Kevin chimed in immediately. "Exactly right. How would small-time people like us ever get a table with Miss Gu? Out of everyone here, Derek's the only one who'd have that kind of access."Derek smiled with satisfaction and said nothing, letting the flattery sit.The truth was somewhat less flattering. He'd heard through the grapevine that Gu Qingcheng was in the county, and both he and his father had tried more than once to arrange a visit, turned away every time, let alone offered a shared meal.Ethan found the whole exchange quietly amusing but didn't correct anyone. If people wanted to perform for each other, that was their business."Let's set Miss Gu aside for now, focus on the reunion," Derek said to Kevin. "How many people have shown up?""Everyone except Zhang Linlin.""I talked to her before I got here," Derek said. "She's got a full house of guests today and needs to keep working, but she'll swing by when she can.""Makes sense," Kevin said. "She's a real manager now, dealin

"You"Marcus's face flushed with anger. Ethan patted his shoulder."Marcus, we don't need to lose our tempers over someone else's kid."Kevin's expression shifted, offended. "Ethan, what's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to take a shot at me?"Just then the door opened, and the Tianhao's security chief appeared in the doorway.He scanned the room, spotted Ethan, and immediately hurried over with an obsequious smile."Mr. Vale, so sorry, I forgot to ask which room you were in earlier. Your key's a bit late getting to you."He set the car key down in front of Ethan with real deference.Marcus lit up instantly, grabbing it and holding it up."Kevin, see this? Ethan's got a car! You've been looking down on people with your judgmental eyes all night, and now maybe you should be calling him Dad!""This"Kevin was thoroughly caught off guard. He hadn't expected Ethan had actually driven here himself, he'd assumed the security chief was just being helpful to someone who walked in.But h