Title: The Party of Power and Prestige
"Boss, boss, they seem to be looking at us," Jesse whispered while holding a freshly shucked oyster from Country F in one hand and a small slice of lemon in the other. She squeezed the lemon over the oyster, letting the juice drip delicately before slurping the meat into her mouth with an air of satisfaction.
The sight of Jesse's casual dining, juxtaposed with her noble attire, created a jarring visual contrast that some might call downright "spicy for the eyes."
Next to her, Charlie Lee, holding two bolongsus, casually used his index finger to nudge the oyster meat free before savoring it. His effortless style made it clear he had no care for the disapproving glances around them.
"Is something wrong?" Charlie asked between bites, clearly savoring the world's finest oysters with unabashed delight.
"You! Who brought you here?" A sharp, haughty voice interrupted. Mrs. Dover, clad in an emerald-green gown and adorned with an excessive array of pearls, radiated disapproval. Her sharp gaze landed on Jesse, scanning her up and down with disdain.
Mrs. Dover's sneer deepened as she remarked, "How dare you flaunt such cheap imitations here? Do you even know where you are?"
For a moment, Jesse blinked in confusion. She glanced down at her jewelry, which had been a last-minute pick, and hesitated. "Wait, is this really a fake?" she asked innocently, her curiosity overcoming any indignation.
Charlie, still savoring his oyster, clenched the tablecloth slightly. He stood, flashing Mrs. Dover a smile that didn't reach his eyes, and wrapped an arm protectively around Jesse's waist.
"I'm Charlie Lee. And you are?" His tone was deceptively pleasant, but the mocking tilt of his brow suggested he was already bored of this interaction.
Mrs. Dover, caught off guard, froze. Recognition finally dawned, and her face paled. Around the room, murmurs spread like wildfire.
Charlie Lee. The name alone commanded attention and respect in Chicago's elite circles. Those who had been anticipating a scene suddenly found themselves exchanging nervous glances.
"Ah, Lee! Do you know each other?" William Dover, the mayor of Chicago, appeared from the crowd with an overly enthusiastic smile, eager to diffuse the tension.
"Your wife, William," Charlie said dryly, "seems to have some concerns about my identity."
"…Ah," William faltered, his jovial demeanor faltering under the weight of the situation. "I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding, Charlie. Daisy is, uh, a little overzealous at times."
"Overzealous, indeed," Charlie remarked, his gaze cold. "Perhaps you should reconsider some choices, William. Brains are a useful thing."
With that, Charlie turned on his heel, guiding Jesse toward the exit. William tried to muster a smile, but his wife's furious glare was already burning into his back.
"You uneducated fool," Mrs. Dover hissed under her breath, glaring at Charlie's retreating figure. "You'll regret this!"
But William knew better. Charlie Lee was not a man to cross lightly. His reputation in Chicago was already legendary. In just a few months, he had consolidated power in ways that even the Mafia had failed to achieve.
"Grant!" Charlie's tone lightened as he spotted Grant Fouser, the director of the Chicago Police Department, lingering awkwardly near the entrance. "Come join me."
"Charlie, I hope I'm not late!" Grant exclaimed as he hurried over, shaking Charlie's hand warmly.
"Not at all. Come, let's catch up."
The two men settled into casual conversation, but their camaraderie wasn't lost on the room. William Dover, who had hoped to bask in the spotlight tonight, now found himself sidelined.
Nearby, a thin man with glasses and a nervous demeanor approached. He introduced himself as Aiken Wood, the CEO of First National Bank, and expressed his delight at meeting Charlie.
"Aiken, I'm honored," Charlie said with a smile.
Aiken, emboldened, gestured toward a small group nearby. "I've brought a few friends. They're all members of the 22nd Club. Would you mind if they joined us?"
Charlie's interest piqued at the mention of the exclusive club. "By all means," he replied.
Moments later, Aiken returned with four distinguished figures. Introductions began with Yevich Damon, a Republican senator from Illinois who, despite his rotund frame, exuded charm and wit.
Next was Emmond Pargana, a scion of the Wood family, whose influence in Chicago was unmatched.
Then came Lawrence Rockefeller, the 19-year-old scion of the Rockefeller dynasty, currently interning in First National Bank's venture capital department. Though young, his lineage and potential influence weren't lost on Charlie.
Finally, there was Samuel InSAR, a magnate in public utilities and the proud owner of the Chicago Citizen Opera House.
As cigars and drinks were brought over by Jesse, the conversation turned lively.
"Charlie, your date is stunning tonight," Aiken complimented, his tone light.
"Thank you, Aiken. But perhaps we should arrange for some entertainment for you as well?" Charlie teased, eliciting laughter from the group.
The banter continued until Yevich steered the conversation toward business. "Charlie, have you considered investing in Illinois industries?" he asked.
Charlie leaned back, considering his words carefully. "I've given it some thought. Perhaps we can discuss it in more detail another day."
"Of course," Yevich agreed, smiling brightly.
Aiken then nudged Samuel, who had remained unusually quiet. "Samuel, didn't you have something you wanted to discuss with Charlie?"
"Oh?" Charlie's gaze shifted toward Samuel, curiosity evident.
Before Samuel could respond, Jesse returned with an elegant stride, refilling drinks and ensuring everyone was comfortable. Her presence drew approving glances from the group.
"Charlie, I must admit," Aiken said, watching Jesse as she worked, "you have quite the eye for talent."
Charlie chuckled. "She's brilliant, isn't she?"
As the evening wore on, Charlie continued to navigate the room with finesse, effortlessly balancing power plays, political alliances, and personal charm.
For Grant, who had been watching from the sidelines, it was a masterclass in influence. When Charlie called him over once more, he couldn't hide his satisfaction.
"Grant, my friend, come meet the real power players in this city," Charlie said with a knowing smile.
Grant's presence alongside Charlie only further solidified his standing in Chicago's elite circles. William Dover, watching from afar, could only grit his teeth.
As the night wound down, the atmosphere remained electric. Charlie Lee, with his sharp wit and commanding presence, had left an indelible mark on everyone present.
For Mrs. Dover, however, the humiliation still burned. Her venomous glare followed Charlie's every move, but her husband's sharp rebuke kept her silent.
In a city like Chicago, power wasn't just about wealth or influence; it was about respect. And tonight, Charlie Lee had made it abundantly clear who truly held the reins.