Chapter 512 - If Only Aleksis Came

The Ritz Gala had been a hot topic for days and the whole world soon knew who Elios Linden was. All were amazed by his good looks, influence, and generosity to match the donation raised by the Ritz Gala and its guests to save the earth.

He soon became a figure who was considered like a god. When people tried to find photos or records of his presence at the event, many were disappointed because Splitz had deleted and blocked all Elios Linden's images from the internet.

People who didn't have the chance to see him became even more curious when they heard people's stories about his unbelievably impressive appearance.

"So it turns out Elios Linden is still young? Wow... it's quite a surprise."

"Yes, we saw him with our own eyes at the Ritz Gala through Virconnect 4D. There were tens of millions of people who also saw him. I'm not lying."

"But why aren't there any photos or recordings?"

"I don't know. Maybe because he likes privacy..."

Alaric knew it was very important to instill the impression in the minds of the public about him, but he was not like the politicians who campaigned and plastered their faces on every billboard and magazine to become famous.

Alaric wanted to exert his influence through his actions and reputation, not his face, which was why he was very strict about blocking his pictures from making rounds on the internet and various media.

His great influence and the numerous news written about his actions, without any pictures of him, made people more curious about Alaric, making him turn into some kind of myth among the people.

Elios Linden and Rhionen-Meier Industries were immediately famous as world leaders who cared for the earth and various forest replanting campaigns, reclamation of small island countries that were on the verge of being drowned, animal conservation, and many more of the like, making his name become increasingly respected and revered.

***

Nicolae forgot about Elios Linden for a while because he was preoccupied with preparing for the new year's holiday with the Schneider family. Terry and his two younger siblings returned for a year-end holiday in Switzerland with their family.

Terry stopped by in Basel to meet his father, Marion, and their Little Monkey. He then proceeded to Grindelwald to be with Finland, Caspar, Aleksis and her twins, London, and the Rune. Lauriel and Nicolae also followed suit.

Aldebar even joined them this year, making their holiday even more special. Finland was forever grateful for her friends and family who now filled her life with happiness.

She could never forget her past as an orphan who grew up in loneliness. There was only one thing that made her sad, namely Jean's absence. She only hoped that someday, Marion will recover completely. She also wanted to meet them so she could have her best friend back into her life.

"We're going to Glasgow on December 30th," Caspar said as they all gathered for afternoon tea together at his enormous library. "I don't want to offend Portia by not coming to their new year's party. Reportedly, they will announce their heir this year."

Lauriel frowned at that. "They have an heir already? That's fast."

They remember that Portia and Ned were married twenty-four years ago after a two-hundred-year relationship. They didn't expect that in such a short time, both of them would already have an heir.

"I don't want to lose either, I will introduce London and the Rune as my heirs there," Caspar said with a shrug. "We'll see whose son is more handsome."

Finland just patted her husband's shoulder while laughing. Only she understood that Caspar did not mean what he said.

"Portia didn't invite me," Lauriel said, sipping his tea.

"Maybe she was angry because you forgot to invite them to the party you were throwing." Caspar patted his best friend's shoulder, "Or she just understood that you really don't like crowds. Do you really want to come? Just come, they can't kick you out if you do."

Lauriel frowned, blatantly showing his dislike.

"I don't like crowds. It's enough for me to attend this year's party."

"Alright, whatever you say."

"I'd rather spend time with these children," Lauriel murmured as he stroked Altair's head. The boy had been watching him attentively.

"Haha... Alright. Then I, Finland, and London, along with Rune, will go." Caspar turned to Terry and Nicolae, "What about you guys?"

Nicolae shrugged. He didn't answer but it was clear that he preferred to be in Switzerland with Aleksis and her two children.

Terry also shook his head. "I'm not your son. It must be awkward for me to come with you. Later, when my father and Marion can travel, I'll come to the next clan event."

Caspar understood what Terry meant. His presence would be a scandal if people knew that their clan leader's wife had a son from another man, even though it was only limited to DNA and there was no romantic relationship at all.

Eventually, it was decided that only Caspar, his wife, and their two sons would go to Glasgow to attend the New Year's party at Ned and Portia's castle.

Caspar, who was always overprotective of Aleksis, still didn't want to introduce his daughter to the public. He was afraid that Aleksis would be targeted again by evil people who would hurt his children.

Better then, I'll just wait after Aleksis and Nicolae get married , he thought.

Aleksis herself actually did not care about her status. Since childhood, she had never been interested in the clan events and she understood how much her father loved her and protected her in every way, so she did not even think to ask to come to Portia's New Year party.

Though the situation would be very different, if only Caspar had invited his daughter, and introduced her to the public. Because at the Portia party, Elios Linden will be introduced as the heir of his adopted parents' family.

A married couple separated by destiny did not know at all that both of them were still alive and still loved their loved ones whom they thought had died.

If only Aleksis came ...