Chapter 7 A Ghost

The group made their way to the main table. Cindy sat alone in the corner, the only person at her table. Many young talents in the room were eager to approach her, hoping to strike up a conversation, but they didn't dare, knowing the great difference in status. "Joel, about Mr. Eaton ... " On the way to the main table, Logan quietly asked his son, his thoughts still on Mark. "Mr. Eaton sent me a message. He said he would be here today, but might not arrive on time. He suggested we begin without him, and when he gets here, we'll just do the formalities." Joel whispered, "There's no need for us to wait outside to greet him, Mr. Eaton doesn't like that." "Okay." Logan nodded. Just as Logan and Axel's group was approaching the main table, suddenly ... "Ryan?!" A surprised shout rang out across the hall. All eyes turned toward the entrance, including those of Axel, Thomas, Logan, and Joel. Everyone turned toward the entrance. There, walking in, was none other than Ryan Howell! Even after three years, how many of Fregend's high-ranking figures didn't recognize him? At 19, Ryan had been a familiar face; now, at 22, his appearance had hardly changed. And when he entered, he made no attempt to hide himself. "Everyone, it's been a while," Ryan said, as if he had expected to be noticed the moment he walked in, becoming the center of attention. He smiled faintly, scanning the room. Then, his gaze settled on the table in the corner, specifically on the one where Cindy was sitting, since it was the only table with an empty seat beside hers. Ryan walked toward that table. He had arrived at the wedding venue, and revenge was within his grasp, but he wasn't in a hurry to act. For starters, his stomach was hungry. Besides, a quick glance revealed that some important figures were still missing, including the eldest Kane, Logan's older brother, who had played a significant role in the downfall of the Howells. So, there was no rush. He decided to wait until everyone arrived before making his move. After all, the most important thing for a family was to be in order. "No ... No ... This can't be ... Is that ... Ryan?!" Joel stammered, his body trembling. He almost bit his tongue in shock, his mind spinning as if a bomb had gone off in his head. His emotions were a whirlwind of disbelief and fear. And it wasn't just Joel. Almost everyone in the room was frozen for a moment, unable to comprehend what they were seeing. It was well-known that Ryan was dead! Now, three years later, he had come back to life?! For a moment, the silence was broken by whispers. "Is that really Ryan?" "He's still alive? What a lucky guy!" "Well, if he's alive, he should live his life. Why show up at Fregend? Does he want to tempt fate?" "Is he here to steal the bride? Does he think he can win Abigail back?" ... "Joel, w-what is going on?!" Logan was in better shape than Joel, but not by much. He lowered his voice, but it was filled with suppressed anger and questioning. "Dad, he has to be a ghost! I-I broke all his limbs, smashed his skull until it was crushed, knocked him unconscious, and then buried him alive ... " Joel was shaking uncontrollably. "But you didn't see him die with your own eyes!" Logan said, his frustration growing. He understood his son's hatred and jealousy toward Ryan, even the desire to torment him, but he couldn't forgive the carelessness. "Dad, w-what do we do now?" Joel was completely panicked. After all, he had been Ryan's lackey for so long and, deep down, had always feared him. Three years ago, the Kanes had betrayed Joel so thoroughly, disregarding all sense of conscience. Now, seeing Ryan alive, how could he not panic? "What do you mean, 'what should we do'? Calm down, look at you, so undignified. Ghosts? Ryan is alive! So what if he's alive? He's all alone. The Howells are gone, and we have nothing to fear from him. If he's smart, he'll make it through tomorrow. If not, we'll make sure he doesn't live to see the end of today." Logan sneered, his voice cold and threatening. Joel's emotions gradually began to settle down. In fact, he started to feel a growing sense of excitement. That's right! So what if Ryan is still alive? Could he take revenge? In fact, Ryan being alive was even better, it meant he could watch Abigail marry him with his own eyes. That would be satisfying, wouldn't it? "Hehe ... " Joel couldn't help but grin smugly. Then, he took a step forward and started walking toward Ryan. By the time Joel approached, Ryan had already sat down, facing Cindy across the table.