Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 373

"No," I replied.

"I actually agree. He doesn't look like a big boss at all. In terms of physique and demeanor, he can't compare to me," Xander said as he puffed out his chest and struck a pose.

"I heard that the company was started because he invested money. Is that true?" I asked.

"Yep. He's the actual shareholder. As for me..." Xander smirked. "I may look the part, and everyone calls me Mr. Roulder, but I'm just a high-level employee, just like you and Mr. Howell."

His self-deprecation was oddly friendly.

"Then why doesn't he manage the company himself?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Are you serious?" Xander scoffed. "He's got money and owns plenty of companies. He doesn't have time to manage them all personally."

I glanced back at the private room. Was the short, plump man really that wealthy?

After years of living among the wealthy in the Gildon family, I'd never heard of the Howells.

"You don't believe me?" It was as if Xander could read my thoughts. "That's because you haven't seen much."

I was speechless.

"The man inside, Stephen Howell, is the grandson of Henry Howell, the coal magnate from Ardinia. Don't be fooled by his somewhat old-fashioned appearance. He's actually just in his early 30s.

"With the slowing down of the coal industry, the Howell family's descendants have branched out into other industries. Although Mr. Stephen may not look impressive, he's quite capable here." Xander tapped his head.

His explanation cleared up my confusion.

Still, I couldn't resist teasing, "It seems like Ardinia's people are expanding their reach here. His ambitions are quite broad."

"Wherever there's money, that's where he'll reach. Mr. Stephen also has international interests." Xander shook his head. "You didn't expect that, did you?"

"No, I didn't." I pursed my lips. "Mr. Roulder, I didn't expect the boss behind you to be someone else. I thought…"

"What did you think?" Xander asked while smiling.

I thought about Brandon's humble status and decided not to mention it.

Brandon, sharing the Howell surname, was far more impressive in terms of appearance and knowledge compared to Stephen. However, in terms of wealth, Stephen outshone him by a wide margin.

"It's nothing. Let's go in. We wouldn't want Mr. Stephen to get annoyed and kick us out." I tried to lighten the mood as I headed back to the private room.