Back inside, Erwin was surprised to see his personal aide Adam present. Adam's influence in legal and shadowy circles, along with his control over Bandung's High Build Group, drew the wealthy crowd's efforts to network.
Many eagerly approached for a chance to speak and clink glasses with him, all brushed off, save for a toast to birthday celebrant Davis, Adam's former professor for a year in university, a distant college memory.
Adam had come to inspect the High Build Group-owned Padma Hotel but chanced upon his old mentor's 80th birthday celebration, opting for a courteous glass of wine in his honor.
"Mr. Adam, I'm Darwin, Professor Aleda's third son. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Mr. Adam, I'm Simon, Professor Aleda's eldest. I look forward to potential collaborations."
Not just Davis's sons, but other alumni also sought a moment with Adam, a single toast enough to boast of a connection with a prominent Bandung figure.
