A few moments later, the father and son pair returned with a young man. It was Raymund Laurence. They brought him over to meet the Hernandez family patriarch and Asia.

“Grandpa, this is my friend, Mr. Raymund Laurence.” Mark proudly made the introductions.

​​

The Hernandez family patriarch once again stood up to welcome the important guest.

“Mr. Laurence, it’s an honor to have you as our guest tonight.” Grandpa Hernandez greeted in a humble tone.

“The Laurence family has been backing the Chu family for a long time now and I simply found it appropriate to attend.” Raymund said in a cold tone. 

“Mr. Laurence, this is my fiancé, Asia Hernandez.” Mark said introducing Asia.

Raymund simply nodded and did not say anything else. Behind him Edward Chu was already worried. They had told everyone that his son and Raymund were good friends and yet Mr. Laurence was treating the Hernandez family quite coldly.

“Mr. Laurence, I’d like to introduce a few other people to you.” Edward said, waiting for Raymund to give his permission.

Raymund simply nodded and Edward called Asia’s and his family over.

“Sir, this is my wife, Vivian, and my daughter, Katrina.” To the women of the Chu family Raymund wore a much lighter expression, although still cold.

“Vivian, Katrina.” Raymund said, shaking their hands. Raymund knew Katrina to be different from her older brother, he was hoping that Edward would see that he was better off letting his daughter inherit the family business rather than his son.

Seeing that Raymund had a lighter expression, Edward continued to introduce his son’s future in-laws.

“These are Asia’s parents, Fredrik Hernandez and his wife Cecilia, and Asia’s elder brothers Henry and John.” Edward said, gesturing to the family.

Raymund returned to being cold once again and simply nodded at the Hernandez family. At this point, Edward was already worried, why was Mr. Laurence being so cold to the Hernandez’s? Had they insulted him in the past?

“Mr. Laurence, Edward told us you and Mark grew up together! We would love to hear stories about Mark as a little boy!”  Fredrik Hernandez asked.

“Mr. Hernandez, I have known the Chus all my life if that is what you are asking.” Raymund wanted to scold the Chus for what they told the Hernandez family, but his family backed the Chus and he was not yet going to embarrass them publicly. 

Anyway, many people always claimed to know one of the 5 princes so he was used to people he wasn’t close to, or didn’t even know, claiming to be such.

“Ah, my future son-in-law is truly amazing!” Fredrik said in a loud voice so that his family and guests could overhear.

“Fredrik, why don’t we ask the food to be served? I’m sure your guests are quite hungry by now.” Edward urged, trying to avoid getting into a more awkward situation with Raymund Laurence. He already knew that after tonight he and his son would have to suffer from the consequences of their bragging.

“Yes, yes. Mr. Laurence we ordered the most expensive food and drinks tonight in honor of Asia and Mark’s engagement. We even ordered some off the menu items that the waiters guarantee to be a rollercoaster ride for your taste buds.” Fredrik Hernandez bragged.

“Please sit with us, Mr. Laurence.” Mark gestured towards their table.

The group then moved to take their seats at the front of the function room. They were however unaware of their guest moving towards a different direction. This action did not go unnoticed to their guests with many whispering among themselves.

“Didn’t Mark Chu just invite Mr. Laurence to sit with them?”

“Yeah, why is he leaving?”

“Did they say something wrong?”

“Maybe he’s getting something from his bodyguards. I saw them standing outside when I went to the men’s room.”

“They haven’t even noticed that Mr. Laurence isn’t with them.”

Asia was the first to notice that their guest of honor was no longer with them. “Mark, Mark, what is Mr. Laurence doing over there?”

Mark Chu immediately ran over to Raymund Laurence.

“Sir, our table is over there.” Mark said when he finally caught up.

Raymund ignored him and proceeded to take a seat next to Cedric.

The whole room suddenly stood still.