Chapter 344
"Isabella, this is Jessa, the actress I invited."
"Remember when you got Daniel hooked on that reality show? He watched a bunch of episodes, and Jessa was his favorite. He said she had a tenacity that reminded him of the Wilson family. When you weren't around, he told me he wished he could meet her someday."
"He also wanted to see what kind of girl could chase her dreams so persistently for ten years. So, I thought before Daniel left us, I'd invite her to his funeral to fulfill his small wish."
Watching reality shows and following celebrities were just pastimes Isabella had suggested to keep her grandpa entertained in his free time.
She never expected her grandpa to take her words so seriously.
She regretted not spending more time with him in his final days.
She even got annoyed with his nagging and called him old-fashioned out of spite.
Grandpa, Isabella regretted it. Isabella really missed you.
Jessa respectfully placed the flowers down and spoke solemnly in front of the portrait.
"Mr. Daniel Wilson, although we never met, I've heard of your great reputation. It's an honor to be appreciated by you. I hope you rest in peace."
When Jessa first received Renee's call, she thought it was a scam.
After all, Daniel was a legendary gambler from the last century, and even at her age, she had heard of his incredible feats.
She never imagined Renee would personally invite a small-time actress like her to the funeral of such a legendary figure.
Before she could react, her agent had already accepted the invitation.
It was a rare opportunity. The Wilson family's status in Evergreen City was on par with the Brown family, and Daniel was a legend in the entire eastern region.
Attending the Gambling King's funeral was a privilege reserved for those with significant influence and background.
Making an appearance here was more impactful than attending a hundred reality shows.
But Jessa didn't think about it that way.
She felt that for an elderly man like Daniel to appreciate a small actress like her, he must have had a kind heart. She wanted to meet such a person.
Even if it was just to lay down a bouquet of flowers.
After placing the flowers, Isabella approached to thank her. "Jessa, thank you for coming to pay your respects to my grandpa. I think he would be very happy."
Jessa had seen news about Isabella online, but meeting her in person, she realized the reports didn't do her justice.
As a socialite of the Wilson family and the Gambling King's chosen heir, Isabella's beauty and charm were truly captivating.
"It's my honor. You don't need to thank me."
Seeing the guests coming and going, Jessa didn't want to take up more of Isabella's time, so she decided to leave.
"Please let Renee know I have to go. I have other commitments."
With a slight nod to Isabella, she turned to leave.
Just as she stepped outside, she bumped into a tall man.
"Sorry."
She stepped back, intending to walk around him, when a gentle male voice spoke above her.
"Miss, you dropped something."
Jessa instinctively turned back and saw a large hand extended towards her, holding a small daisy she had pinned to her chest.
She was momentarily stunned and looked up, only to be struck by the man's striking features.
Despite her years in the entertainment industry, she had never seen such a handsome man.
His features were slightly roguish, yet his eyes were full of life. His short hair and perfectly tailored black suit added to his unique charm.
The contrast gave him an alluring and captivating presence.
Jessa's first thought was that he must be a fellow actor.
With looks like his, he would surely have been scouted to become a star.
The man didn't seem bothered by her staring. Instead, he gently took her hand and placed the daisy in her palm.
He seemed accustomed to being looked at this way.
And he softly reminded her, "Here you are. Watch your road."
"Thank you."
The warmth of his fingers lingered in her palm, making her tense up.
For the first time, Jessa felt nervous around a stranger, her voice trembling slightly.
He simply shook his head lightly. "No need to thank me. It's what I should do."
Then he turned and walked into the courtyard, heading towards the hall.
He must be here to pay his respects to Daniel as well.
But with looks like his, she should have recognized him. How had she never seen him before?
Could he be a new talent from some agency?
Jessa racked her brain, trying to recall any memory of him, but she couldn't place him in the entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, in front of the hall, Atticus looked displeased as Orion finally arrived.
"You knew today was Dad's funeral, and you're still late. Do you have any sense of propriety?"
Everyone else was doing their part. Atticus had planned to have Thomas take Isabella's place so she could rest.
But Thomas was busy handling the burial details, leaving the task to Orion.
Orion arrived ten minutes late, understandably frustrating Atticus.
"Atticus, I was talking to someone at the door and lost track of time. It's my fault."
Orion's straightforward apology left Atticus with little to say.
After all, today was about honoring their father, and many old acquaintances from the east were present.
As a son of the Wilson family, it was only natural for Orion to exchange a few words with familiar faces.
"Alright, go check on Isabella. And you-"
Atticus suddenly frowned, noticing Orion's unusual appearance. Normally, Orion had an artistic flair, but today he was different.
He wore a formal black suit, complete with a tie, and had even cut his usually long hair short.
That was his favorite hairstyle. Even when Daniel was alive and constantly nagged him about it, Orion would always brush it off with a laugh or play the sympathy card to make Daniel relent.
After all, among the five brothers, he was the only one born prematurely and the one who resembled their mother the most.
Daniel could never stay mad at him for long.
But today, he had cut his hair?
Atticus hadn't noticed earlier, thinking Orion had just tied it back. But now he saw the change.
Orion lowered his head, embarrassed. "Atticus, don't stare. Today is Dad's funeral. I just wanted to make him happy. That's all."