Chapter 14 All Leaders Head To Aldovia

• In the bustling Aldovia, two significant events unfolded today, captivating the attention of all who heard of them.
• The first, of course, was an incident at the lavish birthday banquet of Braxton, but this event quickly faded into the background when news broke of the second: the passing of Kevin from the Lavette Family.
• Despite the Lavette Family not enjoying the same high status as the Dempsey Family, the news of Kevin's death spread rapidly across the city and beyond, causing a considerable stir. Preparations for his funeral had only just begun when word of his passing had already reached the far corners of the region.
• The question on many lips was: why did the death of Kevin, whose family held a lesser standing, generate such widespread commotion?
• …
• Meanwhile, in Sutton.
• Within the luxurious confines of a sprawling mansion, a middle-aged man lounged comfortably on a luxurious leather sofa, holding a glass of fine red wine in his hand. He took slow, deliberate sips as he savored the rich flavors while his face wore an expression of relaxed contentment. This man was William Gardner, known as the Kingpin of Sutton.
• He had been absent from Sutton for five years. Few knew that he had been incarcerated in Somara Prison after getting too close to certain high-level interests. It was only recently that he had returned to reclaim control over Sutton's underworld, a domain that had been thoroughly divided in his absence. Upon his return, he swiftly reasserted his authority and reclaimed everything that had once belonged to him overnight.
• "Mr. Gardner, Old Mr. Lavette passed away just a few minutes ago..." At that moment, a muscular man hurried in and reported, his voice a mixture of respect and urgency.
• The news hit William like a bolt of lightning. The once-calm expression vanished from his face, replaced by a mixture of disbelief and concern. In his surprise, his hand jerked, sending the wine glass tumbling to the floor and the liquid to spill.
• "What... how could this happen? The master just returned, and now this..." he muttered, his voice tinged with genuine dismay.
• His expression turned grave because he understood the profound impact this loss would have on Timothy, who respected and cherished his grandfather above all else. With Kevin's passing coming so soon after Timothy's return home, it was an emotional blow that would weigh heavily on him.
• Without a moment's hesitation, William made his decision. "Prepare the plane immediately. We must head to Aldovia to pay our respects to Mr. Lavette Sr!" he commanded, his voice steady and resolute.
• "Yes, Mr. Gardner!" the subordinate responded and quickly moved to execute the order.
• …
• In Bridgeton, a burly man known across the land as Magnus Wolfson received the somber news of Kevin's death. The gravity of the announcement struck him with force, and without hesitation, he dropped the dog training whip he had been using. Commanding his men with urgency, he instructed them to make immediate preparations for a journey to Aldovia.
• News of Kevin's passing rippled across Hughton and even reached distant corners of the world.
• Many unique and influential individuals began making their way to Aldovia simultaneously. These included corporate magnates, gambling kings, casino tycoons, bankers, mercenary leaders, shipping magnates, and financial traders, among others.
• By nightfall, a variety of characters had arrived in Aldovia, while those from more distant locations were still en route.
• …
• In the meantime, the Lavette Family had meticulously arranged for Kevin's body to be placed in the family's ancestral home.
• Traditionally, the deceased was not buried immediately. There was a custom known as the "night of the soul's return" on the seventh day after death, a practice that dated back to ancient times when it was customary to wait seven days before burial. However, in modern times, burials were generally conducted within two or three days.
• That night, the Lavette family kept vigil in the ancestral home. Timothy, showing deep respect and unwavering dedication, remained by his grandfather’s side without leaving.
• Just an hour earlier, tensions had flared when members of the Stelle family arrived with the intent of forcibly taking Lilian away.
• Fortunately, he persuaded her to visit her family first and assured her that he would visit her parents afterward. Reluctantly, she left.
• Throughout the night, Timothy stayed awake and knelt beside his grandfather's body.
• By the next morning, all the preparations for the funeral had been meticulously completed and the Lavette family had donned their traditional mourning attire.
• Friends and relatives began arriving at the Lavette Residence to pay their respects and attend the memorial service.
• According to the arrangement, the memorial service was scheduled to begin at 11 o’clock while other guests waited in the outer hall.
• However, what took both the Lavette Family and other guests by surprise was the unexpected arrival of numerous influential figures from various regions. Although there hadn't been much direct interaction between them, Robert was aware of their prominence.
• Among the attendees were several people who were immediately recognized.
• "Who would have thought that Kevin knew so many notable figures? It’s a shame he’s gone. If he were still here, the Lavette Family's status would surely be on the rise!" someone remarked.
• "Indeed. Look at that man over there—William, the Kingpin of Sutton. He’s quite a figure!" another guest added.
