Chapter 31: Are You the Captain?

Holt was unceremoniously dragged away. The onlookers felt uneasy, grateful they hadn't gone too far earlier. With that in mind, most of them dispersed. Helen muttered unwillingly, "This can't be. The machine must be broken." Joanna looked at Helen helplessly. If she didn't truly love her mother, Joanna wouldn't want to deal with her. How could she be so foolish? Joanna sighed, her tone gentle: "Mom, we should think about where Irene's invitation came from." It wasn't fake, and it wasn't stolen. Joanna watched Irene's departing figure, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. "I had my student deliver a fake one. Maybe he mixed up the real and fake ones," Decker sneered. Joanna's brow remained furrowed. From the way the security treated Decker and Irene, it was clear they were more respectful to Irene. If Decker had a higher-level invitation, wouldn't he keep it for himself? Recalling her previous suspicions, Joanna felt increasingly uneasy. Instinctively, she held Helen's hand, slowing her pace and gradually distancing herself from Decker. Decker felt defeated. He handed over his invitation with an air of superiority, and the security guard received it with both hands, slightly improving Decker's mood. But soon, his expression turned sour again. As Decker walked in, Joanna and Helen were stopped. "What is this about?" Decker's tone was unpleasant, but the security guard calmly explained, "Your invitation only allows one guest." Decker, Helen, Joanna, and Kashi exchanged glances. Decker was on the verge of losing his temper: "What?" Joanna looked at everyone and said, "Mom, you and Mr. Decker go in. Dad and I will wait outside." Helen, though eager to go in, exchanged a glance with Kashi. Despite her disappointment, she forced a smile and said, "My dear, you and Mr. Decker go in. You're so beautiful; maybe Mr. Stefan will fancy you." The people standing further away couldn't hear this, but the nearby security guards couldn't help but twitch their lips. Fancy her? Really? Where did she get that confidence? Decker felt embarrassed. He had brought so many people with him, only to find that only one could go in. Seeing the delay causing many people to notice them, Decker's face turned red with anger. "Hurry up! Who's going?" Joanna frowned, looking reluctant: "Mom, I'll go then." As the two entered, Helen stood there watching wistfully, clearly wanting to go in herself. She had hoped for some bragging rights to share with other ladies. People behind the Kashi family were getting impatient. "If you don't have an invitation, move aside." Helen had never felt so humiliated. She and Kashi watched for a while longer, then sighed and returned to the car. Inside the mansion's club. The club was designed by the famous architect Riley, very modern, with a white marble floor and high-quality materials and decorations. Though simple, it was very expensive. Each guest's arrival drew attention. When Irene entered, many people's gazes changed, looking at her meaningfully. Their looks of rejection would make anyone uncomfortable standing there. No one spoke to Irene, and she enjoyed the peace. Unlike Decker, who was approached immediately upon entering. Most eyes were on him, with many holding wine glasses, ready to squeeze in and chat with Decker. Decker's vanity was fully satisfied. This was the treatment he deserved! Decker smiled and greeted people, sometimes even hugging. When passing by Irene, both he and Joanna pretended not to see her. Irene didn't mind. "Is it you? Dora's granddaughter?" Irene turned to see a young man standing behind her sofa. He was very tall, at least 1.9 meters, with muscular build, a simple haircut, and dressed plainly but in expensive clothes. The man showed a big white smile. He plopped down beside Irene, grinning: "Hey there, little sister. My old man told me to look after you, but I'm not really the caring type. Don't get lost and stay close to me." Irene looked at him with interest. He seemed very friendly, but his second sentence implied that she was a burden and he wouldn't be responsible if anything happened if she didn't stick close. Irene laughed. "Hausman Turner?" Hausman hesitated. The tone was so much like the Captain's? He felt a bit unsure, laughing awkwardly and pulling out his phone from his pocket. The latest message was still the call, with no texts. Hausman felt slightly reassured. But only slightly. Hausman had seen the Captain, but the Captain always wore a mask and altered their voice. He quietly assessed Irene's physique and height, his heart skipping a beat. She had a similar build to the Captain. And a similar tone. Could the Captain really be just a high school girl? Hausman's eyes fell on Irene's arms. Muscles??? And calluses on her hands... wait, she changed her posture and covered them all. Hausman looked up, meeting Irene's amused gaze. He felt like he had been caught doing something wrong and turned his head away. He suddenly realized, wait, why am I so afraid of her? Turning back, Irene was looking at the central water feature, seemingly in a good mood. Hausman felt conflicted. Is she the Captain or not? Why would the Captain appear here? Haha, I must be too tired lately. The Gibson Mercenary Group members are easy to deal with but far away. I haven't recovered from the plane ride yet. That must be it. Hausman relaxed a bit but still didn't dare to be too reckless when talking to Irene. "Little sister, Dora must have told you before you came, don't mention her, just stick with me." "Who is this?" "Your new girlfriend?" Two voices popped up, with two heads appearing over Hausman's shoulders. "Hi, I'm Joel Locke." "Hello, beautiful lady, I'm Owen Warren." "Miss, you are the most beautiful girl I've seen in City A," Joel said with a smile. Owen sneered: "Really? You said Miss Karen was a divine treasure at the nightclub yesterday!" Owen turned his head, his expression changing: "Miss, he's a playboy, don't listen to him." He winked, making a playful gesture. "That's different, this lady surpasses them without makeup!" Irene was speechless. She couldn't help but laugh. Hausman seemed embarrassed. "You two are too much! Shut up."