Chapter 9 She's from Valentine family As Elaine opened the door to the private room , she found herself face to face with someone exiting the opposite room . Their eyes met , and they both paused for a moment . Out of politeness , she was about to greet him with a " Mr. Mason , " but the words got stuck in her throat . Jackson gave her a brief glance , walking past her as if she were a stranger , his eyes not lingering for even a second . Watching his tall , straight figure retreat , she awkwardly rubbed her nose . Noticing he was headed toward the restroom , she decided against going herself . She walked down the hallway to the end , lingering in a quiet corner near the stairs , where she distracted herself with her phone . When she saw it was nearly time , she tucked her phone away and made her way back to the private room . As she neared the room , she saw Cordell standing in the hallway just outside . He wore a V - neck shirt and brown casual trousers . Just like years ago , his style was simple and relaxed , but it made him look effortlessly handsome . A cigarette hung between his fingers , and the smoke curled lazily around him . The light from the crystal chandelier above made his striking features look even more defined . When he saw her return , he took a long drag from his cigarette , extinguished it , and tossed it into the nearby trash can . He shot her a quiet glance before pushing open the door and stepping inside . Given the sensitive nature of their current relationship , it would have been too obvious if they had entered together , so she waited outside for a moment before finally entering . At the dinner table , Constance noticed Elaine's slight frame and was overly attentive , constantly serving her more food . Elaine's appetite was small , but not wanting to disappoint Constance , she forced herself to finish what was on her plate , feeling stuffed and uncomfortable . After dinner , they all left the private room . At the same time , a group of sharply dressed men emerged from the opposite room . At the head of the group was a man who exuded charm , with an exceptional presence . Marcelo stepped forward and extended his hand to greet him . " Mr. fikoupitne & citiem from Vilardiris Family Mason , long time no see . " Jackson took his hand with a polite but somewhat distant smile . His gaze briefly swept over the people standing behind Marcelo . " Mr. Valentine , is this a family gathering ? " Jackson's heart skipped a beat . ' So , this woman is the daughter of the Valentine family ? ' Marcelo , ever the gracious host , responded , " Yes , we're welcoming my father home . " Jackson's eyes flicked over Elaine and landed on Abraham , who was standing beside Stacy . Though they hadn't met before , Jackson , raised with good manners , offered a polite greeting . " Good evening , Mr. Valentine . " It was just a brief glance , but for a fleeting moment , Elaine felt a sharp chill in his gaze . ' What did I do to upset him ? ' she wondered . Abraham , hearing Marcelo call Jackson " Mr. Mason , " quickly deduced that the man before them was the renowned head of the Mason family . Having been involved in business in his younger days , Abraham had some old connections with Jackson's grandfather . He smiled , though his face remained deeply lined with age . " The last time I saw you , you were just six years old . You've grown up so much since then . " The attempt at small talk was awkward and forced . Jackson raised an eyebrow , offering a polite smile but saying nothing . The crystal lighting in the hallway highlighted his sharp , handsome features , making him look even more striking . Cordell stepped forward to greet him , extending his hand . He briefly scanned the people behind Jackson , recognizing some of them as executives from various companies . " Mr. Mason , are you here to discuss a project ? " Jackson gave a slight nod , his dark eyes reflecting the lights , adding a touch of mystery . The men with Jackson exchanged pleasantries and handshakes with Cordell , the entire interaction formal and courteous . Once the greetings were done , the two groups filed out of the restaurant , one after the other .