It was only a few minutes later, and the person he had been waiting for finally arrived. Immediately Aaron stood up from his position and approached the middle-aged man, he was not alone, he was with a handsome adult man.
Claire's body stiffened.
"Long time no see, Mr. Javier," said Aaron, holding out his hand.
"Sorry, I came late," said the middle-aged man as he welcomed Aaron's outstretched hand.
Aaron nodded, "Please have a seat, sir," he said as he motioned for the man to sit at the empty table right next to Claire.
This is their second meeting.
"Thank you," replied Mr. Javier. His gaze occasionally glanced at Claire and Dave.
"Ah yes I forgot to introduce my son, Mr. Aaron. Maybe this is your first time meeting him. Introducing, he is Edrick. The youngest son of the Javier family," said the middle-aged man introducing his son.
"Edrick, he is Mr. Aaron. Aaron Smith, the family I once told you about," he added.
Aaron smiled, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Edrick."
"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Aaron," replied Edrick. His gaze occasionally glanced at where Claire was.
While on the other hand, Claire could hear everything they were saying. Maybe because they are very close. Her memory was clear when Devan showed her a photo of Byanca and Edward.
She didn't know if it was just a coincidence or not. Edrick's face was very similar to Edward's. The difference is their hair. Edward's hair was jet black, while Edrick's hair was a little brownish-black.
"Ah, maybe it's just my feelings," Claire mumbled trying to get rid of everything that was filling her head.
"What's wrong mom? Why do you look nervous?" Dave asked then took one of his mother's hands.
"Oh, it's okay, honey. Maybe it's because I'm late for lunch," she answered, trying to find a reasonable excuse.
"Okay, then just continue with your lunch, Mom," said the boy.
"Okay, honey."
After that, Claire continued to eat her lunch, silent and just listening to all the conversations between the man who called himself Mr. Javier and her Uncle.
While Dave, the boy was busy with ice cream in front of him.
"I didn't think we would meet again like this, Mr. Javier," Aaron said in between their conversation.
"Ah, I happen to be in this Country. Yesterday I accidentally saw the news circulating. I took the initiative to meet you, and would like to congratulate Princess Claire on her return, as well as her engagement yesterday with Mr. Devan."
"Ah yes, I was in a hurry, I forgot to prepare a present for your nephew, Sir. Next time, when I'm in Australia, I'll send a congratulatory gift," added Mr. Javier.
"You don't have to do that, sir. Don't bother, getting a direct word from you is already something we should be grateful for," replied Mr. Aaron.
Mr. Javier smiled in response, "Ah yes, don't forget to invite us to your nephew's wedding later. I will come."
"You don't have to worry," said Aaron very kindly.
Just a moment ago, this meeting did not enter into his plans. He had something to do, but Mr. Javier suddenly called him and asked him to meet. The Javier family is very famous in the black market, is one of the richest Mafia families. It was an open secret.
Although the Smith family is known for its generosity and kindness, that doesn't mean they don't know the black market. There were several names that Aaron knew very well, one of which was Javier. The man is known to be cruel and merciless when dealing with enemies or targets.
The first time they met at the auction. And second time at this place.
To be honest, he was also surprised when he got a call from that man. This was completely unexpected for him. Wanted to refuse but he felt reluctant, he finally chose to meet him even though he didn't know what the man wanted to say. Aaron just didn't want to find trouble with the family, because it would be very troublesome later.
He doesn't like to get into trouble with anyone.
.And what was even more unexpected for him was that Mr. Javier only wanted to congratulate Claire, nothing more.
"Unfortunately, I can't meet Miss Claire in person. Even though it would be better if I congratulated her in person," said Mr. Javier with a tired sigh, his current demeanor seemed completely different from the rumors circulating. It was as if he wasn't the cruel and cold Javier everyone knew.
"You want to meet my nephew?" Aaron asked.
"Can it? I don't want to disturb her, sir," said Mr. Javier.
"Then wait a moment," he said and stood up from his position. Walked towards the direction where Claire was.
No one noticed a smirk appeared on the corners of Javier's lips.
"Daddy, isn't that woman the woman Brian was talking about?" whispered Edrick to his father.
"Shh... Shut up," Javier said to his son.
