Chapter 10 Dying Man
For those wondered who Orlando was and what his status was,
he was the former Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance, which was among the six most important ministries in the country, wielding major influence over many matters.
He was in charge of land, taxation, household registration, military supplies, salaries of government officials, food provisions, and various other financial matters.
During his tenure, he even gained the nickname “Orlando the Affluent.”
Later on, he retired abruptly, left his official post, and returned to civilian life. He also ventured into the business world, creating a commercial empire like the Baker Group. It rose rapidly and entered the ranks of the top 100 companies globally.
By then, while the Baker family might not be the wealthiest family within Vericano, they ranked among the top three.
During his time in office, Orlando was a prominent politician. After venturing into the business world, he became affluent.
Orlando had led a legendary life. He was one of the rare figures who excelled and prospered in both politics and commerce.
That day was Orlando’s eightieth birthday.
It was a festive occasion, and he had also received a wooden carving from his granddaughter as a
gift, which he cherished.
Moreover, after obtaining the wooden carving, his spirits were even higher. He had a rosy complexion, almost as if he had shed ten years off his age.
The tale of the twists and turns to secure the wooden carving was recounted to him by Gloria.
“Blackdrake is really lawless. How dare he even lay a finger on the Baker family? It seems I need to find someone to teach him a lesson.”
While Orlando held a grudge against Blackdrake, he also took great interest in Leones, who had helped his granddaughter.
“That young man from the Bloom family? I’ve heard about that car accident from years ago. It caused quite a commotion. That kid actually became even more capable after spending a few years in prison. It’s truly remarkable. If that’s really the case, maybe I should send the Baker family’s less competent members to jail for some training too!”
Thus, Orlando personally held a wine glass and led a group of people downstairs.
Firstly, he was in high spirits, and secondly, he wanted to express gratitude to Leones for rescuing his granddaughter. Most importantly, he wanted to see firsthand the transformation of the young man from the Bloom family.
Simultaneously, seeing Orlando come downstairs to personally greet Leones came as a shock to everyone on the first floor.
Everyone was astonished, unable to comprehend why someone of Orlando’s stature would grace them with his presence, all because of Leones.
Even if the head of the Bloom family were there, he would have to go upstairs to toast Orlando, let alone Leones, who was already kicked out of the Bloom family.
At the scene, Leones was the only one who remained unfazed. After studying Orlando’s
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complexion, he couldn’t help shaking his head discreetly.
Orlando was already frail due to old age and suffering from several chronic illnesses. His life was nearing its end.
It just so happened that he got the cursed wooden carving and got poison.
Although he appeared healthy, it was merely a last burst of his vitality. The poison in his body was rapidly burning away his remaining lifespan.
However, he remained oblivious, even feeling quite well.
Leones estimated that within three days, the old man would pass away.
“You must be Leones, right? Hmm, not bad. You seem quite spirited!”
Orlando was an astute judge of character. Those who were younger than him tended to bow their heads nervously to show deference while people of his stature were present.
Yet, Leones faced him without flinching, maintaining his composure. It impressed Orlando. He couldn’t help but feel curious. “Just what kind of prison could reform someone into possessing such character?”
“Gloria already told me. If it weren’t for you rescuing her, she might have been in a car accident and ended up in the hospital by now, while the wooden carving might have been taken away by the Blackdrake.”
As he spoke, he took out the wooden carving he carried with him and studied it with admiration. “Come, young man. I’ll raise a glass to you!”
“Thank you, Mr. Baker.”
Leones also took a sip of his drink.
After finishing the toast, Orlando playfully chided his granddaughter as if he was annoyed. “Gloria, you didn’t handle things properly. Today is my eightieth birthday. Since Leones is already here, why didn’t you invite him up to join the celebration?”
“I did invite him,” Gloria replied with a wry smile. “Mr. Bloom met a classmate here and decided to dine with them, so he didn’t come.”
Orlando chuckled. “What’s difficult about that? Just bring them both up! The more, the merrier.”
Gloria smiled in response. Of course, she had thought of that.
However, she believed that Leones would probably prefer chatting with his classmate rather than eating with a group of strangers.
That was why she didn’t insist.
“Both of you,” Orlando extended another invitation, “tonight is my eightieth birthday celebration. Since you’re both here, come join us.”
Everyone present was jealous when they heard Orlando personally inviting Leones and Susan. Such an honor wasn’t granted to just anyone.
“Leones is really lucky. I wonder what great deed he has done for the Baker family. First, Ms. Baker invited him to the banquet. He can’t refuse now, right?”
“Despite being expelled from the Bloom family, he managed to gain the Baker family’s support. What a blessing in disguise!”
Susan only received a personal invitation from Orlando because of Leones, but she was flattered
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nonetheless, overwhelmed by excitement.
First, she was accepted into the Baker Group as an exception, and then she got invited to Orlando’s birthday banquet. Since meeting Leones, her life felt like it had been completely transformed.
Just as Susan was about to accept the invitation and stand up, Leones unexpectedly declined first.
“No need. I don’t dine with those on the brink of death.”
“What?”
“On the brink of death?”
The atmosphere instantly changed as soon as Leones said that, and the whole venue was as quiet as the grave.
“Brink of death…”
Orlando simmered with rage.
“Are you referring to me?”
Leones didn’t respond, indicating his acquiescence.
“Hmph!”
Orlando refrained from saying more and left in a huff.
“Who does this kid think he is? How dare he utter such nonsense on Mr. Baker’s birthday?”
The members of the Baker family were furious and scolded Leones, pointing fingers at him before following Orlando upstairs.
“Grandfather? Mr. Bloom… Geez!”
Gloria hadn’t anticipated things to take such a turn.
She wanted to understand why Leones had said those words.
However, seeing her grandfather so angered, she could only catch up with him and try to comfort him.
“Wow!”
Once members of the Baker family left, the hall was in an uproar.
“This kid is done for!”
“Is he crazy? How could he utter such words on Mr. Baker’s birthday?”
“If something bad happened to Mr. Baker because of this, not only Leones but the entire Bloom family would be in trouble!”
At that moment, Susan recovered from the earlier chaos, her face a mix of shock and confusion.
“Le… Leones… What did you mean by what you just said? Do you have a grudge against the Baker family?”
Leones smiled. “Of course not. I was just speaking the truth. Anyway, let’s leave.”
As the two of them stepped outside, they were immediately intercepted by two officers in uniforms.
“You’re Leones, right? Somebody reported an assault, claiming you were involved: Come with us for an investigation.”
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