Chapter 617

He has done it this time. Mance is offended and will not put in a good word for me. He might even encourage Jeffrey to not let my company go public.

All the hard work of more than six months has just gone up in flames.

On the other hand, Zeke Williams was unperturbed. Time would tell.

Even though everyone was seated, they were still discussing Zeke’s folly and were constantly laughing at him.

Lacey felt so ashamed that she kept her head low.

Finally, she made up her mind and got up to leave.

It was pointless to stay on. To make it worse, she had to endure the embarrassment!

Zeke Williams pulled her back, “Lacey, where are you going?”

With an emotionless face, Lacey said, “Home.”

Zeke Williams replied, “You have not told Jeffrey about our plans for public listing yet. How can you leave?”

Pfft!

Nearby, a few guests who heard their conversation could not control their laughter.

Lacey was even more embarrassed.

At this exact moment, a government car drew up at the entrance.

The waiter at the door hurriedly yelled to Mance, “Mr. Raider, Jeffrey is here.”

Everyone in the hall got up one after another and took the opportunity to go out and greet him. For a while, the crowd near the entrance was packed to standing room only.

Jeffrey was today’s special guest, so he had to be tended to very well.

If they could give Jeffrey a good impression, he would remember them and might give them some special consideration that would enable them to rise to the top.

With the arrival of Jeffrey, Lacey could not sneak off now.

She then decided that she might as well greet Jeffrey too. There was the possibility that he would remember her face and be left with a good impression.

Nevertheless, Zeke pulled her back and told her, “Lacey, you don’t need to go to greet him. Later, he will come over and toast us.”

Lacey gave Zeke a sidelong glance and sadly heaved a sigh.

Never mind, I’ll just obey you. Jeffrey is surrounded by such a big crowd of people. Even if I go near, I won’t be seen.

Mance took the lead and opened the car door for Jeffrey, saying, “Jeffrey, welcome to our gathering.

Your presence brings us abundant joy and glory.”

Jeffrey replied with a gracious smile, “Mr. Raider, you are too kind. Your investments in Oakheart City brings much pleasure to me.”

“On behalf of all my city’s citizens, I welcome you, Mr. Raider. It is rightful of me to do this.”

Mance laughed aloud, “Mr. Middleton, you are too humble. Please come in, please come in.”

Nancy Hinton’s gaze was full of admiration.

My hero is indeed special enough to be able to chat so naturally with Jeffrey.

The other traders, too, were full of envy and respect.

Led and followed by the crowd, Jeffrey came to his seat which was prepared for the guest of honor.

All this while, he did not even look in Zeke Williams’ direction.

After Jeffrey was seated, the crowd returned to their respective seats.

Several young people sitting at the same table with Zeke Williams ridiculed him, “Mr. Williams, why didn’t Jeffrey come over to give you a toast?”

“This is quite the opposite of what you said just now.”

Zeke replied, “That’s only because he hasn’t seen me yet.”

Pfft!

The young people burst out in laughter.

“His words are so convincing that I nearly believed it.”

“Buddies, I have been hiding something from you guys. Actually, I’m close friends with Jeffrey. If he sees me, he’ll come and give me a toast.”

“Oh! Why isn’t he here to say, ‘cheers’ to you?”

“Because he hasn’t seen me, yet.”

“Hahaha!”

Lacey lowered down her head even more.

Embarrassing! It’s just too embarrassing!

She made a decision. Later, when no one was looking, she would sneak out.

Zeke turned around and watched out for Jeffrey. He saw that, coaxed by Mance, Jeffrey was about to drink.

Immediately, his face showed displeasure and he scolded, “Jeffrey, how many times have I told you not to drink?”

“You know what problems your body is suffering from. You should know better than to drink, shouldn’t you?”

At these words, the whole hall went totally silent!

Everyone looked at Zeke Williams with fear and surprise!