When Frank was done with it, he looked up into Mark's face and said with a smile,"Well done, my good boy!"
With a smile of his own which revealed his two dimples, the charming young boy asked while feeling somewhat guilty,"Grandpa Frank, are you displeased with me for doing such a thing?"
Frank laughed, full of praise on his face and said,"Not at all! You are qualified to be a member of the Long Family," After comforting the young boy, Frank got up and stood behind him.
Then, everyone who belonged to the Dragon Island - including the Chief Commissioner of Congress and the Imperial Guards, all stood at attention, and half bowed to Mark, saying in unison,"Highness Little Prince! Welcome back!"
In the sun, the exclusive boutonniere on Mark's black tuxedo glowed against the sunlight.
Once satisfied by the overwhelming reception, Mark turned to Eric and asked in his tender voice,"Can I object now?"
His question could have rendered the ceremony ineffective at once, but Coco still needed to finish the routine procedure. So she asked: "Excuse me, Highness Little Prince, but what are the reasons for your objection?"
"My reason is of a private matter. And I don't wish to expose it to the public!" Mark said quietly, his bright eyes flickering with maturity beyond his years, and showing great intelligence behind it.
"How about this? Why don't you let me speak out his reasons?!" the low, deep and magnetic voice rang out all of a sudden. With a wicked smile forming on his thin lips, Brian still had not taken his eyes off Eric and continued, a hint of sarcasm in his voice,"A plot was set up for so long. I guess you are really looking forward to this moment!"
Raising his eyebrows, Eric scoffed at the man. "As a matter of fact, I had hoped you would never show up!" His eyes suddenly sank,"But you see, you did not show up until this very moment. Don't you think it's too late for you?"
Like the wide ocean in the night, Brian's eagle eyes became deeper and darker. It was quite unlike him to allow someone's jeers to get the best of him.
With a slight frown, Richie exchanged a glance with Frank. As soon as Frank caught sight of the signal, he nodded and made a clear sign to Farrell. Within a short while, the imperial guards began to politely ask the reporters to leave, followed by the VIP guests and members of Congress walking out of the spot. It was time for everyone to leave the Long Family alone, so they could deal with their family business.
As no one asked Spark to leave, he remained standing by the side. In the first place, he had no intention of leaving even if he was requested to go.
With her lower lip stuck between her teeth out of sheer worry, Molly looked at Brian for a moment and then at Eric, as if she wanted to say something, but was immediately stopped by Shirley, her eyes motioning for her not to say anything.
"Cousin Brian, let's have another gamble!" Eric said fiercely. "How about we continue the gambling of that particular year?"
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