• "And even Magnus Wolfson of Bridgeton is here. He's notoriously ruthless!"
• "Not to mention the richest man in Wessex. Just imagine the kind of influence he wields!" someone pointed out, eyes wide with astonishment.
• "Unbelievable! Even Dominic Kane, Lord of Gamblers, has made an appearance!" another guest exclaimed.
• "And Marcus Caldwell, King of the Seas, is here too. He's the undisputed ruler of the coastal region. I've heard that with just a word, he can command every ship in the port to move at his will," someone noted with awe.
• Conversations erupted as many people expressed their amazement at seeing so many high-profile figures gathered in one place. They marveled that this event far surpassed the scale of the Dempsey Family’s birthday banquet.
• Yet, they couldn’t fathom why such high-profile figures had come to a memorial service.
• Their behavior was equally puzzling. Despite their significant status, they remained eerily silent and detached. They avoided conversation with anyone who attempted to strike up a conversation with them and just stood rigidly in place with an air of strict discipline.
• Inside the memorial hall, Kevin's portrait was prominently displayed. At the center of the room, a flower bed cradled his body, surrounded by an array of floral tributes that adorned the surrounding walls.
• Although the memorial service had yet to commence, every member of the Lavette Family, including Timothy, was present.
• They were all draped in white gowns with a band of mourning pinned over their chests. The hall was filled with a solemn group standing silently, their expressions a mixture of deep grief and profound solemnity as they awaited the start of the memorial service.
• At 10:50 a.m., Robert personally stepped out to welcome the guests. As he greeted each guest with a respectful nod, they entered the funeral hall in an orderly manner, forming neat lines that stretched toward the front where the casket rested.
• At exactly eleven o'clock, the mournful music began to play, signaling the official start of the memorial service. Robert, clad in a white mourning gown, approached the small podium.
• "Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to all the leaders, colleagues, and friends who have gathered here today to attend the memorial service for my father, Kevin Lavette," he began, his voice steady but edged with emotion. He paused to let his words resonate before leading a deep bow.
• In unison, the entire Lavette Family, including Timothy, who stood slightly apart, bowed deeply as well, expressing their appreciation and respect for those who came to honor Kevin.
• Robert then introduced his father's life, recounting his birth and various experiences. After his speech, guests began to pay their respects to the late Kevin.
• "Old Mr. Robert, please accept my condolences," a middle-aged man murmured as he placed a bouquet near the casket and bowed deeply. Turning to Robert, he offered words of comfort, acknowledging the loss and the weight of grief.
• Robert returned the bow, expressing his gratitude with a gentle nod, while the entire Lavette Family followed suit, mirroring his gestures of thanks and respect.
• The line of mourners seemed endless, each person taking a moment to pay tribute.
• However, as more guests arrived, he noticed that many first glanced at Timothy, who stood silently beside the family. Although the formality of the occasion dictated their actions, most offered their condolences directly to Robert.
• Despite the constant stream of visitors, he felt a twinge of confusion. While he recognized many faces, he didn't know them well. What's going on? Could it be that they know Dad?
• Nonetheless, as they were there to pay respects to Kevin, he maintained proper decorum.
• Timothy stood toward the back according to his seniority. He observed the proceedings with a face devoid of emotion, though a profound sense of mourning was clear in his eyes.
• One by one, family heads, business magnates, and partners of the Lavette Family approached to pay their respects. Soon, the area surrounding Kevin's memorial hall was filled with flowers.
• Lilian arrived with her father, Piers. After paying her respects to Kevin with a solemn bow, her gaze lingered on Timothy. In her heart, a longing ached for her to be by his side, to offer comfort in a time when both their hearts were heavy with grief. Yet, she was bound by circumstances she could not control.
• "Old Mr. Robert, my condolences," Pier said formally and clasped Robert's hands.
• The Steele and Lavette families shared a close relationship in earlier years, primarily during the era of their respective patriarchs. However, as time passed, the ties between the two families weakened, driven apart by the diverging paths they took within their social circles. After the passing of Kevin, the Steele Family's fortunes rose significantly, while the Lavette Family remained stagnant. Hence, widening the social gap between them.
• Were it not for the close friendship between their grandfathers and the private agreement of an arranged marriage between Timothy and Lilian, the two families might have drifted apart completely.
• After paying his respects, Pier quickly escorted Lilian away from the Lavette Family Residence. He was determined to prevent any further involvement between his daughter and Timothy, especially on such an occasion.
• Thus, he left early and forcibly took Lilian with him while secretly deciding that the engagement between Timothy and his daughter must be annulled.