Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Talking with Ethan’s friends

Today could be officially marked as the momentous occasion when Ethan Caldwell finally decided to formally introduce Julian Sterling to the entirety of his innermost circle, his die-hard friends and most trusted confidants.

The atmosphere currently permeating the private suite at The Ebony Lounge was not in the least bit stifling, nor was it heavy with the scent of calculation and hidden agendas that so often characterized the social gatherings of the upper echelons of high society. On the contrary, despite the fact that they were situated within one of the most opulent and exclusive establishments in all of Saint Lawrence City, the ambiance of this particular party felt incredibly comfortable, perhaps even bordering on indulgent. It seemed highly probable that this group of men had already concluded their discussions on weighty matters of state and commerce long before Julian had arrived. Now that Julian was present among them, the conversation had shifted gears entirely. The group was primarily focused on discussing minor details related to the fact that he was personally handling the contract for Iris Visuals.

The glass surface of the table was cluttered with the remnants of the evening’s earlier indulgence. A significant number of empty crystal glasses and hollowed-out bottles of expensive imported spirits lay scattered about, rolling slightly and catching the reflection of the warm, yellow overhead lights. Julian Sterling sat closely beside Ethan Caldwell. As they conversed, the younger man’s nose picked up the faint, lingering aroma of whisky, a heady, intoxicating scent that clung stubbornly to the fine fabric of the older man’s shirt. Under normal circumstances, Julian held no great fondness for the sharp smell of alcohol. In fact, he usually found it quite off-putting. However, when that scent mingled with the rich, woody, and utterly familiar fragrance of sandalwood that was so uniquely Ethan, Julian found the combination unexpectedly alluring. It possessed a certain seductive quality that was difficult to articulate but impossible to resist.

It must be the inherent charm of a mature man, Julian mused silently. And Ethan was certainly that, mature. He was, after all, nearly half a generation older than Julian. If the age gap were stretched just a little further, they might have been separated by a full generational divide, a thought that made Julian feel both small and cherished.

The atmosphere within the room remained incredibly genial and harmonious. It was abundantly clear that these men were titans in their respective fields, commanding authority in sectors ranging from the military to the entertainment industry, from advanced technology to the medical profession. Julian surmised that these individuals, who undoubtedly possessed sharp edges and thorny exteriors in their professional lives, had chosen to soften their demeanor for this specific occasion. Confronted with someone so much younger than themselves, someone whom their brother-in-arms clearly cherished and spoiled, they seemed to instinctively retract their usual sharpness. They continued to pour themselves generous measures of wine and spirits, yet, with a thoughtfulness that bordered on the paternal, they ensured Julian’s glass was filled only with fruit juice, taking slow sips of their own drinks while keeping a benevolent watch.

Once the veneer of serious conversation had fully evaporated, the tone shifted seamlessly into casual banter and frivolous teasing.

“Hey, Jules.” Simon began, his eyes narrowing into a playful smile as his voice dipped into a tone that hovered between a joke and a genuine offer: “I heard a rumor that you are currently studying painting, is that true? Whenever you have some free time, how about you paint something for me to hang in my company’s main lobby? I will pay you double the market rate for the commission.” It was obvious that Simon’s use of the nickname “Jules” was a deliberate and teasing imitation of the way Ethan Caldwell affectionately addressed him.

“Don’t listen to a word he says.” Kieran Talbot interjected immediately, reaching up to push the bridge of his glasses up his nose with a practiced, intellectual air: “You should paint for me first. My clinic is sorely lacking in an artistic touch, we need something soothing to help the patients relax and reduce their stress levels.”

Louis York, however, took the teasing to a much more rakish and flirtatious level: “Oh, give it a rest, you bunch of boring old men.” He scoffed before turning his attention to Julian with a grin: “Little Jules, why don’t you come over to Golden Era and work as an image consultant? I guarantee I can launch your career and turn you into a celebrity artist overnight.”

Ethan Caldwell sat stoically beside the younger man, his hand resting possessively on the curve of Julian’s waist. Hearing his friends shamelessly vying for his partner’s attention and time, he let out a cold, dismissive harrumph, his grip on Julian’s hand tightening ever so slightly.

“He is extremely busy.” Ethan declared flatly, cutting off their solicitations: “He does not have the spare time to entertain the likes of you.”

The entire group erupted into raucous laughter, teasing Ethan mercilessly for being a “jar of sour vinegar”, a jealous husband guarding his treasure. Julian Sterling sat amidst the waves of friendly banter, feeling a flush of heat rise to his cheeks. Yet, despite the embarrassment, a strange and comforting warmth began to spread deep within his heart.

The meet-and-greet gathering proved to be surprisingly brief. In what felt like no time at all, Ethan glanced at the wristwatch on his arm, then stood up abruptly, announcing to the room that they were preparing to head home.

“Leaving so soon? It is not even nine o’clock yet?” Felix Tate asked, his expression one of genuine surprise at the early departure.

“My wife’s health has not been the best lately; he needs to get home early and rest.” Ethan replied with a completely straight face, not bothering to fabricate a more elaborate or flowery excuse to appease them. He simply reached out and pulled Julian to his feet, signaling the end of the night.

Although they grumbled and lamented that their friend had no sense of loyalty to the party spirit, Ethan’s circle of friends was well aware that Julian’s physical constitution had been compromised following the kidnapping incident, a fact Kieran Talbot had likely briefed them on in private. Consequently, no one tried to detain them or pressure them to stay. They briefly exchanged contact information with Julian and then allowed Ethan to depart with his prize.

Julian was led by the hand out of the private room by Ethan. Outside the door, the row of bodyguards stationed in the hallway bowed respectfully as the couple passed. The specific bodyguard assigned to protect Julian made a move to follow behind them, assuming his duties, but the tall man gestured silently, signaling that his presence was not required at this moment. And so, the two of them strolled leisurely down the long corridor, unchaperoned and side by side.

Julian Sterling was still feeling a bit dazed by the whole experience.

From the moment Ethan had suggested taking him to meet his close friends, Julian had mentally braced himself for an arduous ordeal. He knew, of course, that Ethan’s friends were the crème de la crème of society, the elite of the elite. Usually, dealing with such formidable figures was rarely an easy task and required significant mental effort.

Julian had steeled himself, expecting to spend the evening straining his brain to keep up with high-level conversations, maintaining a plastered-on smile while greeting Ethan’s die-hard brothers. He had anticipated sitting through hours of dry discourse on politics and global economics… After all, a meeting with figures of such magnitude usually demanded a certain level of formality, decorum, and proper social diplomatic protocol.

Who could have predicted that the gathering would dissolve so quickly? Moreover, the attitude these men displayed toward him was incredibly peculiar. They had been solicitous, asking about everything from his academic studies to his daily diet, and even lecturing Ethan on how to properly look after him.

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