly at first, but he was as fierce and cruel as a tiger when dealing with enemies.

Both of these two young men had the economy of Alorith in a stranglehold. And they could wield that power as long as they wished.

Matthew quoted Sheffield's words before leaving, “You're my dad. You're the boss. You have the final say."

He was soon out of Carlos’ sight.

“Humph. That sounds better," Carlos murmured to himself. Meanwhile, he concocted a plan.

Back at the Leonard household, Wesley and Blair left Feb with the nanny and set off to Alorith with Erica.

The whole Hilton family were gathered on the fifth floor of the Alioth

Building. They were going to treat the three members of the Leonard family to a big meal.

Wesley had come to thank Carlos for his help looking for Erica when she disappeared for nearly ten months. Besides, he also wanted to have a get-together with his friends.

They had a good time during the meal. Sheffield whispered to Evelyn,

“Any idea what's going on? This isn't normal. Uncle Wesley and Dad are pretty close. They get together all the time. Why did Dad want us all here for dinner?”

Evelyn knew that things weren't that simple, but she didn't know what it was about.

“Maybe he has too much time on his hands now. He just keeps worrying about this or that."