The Tycoon's Odyssey

Chapter 368 368:Representative From Federation[III]

Gukesh's sharp eyes scanned Evan from head to toe and frowned slightly before glancing at Roy with disbelief.

"He certainly looks like you, Roy. Those blue eyes are Claire's for sure," Gukesh said, his voice gruff. "But why does he look so much more... handsome than you?"

Evan smirked faintly, but Roy sighed. "It's called youth, Gukesh. Something you and I left behind long ago."

Prakash chuckled. "Youth or not, he carries himself well. A lot better than I expected." Turning to Evan, he asked. "So, you're the one who took down the Rajputs? Tell me, was it as effortless as they say?"

Evan met Prakash's gaze, his tone calm yet firm. "Effortless is never the word I'd use, Mr. Bhosale. It took planning, precision, and a bit of audacity. But yes, it was handled."

"You are quite audacious," Gukesh commented.

Kabul Uday raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Audacity, huh? Let's hope that audacity doesn't land all of us in trouble with the Federation agent."

Evan's calm expression didn't waver. "I assure you, Mr. Uday, everything that will happen tonight is under control. The Federation agent will leave impressed."

Gukesh grunted. "We'll see. For now, let's hope you live up to the confidence Roy has in you."

Roy stepped in, his voice smooth but commanding. "Gentlemen, this is neither the time nor the place for doubts. Evan has proven himself capable, and tonight, he'll prove it again."

With his words, the tension eased slightly, and the group moved toward the main event area, the weight of the evening settling over them.

The vibrant chatter of the banquet hall fell to a whisper as Evan stood before Gukesh, Prakash, and Kabul, their sharp critiques still lingering in the air.

"Too young," Gukesh scoffed, his tone dismissive. "He's got a baby face. Doesn't look like someone who could lead a negotiation, let alone a major operation."

"Since I am the head," he said smoothly, "won't you greet me properly?"

Watching from the side, the corner of Roy's lips curled into a faint smirk, pride gleaming in his eyes as he observed his son.

Meanwhile, noticing the exchange, Claire approached Roy and whispered, "Will they still doubt our son?"

Roy chuckled and shook his head. "Not even for a second."

_____

Amid the banter, an announcement rippled through the hall, silencing every little chatter.

The banquet hall fell eerily silent as the doors swung open, revealing a man with sleek blonde hair stepping inside.

His sharp features were accentuated by a stern expression, and his rigid posture demanded attention. He wore a tailored black suit with silver accents—a simple yet authoritative style that radiated both power and sophistication. The soft echo of his polished leather shoes punctuated the silence, his every step deliberate and his aura dominating the room without a single word.

Fabiano Carlyne.

The mere mention of his name was enough to send a ripple of unease through the attendees.

Representatives from the Federation seldom mingled with outsiders unless the matter was of grave importance. The discomfort in the hall was palpable; forced smiles faltered, and quiet whispers died out. Even the five families, including Roy's, struggled to maintain a semblance of composure but even they seemed only slightly more at ease.

Evan observed the tension in the room with keen eyes, noting how every gaze cautiously followed Fabiano's movements. His demeanor was cold and calculating, his strides precise and measured. He acknowledged no one and offered no pleasantries—every gesture an implicit reminder of his dominance.

Instead, he strode purposefully through the gathering as if the rest of the attendees were beneath his notice.