The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 93

When Kingsley stepped into the private dining room, everyone at the table stood up and greeted him respectfully in unison, "Mr. Sherwood."

He nodded slightly, his voice deep and concise. "Sit."

Once settled, he turned his head and gave a low instruction to Shane beside him. "Keep an eye on Irma and Aria."

Shane nodded. "Got it, Mr. Sherwood."

At that moment, a man hurried over, holding a Cohiba cigar with both hands and wearing an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Sherwood, please try this."

He reached for a lighter to light it for Kingsley.

Kingsley took the cigar but gently blocked the man's hand. "I'll do it myself."

The man immediately withdrew his hand, his smile becoming even more fawning. "It is an honor for all of us that you graced us with your presence, Mr. Sherwood! We will certainly follow The Sherwood Group's lead and learn from you in the future!"

"You flatter me," Kingsley replied indifferently, his gaze not lingering on the man.

Shane handed him a lighter. Kingsley took it and lit the cigar with a click.

His thumb inadvertently brushed against the texture of the lighter's casing, and he paused—wasn't this the one she had given him for his birthday?

He placed the lighter on the table and looked up at Shane, his tone unreadable. "Why do you have this?"

"You tossed it to me last time. I thought you might still need it, so I kept it on me," Shane replied truthfully.

Kingsley didn't say anything else. Holding the cigar, his gaze rested on the lighter, his eyes darkening.

Given Kingsley's status, he brought an invisible pressure to the dinner. Even if people wanted to propose a toast, no one dared to push alcohol on him.

But tonight, Kingsley was unusually approachable. When someone came over with a glass, he didn't refuse outright. Instead, he picked up his glass and took a symbolic sip. He managed the balance perfectly, giving the other party face without actually drinking much.

Kingsley looked at him and asked plainly, "A second child?"

"Yeah," Thurston replied. There was a smugness in his eyes, though he tried to sound casual. "My family life is blissful. A second child was always the plan."

Kingsley didn't respond, just took a sip of his wine.

Ethan, sitting with his legs crossed and a smirk on his face, chimed in, "Hey, that's too much! We're all brothers here. Irony and sarcasm against Mr. Sherwood isn't cool."

"You have the nerve to talk about me?" Thurston shot back immediately. "I just mentioned a second child. You're the one eager to rub salt in the wound, aren't you?"

Kingsley's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. "Shut up. Either drink or play cards."

Thurston agreed instantly. "Sure, let's play cards! Call Sean over too, the more the merrier."