Just from the way Rose used Merak's—the boy who had spoken out—question to cut all further questions off, it became almost instantly certain that the interim family head knew something about the matter.
The majority of them pieced together the meaning behind such an action but didn't question her decision. Whatever it was, she didn't seem to want to disclose it, and the fact that she was accepting him like this meant he probably wasn't going to be of any harm to them.
Then again, as the current family head, it was her duty to act in the best interest of their family legacy before emotional familiarity or attachments.
After a final nod, she turned and retreated into one of the inner rooms, Planche following closely behind after giving a bow to the family members.
It was also the cue for the welcome party to begin.
A soft, calming orchestra began playing, filling the air with lively music. Then, from the corners of the large room, servants dressed in black and white began pushing in silver trolleys and filling the tables with mountain-sized dishes. Others stepped out with trays of wine, champagne flutes, and glass cups.
While all that went on in the background, the Mercer members also moved to mingle among themselves, some signaling for wine and champagne.
Due to the nature of their business, it wasn't often that the Mercer family got to meet one another. So when they met like this, it was a time for them to speak about their accomplishments and boast about their successes among themselves.
It seemed that for this gathering, it was the most glaring and obvious thing, as almost half of those present seemed to be doing it.
As this gathering consisted of only core family members, it didn't take long for a major division to take place within the living room, splitting them largely into two groups.
The first group was gathered around the table of food at the extreme left. They spoke little among themselves and only allowed their uniqueness and dressing style to make them stand out.
Stylish suits, dresses, flashy looks, heavy makeup, and arrogant expressions.
This group was made up of the children of the core members, eight of them to be exact.
The second group was the smallest of the two.
Straight suits, perfectly trimmed hair and beards, neatly done hair, corporate dresses, and jewelry that glittered in the room.
This group occupied the spacious living room to themselves, taking sips and conversing among themselves, though there was still a slight imbalance.
There were the older core members of the family, four of them to be exact.
The core family members were all in attendance. A call from the family head wasn't something to be missed for no reason, no matter how busy they were.
This was a welcome party.
Or at least, that was what it was meant to be.
Yet, no one seemed to approach them.
Katelyn frowned and moved over to Jul, trying to whisper words of comfort. She seemed uncomfortable with the actions of those who were supposed to be his family.
The same could be said about Jada; however, she knew better.
There was a great, self-ingrained pride within rich people when acting towards others, especially when dealing with themselves. Every conversation was always about who came out on top and dominated the conversation. Every move they displayed was about who showed the most grace and class in their actions.
The mother-daughter duo was only worried about whether Jul would have a wrong first impression of his family.
However, unknown to them, Jul didn't care one bit.
"You are welcome back home, Jul."
A light, cheerful voice suddenly resounded from behind them.
The trio turned toward the sight of a man dressed in a long brown coat. He took off his hat and bowed.
He smiled, his brown hair parting in the middle and revealing a slight scar on his forehead.
When he noticed Jul's focus on it, he quickly waved it off.
"Oh, this? It's just a little scratch." He chuckled, caressing the scar. "I am Vincent, Vincent Mercer. Nice to finally meet the lost son of the inventor."
His joke seemed to raise the mood of the group still standing at the entrance.
Jul's plain gaze stared deeply at the new figure.
'Vincent Mercer, a director in the Mercer emergency response network, leading the department with the most rescue missions. At least, that's how the outside knows him.
'Mr. Brown. He's one of the hidden figures who does the family's dirty work, though in secret.' Jul returned the handshake with a light chuckle. 'I guess Grandma knows something about me and sent him to probe. Interesting.'
Vincent continued, his voice apologetic. "I hope you aren't angered by the actions of this family today."
Jul shrugged. "Well, money does change people after all."
Vincent stared for a while before revealing a wide smile. "Right, so you do understand."
He reached into his coat for a box and handed it over to Katelyn.
"A gift to you my lady."
"Oh my! Thank you! That's so thoughtful." Katelyn beamed at the sight.
In the end, words were just words. Gifts, however, showed something different. It was a sign, a token of encouragement.
After handing over the gift, Vincent whispered into Jada's ear.
Her ears perked up, and she spoke to Jul.
"Brother, l-let's go greet the family."
"Yes, greet them and get to know them." Katelyn chimed in with encouragement and began pushing Jada to proceed before standing back with Vincent and the shy couple who just wanted to bury themselves somewhere before they got noticed.
Before he could even refute her words, she began pushing his wheelchair over to the center where the older generation of Mercers were.
The room was wide and spacious, so as soon as he began to move, they also noticed him.
It was now that their attention was focused on him.
Underneath the bright light and under the gazes of almost everyone present, Jul was pushed before the first family member.
He was tall in stature, about 6'0", with black hair slicked backwards, perfectly fitted glasses that accented his middle-aged look, a square jaw that stood firm, and a slight smile that seemed to be all-accepting.
The firstborn child of the former chairman of the Mercer family and the most likely to succeed as the head of the family.
Eddard Junior Mercer.