Richard was in high spirits, and Arsène Wenger's quiet charm hadn't faded in the slightest. The two old acquaintances had reunited quite unexpectedly at Highbury—of all places.
"Arsène! How are you? And what are you doing here?" Richard asked with feigned suspicion, glancing playfully toward the Frenchman, who had just walked in beside Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.
David Dein looked genuinely surprised. "You two know each other?"
Arsène simply smiled and gave a small nod. Richard mirrored the gesture. "Yes… we know each other."
Of course, no one said aloud that Richard had once tried to poach Wenger—an attempt the Frenchman had respectfully turned down.
Though he was naturally curious, Dein didn't press any further. Instead, he turned his gaze to the older man standing beside Richard. "And this is?"
"Oh, my father," Richard replied quickly, motioning between them. "Dad, this is David Dein, Arsenal's vice-chairman… and this is Mr. Arsène Wenger—an old acquaintance of mine."