"Introducing, they are my nieces and grandsons, Claire and Dave," said Aaron introducing the woman and the boy with him.
Mr. Javier and Edrick were very welcoming. Also, introduce themselves.
"I didn't think that Miss Claire was much prettier when I saw her in person," said Mr. Javier kindly.
"T-thank you, Sir," Claire said politely. She and Dave then joined the table.
"Greetings, Miss. I'm Edrick."
"You can just call me Claire," the woman replied.
"Nice to meet you, Miss. Hopefully, we can be friends later," said Edrick and only got a nod from Claire.
Since earlier, Claire kept hearing Javier's name. Her brow furrowed as if she was remembering something. Javier's name seemed not foreign to her ears. 'Where have I heard that name?' Claire wondered.
"Javier Family," Claire muttered, but after only a few seconds, she managed to realize something. Her body suddenly stiffened. Isn't Brian's adoptive father is Mr. Javier? Yes, she still remembers the time when she was at Brian's residence, a servant said that to her. How could she forget?
"What is it, Miss? It seems that you know our family very well?" asked Edrick with a smile on his lips.
Claire was taken aback, "Ah, it's okay. I only like your name, sir. Sounds good," Claire replied immediately, looking for an excuse and trying to cover up her nervousness.
Instantly Mr. Javier laughed, "Hahaha, I'm so happy. First time someone praised my name. Good, good. Thank you, little miss," he said.
"Mr. Aaron, it seems your nephew knows very well how to please others," he added.
The man just smiled.
"Hopefully you two can be friends later," said Javier looking at Edrick and Claire in turn.
"Of course, Dad. Having a friend like Miss Claire is everyone's dream," replied Edrick.
Claire just smiled unresponsively. Right now her mind is filled with all kinds of negative things. 'What is going on in my life? Why am I surrounded by people who are related to Brian? Also Edward, what does that man have to do with the Javier family, why does he look so much like Edrick?'
The conversation continued between Mr. Javier and Aaron. However, Claire did not go unnoticed. Aaron noticed every change in Claire's face. So with that, he was not too enthusiastic in responding to Javier's words, just so that their meeting ended soon.
Until thirty minutes had passed, Mr. Javier and Edrick finally said their goodbyes.
"After this, would you like to visit somewhere again?" asked Mr. Javier, rising from his position.
"No, sir. Looks like we're going back to the hotel," Aaron replied.
"Alright, if you need anything, you can call Edrick for help. Incidentally, we will be staying in Indonesia for the next few days," said Mr. Javier.
"No problem, sir. Thank you for your offer," said Aaron.
They then walked out and parted in the cafe parking lot.
Hendra who was busy with his cellphone suddenly stopped his activities when he saw Mr. Aaron and Miss Claire approaching him.
"Where are you going, sir? I'll take you," Hendra asked as he opened the door for them.
"Back to the hotel," Aaron replied curtly.
"Yes sir."
The car drove slowly, leaving Podo Moro Café.
"Claire..." Aaron called without turning his head.
"What's the matter, Uncle?"
"Do you know them?" the man asked again.
"Are you referring to the Javier family, Uncle?"
Hendra who heard the conversation was stunned for a moment.
"Yes," replied Aaron shortly.
"What's the matter, Uncle?"
"It does not matter. If you don't like seeing them again, then next time I'll do the same thing," said Aaron.
Claire nodded faintly, then turned to her Uncle. "May I ask you something, Uncle?"
"Erm, what is it, tell me."
"Do you know anything about the Javier Family, Uncle?" she asked.
"What do you mean, Claire? Something about that family? Something like what?" Aaron's brow furrowed at his nephew's question.
"Regarding Mr. Javier's son, is that Edrick his biological son?" asked Claire curiously.
Aaron was silent for a moment, Claire's question was a little strange, but he responded anyway.
"Have you forgotten your future husband because of the meeting with Edrick earlier?"
"No, Uncle. It is not like that. Ah never mind, you don't have to answer me," said Claire while taking a deep breath, leaning back on the chair.
"Mr. Javier has two sons. No, if I'm not mistaken, a few years ago she took a man to be his adopted son. Yes, I just remembered that" said Aaron.
"So now, Mr. Javier has three sons, Claire.. But that was the first time I met one of them," he added.