The Royal Contract

Chapter 598: Just opportunistic beings

Her head had been going around in circles around the room, but she could not spot Alex anywhere. He told her that he was just going to the restroom, but he had not returned after that.

She knew she had nothing to worry about every time he went out of her sight. It was not like he was actually missing or had been abducted. But she still felt uncomfortable.

“Would you excuse me?” She told her distant aunt from her mother’s side. “I think my mom needs me.”

But that was just a reason to get away from the repeated stories of her childhood. She did not want to be rude, but she had heard about those stories for years. Though she loved them, she would like to look for her husband even more.

She quickly made her way to her mother, who was busy talking to his uncle. But as she was walking, she realized that she had not seen his father, too, since the dinner had ended.

“Have you seen my dad?” She asked one of her cousins, who was closed by, but he only shrugged his shoulder, indicating he had no clue.

Then, she concluded that they might be hiding in his office, together with her husband. She suspected they were planning something but was unwilling to share it with her or anyone else.

.....

She quickly turned around the other way to check on them in her father’s office, believing they were probably continuing with whatever they were talking about earlier.

However, before she could make a few more steps, his uncle stopped her in her tracks. “Dani, where are you going? I hope you still have time for me.” He spoke behind her, trying to catch up with her.

She turned around again to find his uncle standing a meter away from her. It had been a long time since she saw him. Now, she felt guilty that she had seldom visited him. They were close, after all.

“Of course, Uncle Ben.” She responded, stepping closer to him and giving him a hug. “You know I will always have time for you. How have you been?”

Her search would have to wait because she also would like to take this opportunity to talk to his uncle about her cases. Nobody else would be more qualified to guide her than his uncle regarding matters of the law.

He had been one of her mentors for almost half of her life. Whether it was about life in general or her career. She absolutely valued the wisdom that he imparted to her.

“I am good.” He answered her but followed it with his own question. “How are you holding up?” He asked concernedly. Hearing about what happened to her was heartbreaking.

He was just glad that she had survived the ordeal because he knew that Laura would not take it easy if anything should happen to her only daughter.

He knew his sister. Laura loved her family and would do everything for them. Ethan and Dani were her worlds, and she would find it hard to survive if she had to lose one of them.

“I am good, Uncle Ben.” She responded after the greetings. “I am sorry if I was unable to visit lately.” She told him. “By the way, I meant to talk to you about some of my cases. Do you think you have some time?”

She could not dismiss his uncle since he had traveled far with his family, only to see her. She could not disappoint him by ignoring his presence. She could always look for Alex in a while.

They talked for almost an hour on the other side of the room as they sipped on their champagne. Just like in the old days, she remembered she could converse with him about anything for hours and would not get bored.

“I think I already monopolized more of your time. I am sure that many will still want to talk to you.” Ben said after realizing the hour they almost spent talking about her cases, including about the abduction.

Under ordinary situations, an hour was too short when they discussed different scenarios of her cases. But tonight, it was supposed to be her night, mingling with her friends and family.

“I do not mind.” She whispered to her uncle, then they both laughed, knowing what she meant by her words.

She had grown up with this crowd all her life. Some of them were respectable people. But there were quite a few too that only wanted their association with their family.

But they were blood-related, so she could not turn her back on them. Still, she avoided them if she could. She had better things to do than being used by them.

She would opt to help the poor who truly worked hard to reach their dreams than make those relatives of her rich without lifting a finger in their life.

“I know what you mean.” Shamefully he had to admit that his wife and kids were included in that category.

He could not help but put the entire blame on him for working too hard. He did not have much time for his family. He was not able to guide his kids on the right path.

“Anyway, I think your husband is looking for you.” He could see Alex scanning the place for her. When he spotted her, he quickly made his way towards them.

He was thankful that Dani married a good man. At least, she was lucky to have someone who would love her and care for her long after he and her parents were gone.

He would always love her like she was his daughter. She had been the female version of him and would always be proud of what she had accomplished with her life.

“Thanks, Uncle Ben, for taking the time to come here and visit me. I really miss this.” She hugged her uncle, then slightly twisted her body to see her husband standing behind her.

The two greeted each other and made a few light conversations before his uncle excused himself to search for his wife and children.

Finally, she was alone again with him. She was still wondering where he had been, but before she could question him, her father also showed up, calling their attention.

“We would like to thank everyone for joining us again this evening.” Ethan began telling his speech, pulling all eyes on him as he spoke.

He took it upon him to speak on behalf of the couple, knowing that they might still like to be left alone with their thoughts. He would not force them.

He could tell from the faces of their guests all night that many had questions, but their support was what was needed and not their inquiries.

“Are you ready to go home?” She asked Alex, tired of the entire night’s event.

She appreciated what her parents were trying to do for her. But it was time to go home and rest. She was exhausted from the long day and night.

In addition, she did not want to talk about the rest of the ordeals she had gone through. Although her family seemed to be more interested in her story than helping her recover.

Some of her family were only looking for the chance to gain fame or money. Unfortunately, it was at her expense. For her, not all of them were family, but just opportunistic human beings.