Christopher had only learned of William’s existence a few days ago.
What mattered most was that when he inquired his father, Anthony Carter, about William’s identity, the old man scarcely gave away anything.
Yet, his father had instructed Lila to run errands for William, and even threatened to break Ryan’s legs because of William, which unavoidably led Christopher to ponder deeply about William’s background.
Even if Ryan was somewhat of a disappointment, he was still the only male of the younger generation in the Carter family. It was well-known that the elder Mr. Carter did not approve of Christopher being too harsh on Ryan in the past.
Then there was Lila, Christopher’s darling daughter, whom he had pampered since childhood, fulfilling her every request unconditionally.
Through investigations over the last two days, he found out that his precious daughter had been doing all sorts of trivial tasks for William!
Thinking of all these, how could Christopher resist meeting this mysterious young man?
Led by Ryan, Christopher entered the banquet hall.
At that moment, Lana was happily chatting with a girl. Seeing Christopher, she froze in place.
The lively scene suddenly quieted down, all eyes turned to Christopher and his party.
“Dad, why are you here?” Seeing her father, Lila immediately stood up.
David also quickly stood up, smiling at Christopher, “Mr. Carter, hello.”
Christopher gestured with one hand for them to sit down, saying, “Please, sit.” As he spoke, his gaze had already fixed on William.
As the head of a prominent family and chairman of over a dozen listed companies, Christopher had a discerning eye for people.
In the entire room, William was the most distinct.
To some, besides William’s handsome appearance, there was nothing particularly notable about him.
But at first glance, Christopher could tell — William’s temperament was truly exceptional.
With just one eye contact, Christopher felt as if he had been seen through by this young man.
Christopher looked at William, asking, “You’re William?”
William did not stand up but instead asked in return, “You were looking for me?”
His demeanor was indifferent but not arrogant. To David and Lana, it seemed that with William addressing Christopher this way, his chances of becoming romantically involved with Lila were slim.
For a younger person to speak to an elder in this manner, not even budging an inch upon knowing that he was Lila’s father — this attitude was simply too presumptuous.
“I just came to take a look,” Christopher said, clearly somewhat dissatisfied with William’s attitude. Regardless of William’s abilities, Christopher found it hard to favor him given his approach.
William slowly stood up, saying, “Now that you’ve seen me, I’ve also finished my meal, so I will take my leave.”
Christopher raised his eyebrows, finally unable to hold back, “Young man, didn’t your parents teach you any manners?”
Regardless of how much Anthony Carter valued William, Christopher felt that he was currently the head of the Carter family. Perhaps William was the offspring of an old acquaintance of Anthony Carter, perhaps he had great capabilities, but given William’s attitude, Christopher genuinely could not find it in himself to like him. ．𝙘𝙤𝙢
William smiled; he was actually quite satisfied. From Christopher’s attitude towards him, it seemed that at least Anthony Carter had not discussed his identity with the younger generations.
Trailing behind Christopher was a personal bodyguard who was also a junior Soulmancer. In today’s world, being a junior Soulmancer was already quite remarkable.
Judging from the conversation between the two, this Soulmancer was itching to make a move. Although Soulmancers were not allowed to kill ordinary people without cause, giving a small lesson was permissible.
Christopher pointed at William and said, “William, right? Come out with me.” After saying this, he turned around, wanting to see what capabilities this young man, so valued by his father, actually possessed.
David glanced at William with a smirk, not genuinely smiling, thinking to himself, “Keep being arrogant, kid. After today, you’re finished.”
Lila probably wouldn’t contact William anymore after this incident.
Without the substantial backing of the Carter family and having offended Christopher on top of that, William would have no footing in New York.
William didn’t offer much explanation and directly followed, ready to step out. Lucy, no longer pretending to be drunk, stepped forward to grab William’s arm.
“It’s fine,” William reassured her with a calming look.
Lila also hurriedly walked up to Christopher, explaining, “Dad, William has just come down from the mountains and doesn’t understand the norms; please don’t take it to heart.”
Christopher coldly replied, “It’s precisely because he doesn’t understand etiquette that he needs to be taught. If he encounters others in the future and remains so ignorant of the ways of the world, it might truly be too late.”
William remained silent. It seemed that Christopher intended to “educate” him.
Stepping out of the hall, Christopher called over a server, asking, “Is there anyone in the room next door?”
The server, questioned by Christopher, instantly felt an invisible pressure, forcing him to respond cautiously, “Sir, hello. There are no guests next door. Would you like me to arrange something for you now?”
“No need, just lend me the place for a bit. No one is allowed in!” After Christopher finished speaking, he walked into the adjacent room, followed by his bodyguard.
William was just about to follow inside when Lila suddenly shouted, “William!!”
William halted his steps, turning his head to look at her.
“Don’t worry, my dad won’t hurt you. Just be polite to him, that’s all,” she said.
William smiled faintly, replying, “Understood.” Then he proceeded to walk inside.
David slowly walked up to Lila, watching the entrance to the private room and remarked with a smile, “Lila, this William person is truly too arrogant. He has no sense of respect for others.”
Lila gave him a sidelong glance, choosing not to respond.
Although William was not likable, David was even more detestable, taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes!
Inside the private room, Christopher found a chair and sat down slowly, looking at William, he asked, “Are you a Soulmancer?”
William shook his head, “Not really.”
He genuinely was not a Soulmancer, because ever since he had memory, he had been an invincible being, neither a god nor an immortal, not relying on any sort of enhancements.
Even the ancient gods, demon lords, and monsters from around the world were nothing before him. If he wished, even Zeus, Odin, Apollo, Athena, and others would be no match for him, falling with just a single move.
“You should learn to be more low-key then. Being too arrogant will get you into trouble sooner or later,” Christopher said with a sincere tone. “Although I don’t know why my father values you so much, you must understand that? there were always stronger individuals, and there is always a higher sky.”
There’s always someone better, William knew, but that there were always stronger individuals…
William genuinely did not know!
“Alright, if you can withstand his three moves, I will allow you to associate with my daughter. Otherwise, you should leave New York City on your own. I don’t care what kind of relationship you have with my father, and I don’t want to know,” Christopher said lightly. “Perhaps due to your parents, my father has shown you some favor, but such favor is not boundless. Without real ability, given your temperament, you might as well return to your mountain.”