With a quick sideways glance, Grandpa Vargas motioned for his secretary, Joseph, to swiftly take action. "Joseph, get me a background check on this man as soon as possible."
Without hesitation, Joseph nodded and dialed a number on his phone. "Hello, Mr. Gates. My master is looking for the identity of a certain individual. Would it be possible for you to assist us?"
"Of course, that's no problem at all. Just provide me with the person's name and I'll have an answer for Grandpa Vargas in no time. However, there will be a fee involved," Mr. Gates replied smoothly.
"Of course, I will transfer the necessary funds immediately. Would $100,000 be sufficient?" Joseph asked confidently.
Mr. Gates chuckled. "Thank you for doing business with us."
Joseph deftly turns his phone off and glances up at Grandpa Vargas, the distinguished patriarch of their powerful family. "Master, I have already arranged for Mr. Gates to gather information on this man named Kayden."
"Very good, Joseph. I hope for a useful answer," Grandpa Vargas responds, standing up from his ornate chair. "Well, I should attend this celebration now."
...inside the grand ballroom.
"Kayden, I cannot thank you enough for your help today," Hannah says with admiration in her eyes as she gazes at him.
"You don't have to worry, it is my honor to accompany such beauty," Kayden responds warmly.
Hannah's face flushes with embarrassment. "Why don't I give you a reward for your services?"
Kayden smiles gently. "I do not deserve your beauty."
Hannah playfully punches his shoulder and laughs. "Let's find a quiet spot just for the two of us after this event is over."
Kayden nods eagerly. "I would be happy to accommodate that request."
The party officially begins as the host introduces the esteemed Vargas family to all the guests. Suddenly, an old man emerges from behind the curtains, drawing all attention towards him. "That's Grandpa Vargas," someone whispers in awe. "He hasn't been seen in public for years, ever since he retired and passed down his position to his son."
Grandpa Vargas gracefully descends down the grand staircase, accompanied by the proud parents of Hannah.
Even they are surprised by his presence. "Father, what brings you here?" Mr. Vargas asks with respect and curiosity in his voice.
Grandpa Vargas gazed at him with a piercing stare. "Is there a problem?" he gruffly inquired.
"N-no, of course not. Your presence is always welcomed," Mr. Vargas stammered, his voice trembling slightly. Mrs. Vargas beamed and graciously ushered Grandpa Vargas down the stairs.
As he reached the bottom, Grandpa Vargas surveyed the entire crowd before finally landing his steely gaze on Hannah and Kayden. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he spoke, "Your daughter has found herself a fine young man. I would very much like to meet him."
His words reverberated through the room, stunning not just Hannah's parents but also her uncles, cousins, and the entire crowd gathered for their family reunion.
"Hmm, he's taking the first initiative," remarked a young man lounging comfortably on the second floor balcony.
With each step, Grandpa Vargas' heavy footsteps echoed through the silence as all eyes were fixed on Kayden and the old man making his way towards them.
Finally reaching their table, Grandpa Vargas let out a hearty laugh and exclaimed, "Ah, my dear granddaughter! It's been too long." Hannah was momentarily speechless but managed to greet her grandfather with a hug.
Kayden rose from his seat and extended a hand in greeting to the elderly man. "It's an honor to meet you, sir," he said respectfully.
The old man chuckled again before turning to address the stunned crowd around them. "Well, well. You are quite the fine young gentleman. Are you interested in my granddaughter?" His words hung in the air like a thick fog, causing even Hannah to be taken aback by his boldness and directness.
Mr. Vargas cleared his throat, drawing the attention of Kayden and Hannah who were chatting in the living room. "Father, Kayden is a friend brought over by Hannah," he said, introducing them.
"I know of that," Grandpa Vargas said with a knowing smile as he approached Kayden. He gently tapped Kayden's shoulder and immediately felt a tremendous aura coming from him. "Ah, as expected. You are suitable for her."
Kayden was taken aback by the sudden compliment and couldn't help but feel curious about what was going on. "Young man, may I talk with you after the party?" Grandpa Vargas asked, looking at Hannah and gesturing for her to come along.
Hannah nodded eagerly, feeling honored to be included in their conversation. "I would be honored," she said with a smile.
Grandpa Vargas laughed heartily, pleased that his plan was working out well. "Good good, I will be waiting," he said before turning around and heading back to his table to meet with his other friends.
Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Vargas observed Kayden with respect and admiration, even Grandpa Vargas rarely approached any of their guests. "Hannah, you have struck gold. You found a good partner," Mrs. Vargas commented before excusing themselves to mingle with other guests.
Still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, Hannah turned to Kayden with disbelief written all over her face. "Fool, do you know my grandpa?!" she exclaimed in shock.
Kayden simply shrugged his shoulders in response. "No idea, but he seems like a good man," he replied nonchalantly.
At Grandpa Vargas' table, several elite old men were sitting and enjoying their drinks. "Elder Vargas, you must have found something interesting about that young man," one of the elders chuckled.
Grandpa Vargas chuckled along with them, happy to share his plan. "Indeed I did, Elder Wood. If my granddaughter ends up with him, my family will achieve another honor," he said with a hint of pride in his voice.
The other elders raised their eyebrows in surprise and interest. "Is that so? Well, with such a talented man around, why haven't I heard of him before?" Elder Palmer asked curiously.
Elder Palmer let out a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "This young man must be purposely trying to hide himself to avoid any misunderstandings," he said, gesturing towards the mysterious youth standing before them. "And his talent will surely shock the world." Grandpa Vargas nodded in agreement, a proud smile on his face.
"Is Elder Vargas suggesting that this youth's abilities may even surpass those of the 9 aristocrat families?" Elder Wood's expression was one of shock and disbelief.
Elder Vargas looked at them both with excitement in his eyes. "I have a feeling that this young man may not only surprise us all, but may also end up joining the secret society that we have always dreamt of being a part of." His words were met with an eager nod from Grandpa Vargas and a shocked gasp from Elder Wood. The possibilities were endless with this talented youth among them.