"THE worst of things could have happened if not for you and your brother," the duke continued. "That's why the Grimaldi family will forever be grateful to the two of you."
And then he gave a swift glance to the people around who were secretly whispering to themselves. That one glance made the others froze in place.
"And please, don't be mistaken that the opportunities you got had something to do with the favor we owe you. If it did, you would have already starred as the main character of a number of big productions. You got it all because of your ability. And the success you're experiencing now is all on you, not on anyone else. So, don't ever let other people think otherwise."
Astrid blinked, feeling very surprised by the duke's sudden statement. Because of how the other acted during the launch party, he expected that he would do the same here. But surprisingly, he was actually trying to salvage the situation. And his method was quite good.
In his way, the duke told all the people here that the reason he was close to Nicol was because he saved the other. And then he followed that by saying that the success he had now was not because of the Grimaldi family, but because of his own abilities. That part, he made it quite clear to the others.
Although they might still gossip about this, at least it would not be the same as he was worrying earlier. Now, they would not think that he's a member of the Grimaldi family. But instead, they would just think of him as someone who's lucky enough to save a member of the said renowned family.
Once some of these people asked him about it later, which he was sure they would, then he'd just tell them some of the important details. And that one post of him that went momentarily viral last year would easily back this. That could be easily searched on [Cyberspace]. Then they would know that what the duke said was true.
Astrid smiled at the duke. "Thank you for your high opinion of me, Your Grace. But I believe anyone in our position would do the same." He looked down at the boy, who was just silently listening to the conversation, and ruffled the other's hair. "Especially since anyone could see how special Nikki is."
Nicol grinned happily hearing that, which also made Astrid smile.
Anthony was surprised to see the young man's smile. Not because it was the first time he saw it, but because the difference between the smile he gave him and the one he gave Nicol was almost night and day.
"Join us, Brother Aster. Please, please?"
The words of refusal automatically got stuck in his throat. He could only show a helpless smile at the end.
"Okay."
----------
At the main headquarters of EMMA.
Casey was busy reading and signing documents. On the side, his secretary was telling him about his schedule for the next day. While he was multi-tasking like this, he received a sudden video call request.
He opened his Terminal and furrowed his brows when he saw the name of his older brother. He really didn't want to answer. But then, he thought it might have something to do with Nikki. So. he had no choice but to answer.
He accepted the request and Tommy's face appeared on the virtual screen.
"I'm kind of busy here, so if you have something to say, please be quick with it," he started.
Tommy didn't show signs that he minded his almost rude greeting. Instead, he said, "Do you know why Father sent for Nicol in the manor being used by your company as a set location?"