Drake's sharp eyes bore into Matthew and Steven as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden behind their composed facades. His voice, low and measured, cut through the ambient chatter of the opulent ballroom.
"Are you gentlemen from the West?" Drake inquired, his scrutiny palpable. "Your faces don't seem familiar to me."
With unwavering composure, Matthew stepped forward, his voice carrying a blend of confidence and respect. "Indeed, sir. I am a businessman from the West, here on a brief visit to explore potential ventures in Shanghai."
Drake's gaze intensified, suspicion lacing his words as he probed further. "A businessman, you say? And what brings you to my military annual party? Were you invited by one of my officers? Are you related to anyone in the military?"
Caught off guard, Steven nervously stammered, "Um, well, you see... we do have connections, but they're rather distant. We received an invitation through... an associate?"
