Chapter 361 - 361: Welcome Party

*** At White Kingdom Grande Hotel ***

The welcome party for James was held in a famous hotel which was the competitor of the Sky Hotel of Samuel Sy.

Different higher-ups and directors from Arison Holdings as well as its Subsidiary Companies were present tonight.

It was a very glamorous occasion that showed how powerful, influential, and wealthy Arison Family was even though Jorge Arison already passed away two years ago. The Arison Family stayed on the top because of Skull Gang's operations in shadow.

Aside from the employees of Arison's Holdings and Mining Company, several wealthy families that were close to Arison were also there including Diana Mondragon.

Senator Mondragon couldn't make it so he let his daughter attend this party on his behalf. And Diana was very glad that she did since she saw Erick and his team. They were also invited to this welcome party.

Erick's team was being entertained by Selena when James entered the banquet hall. He greeted every guest he came across with. Spike was beside him.

James approached his mother first before he proceeded to greet Selena and Erick's team. Selena immediately threw herself and hugged her brother upon seeing him.

"Finally, you are back. I miss you so much, my dear big Bro!"

James hugged her back and said, "I miss you too, my little sis."

"So sweet." Rose couldn't help but mumble.

Everyone just watched the touching reunion of the Arison's Siblings. They were smiling. It's also been a long time since they saw James Arison. He still looked gorgeous and handsome. 

His aura changed. He became more mature. He was no longer the Casanova that everyone knew before. His playfulness disappeared as he carried the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

After Selena and James parted from that warm hug, James and Erick met each other's gaze. James nodded at him and Erick did the same. 

"Long time no see, Chief Lee. How have you been these past two years?" James asked him while giving him a meaningful look. Then a faint smile formed on the corner of his lips.

"I'm glad to see you back, Mr. Arison." Erick politely said to him. But he didn't answer his last question.

Erick couldn't say that he was doing fine because he was not. Without Elle by her side, every day was like a torture for him. He felt miserable. The pain of losing her was the hardest thing in his world to deal with.

***************

*** At Elle's Place ***

Elle was all set with her long red satin plunge maxi dress matched with her simply pretty makeup, dangling earrings, and hair tied up in a beautiful french braid and buns.

She looked elegant and stunning, worthy to be called the Queen. 

Josh was starstruck the moment he saw their queen. He was given the task by Supremo to drive her to the venue. 

Tonight would be the night when Supremo would introduce Elle to his men and allies. That's what he told her.

Josh or rather Sherlock was also wearing a three-piece dark blue suit. He had not yet recovered from the dazed as he just stayed rooted in his spot outside Elle's apartment.

Elle frowned upon seeing his reaction. She walked towards him and kicked his legs using one of her stiletto heels shoes.

"Aww." That's the moment Josh came back from his deep stupor. He massaged his hurt leg. The Queen was still mad at him.

Elle just flashed her sinister evil smile. "Now you are awake."

"Forgive me, my queen." That's the only words he could utter before giving her a slight bow while greeting her.

When Josh gazed up at her, Elle noticed the scarlet portion of his skin in the corner of his lips.

Out of curiosity, she asked him, "What happened to your face?"

Josh smiled at her sheepishly while scratching his face.

"Sandy punched me on the face three times. It was really hard punches. I thought I lost a few teeth, thank God, I didn't."

Elle giggled after hearing that. 

"I love Sandy," she mumbled.

"Yeah, I love her too." Josh also blurted out.

Elle glanced at him, lifting an eyebrow.

Josh chuckled and elaborated on his answer. "I should say that rather than saying I hate her or else I'm gonna lose my teeth for real if ever I receive another good beating from her."

Elle nodded with a smile, "Very true."

After that, the two of them entered the car.

***************

*** At Venue for Alliance Meeting ***

Meanwhile, in a fabulous and cozy secret hideout, there were around thirty men wearing their suits accompanied by their lady partners as well as by their respective bodyguards.

They were waiting for others to come. A group of five men was currently having their conversation in their assigned table.

A middle-aged man in his 40s asked his companions. "Do you think Supremo will make an appearance tonight?"

Another middle-aged man spoke up. "I think so. I heard that he arrived here at City Z just a few days ago. But it was a secret. It just happened that one of my men saw him at the airport."

"Good, it's been a long time that we haven't seen him." A man in his mid-30s also joined the conversation.

"Supremo's woman was also here. I am curious to see her face. They called them the Queen. I bet she is gorgeous and beautiful for her to capture Supremo's heart."

"True… I also want to see her. Will she come here tonight with Supremo?"

"I wonder what kind of woman she is."

"Let's just wait and see."

They were in the middle of their conversation when someone arrived.

"Oh, maybe that's Supremo." One guy blurted out with excitement and anticipation.

However, when the newcomer came into their view the men were a little bit disappointed.

"Hello, Gentlemen! It's nice to see you all here tonight." A man who was wearing a dark suit greeted everyone with enthusiasm. His c.o.c.ky grin never left his face.

"Black Shadow?!" One man exclaimed as soon as he recognized the man.