"Is Miss Eula in front of me? I haven't heard her." the man asked his aide, who quickly leaned down to tell him that I was indeed there. "My apologies. I'm here, Master Grant." I quickly added. So Master Grant is actually blind? That comes to a surprise to me... seems like life must be difficult when you have a heart problem and you can't see.
I heard him let out an exhausted little chuckle, one that made you feel warm and fuzzy inside. "Your voice is as loud and powerful as your Father's. I wasn't expecting you so early but welcome." Seems like the invitation really did have the wrong date.
"Well, as you can see, my entourage is already taking advantage of my hospitality." he added. "I've invited some of my closest friends for a nice holiday at one of my humble abodes. Your Father was an afterthought, I thought that we could catch up. However, it was regrettable that he didn't show." He seems quite distressed.
"Sir, perhaps you should introduce the guests to Miss Eula." piped up his aide. "She should get familiar with them all." He gestured towards Marius, one of the gentleman who had already introduced himself.
"I've already introduced myself, Master Grant." he declared, approaching him a little bit more so that the old man could hear him a bit better. "But she has yet to meet the others. I'll do the honours? Isn't it time for your IV drip?"
He seems very close to Master Grant to know his medical status and possess the knowledge of when the IV is needed. The aide nodded, thanking Marius before pulling the man away to get his injection. Master Grant's first impression was seemingly normal. He is clearly battling some heart problem, explained by the intravenous injection site on his forehand and the tint of purple in his lips.
"He's a great man," added Marius, his head turning back to me. "He's done a lot of good and it pains me to see him kept in a chair like that, getting regular medicine to keep him alive and well." I kept my eyes on him, curious about something.
"I'm sorry if this is rude but when did you first meet Master Grant?" Marius gave a bright wide smile full of pride. "I was actually one of the students that he financed throughout university. Without him, I'd never be where I am today. He's a very generous man who pays back to the community in every way he can."
Is that so...
"Here, let me introduce you to everyone." He walked me towards the lounge room, where two men and two women were minding their own business in silence. They didn't even look at me like I was worth any attention at all.
Marius leaned down to my ear and whispered "Over there by the window is Peter Rochester. He's the owner of a very successful marketing company and has recently been put in the international market. Next to him in the leather chair drinking a cocktail is his wife, Rose Rochester. She's a nominated actress and has starred in a handful of famous movies."
I think that I've seen one of her movies with a few of my college friends back in the day. She was actually really good if my memory serves.
"Next to her is Marilene Rowne, a very coveted model. She's quite spiteful by nature, but other than that, she's pretty harmless. And finally, the one sipping whiskey over there is the second grandson of Master Grant, Taylor Grant. He's a bit of a-"
"I'd suggest that you stop talking about me, Gilbert." declared Taylor, his voice full of rage. "I'll shave your head in your sleep." Marius chuckled nervously, slipping his hands nonchalantly into his pockets. Maintaining eye contact with Taylor, he eventually spoke up.
"I'd do the same to you but you'd at least need hair for that." Rose boldly declared, shutting him down immediately. His face turned a shade of burgundy, his lips taking on an even brighter tint of red. "Say that again, I dare you. Your acting career will be over."
"Please, please!" Marius declared, stepping between both of them. "Let's calm ourselves, alright?" Seems like the tension in this room is capable. No one seems to like each other, not even the married couple sitting at the back. I wonder what possessed them all to come here in the first place?