Chapter 653

Chapter 653The red carpet stretched 160 feet, with all kinds of prominent figures gathered. Many of the people Valerie had only seen on television were now within her sight.

As Matthew held her and walked forward, the sound of cheers and applause followed them. Whether they were wealthy businessmen or celebrities, everyone seemed very familiar with these proceedings.

It was clear she still had much to learn. Compared to these glamorous events, the winery business seemed trivial, Socializing was an unavoidable aspect of business.

After she signed in and entered the convention center, Valerie’s heart raced. The last time she had seen such a gathering of celebrities was during a movie promotion when she watched from above, realizing the disparity in social classes for the first time.

Now, with a different status, they were personally guided by the hostesses to the front row,

The convention center was divided into two areas the front area for the elite, who needed to be worth at least 2 billion dollars, and the back area with tiered seating.

The seating arrangement in the front was semicircular, with five seats per group, offering excellent privacy. There were ten such groups, while the back area was more general seating.

The convention center, with a capacity of a thousand people, had Matthew in the prime position.

Once seated, Valerie noticed the rules of the charity auction and some item descriptions on the seats.

She glanced over them, but nothing particularly dazzling.

It seemed the main attractions would only be revealed once the event started.

Valerie looked around and saw unfamiliar faces on both sides, all billionaires.

From their attire, it was clear their clothes were high–end custom–made, one–of–a–kind globally.

Valerie finally understood that in this setting, the competition wasn’t about popular starlets. Although female celebrities could add a touch of glamour, they themselves were capital.

She watched as the wealthy in the back rushed to the front to hand out business cards, trying to ingratiate themselves by half–squatting, their eyes filled with flattery.

Meanwhile, the big shots in the front row barely glanced at them. With a lift of their eyelids, their assistants took the cards and sent them away.

Valerie wondered how these business cards would be handled. Just then, a group of people gathered around Matthew.

Matthew held Valerie back from standing up, as middle–aged men in their forties and fifties bowed and nodded to Matthew.

“Mr. Grant, I’m Tanner Deleon from the Deleon Group.”

“I’m from the deck…”

“I’m…”

Charles collected all the business cards and, with a flick of Matthew’s finger, the group immediately retreated, no longer daring to intrude.

Valerie was curious. “How are you going to deal with these business cards?”

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FI, AUG 23

Chapter 653

Charles will handle them Cards from those with potential for collaboration will be kept. Others will be discarded without consideration.”

“Doesn’t that seem unfair?”

Valerie thought for a moment and added, “But it’s normal. If I were in that position, I’d handle it the same way.

“Good money drives out bad, as always. The market is ever–changing, and competition is inevitable. Seize every opportunity.

“Business cards aren’t the most important; first impressions are can only remember one person from those companies, whose gaze was very sincere.”

Matthew smiled lightly, “Indeed. But in business, sincerity is just one aspect. Diplomacy, worldly wisdom, and character are all essential.

“In such settings, most business cards end up in the trash. People are what truly matter!”

Matthew gestured for Valerie to look to the right. “Look at that young man. Thanks to a senior’s recommendation, he met an internet mogul. Such a recommendation is worth more than a thousand business cards.”

Valerie took a closer look and smiled. “The young man must have achieved something in the industry for a senior to recommend him.”

“Exactly. This is the world of fame and fortune. When you haven’t succeeded, difficulties are everywhere. Once you achieve some success, you’ll find influential people come your way!”

Valerie raised an eyebrow, realizing the harsh reality of it. The world of adults was not easy.

She shook her head and turned to see a familiar face.

Valerie thought, ‘Isn’t that Owen’s daughter, Maliah Anderson?‘

Maliah noticed Valerie as well. Under the lights, Valerie in her blue gown looked graceful and elegant, especially her face, which irritated Maliah.

Maliah gritted her teeth in displeasure, finding Valerie particularly irritating.

Though pregnancy had made Valerie’s figure rounder, Valerie, who had been thin, had become even more graceful with

pregnancy.

And Matthew, with his stern face, softened upon seeing Valerie. He exuded nobility, standing out even while seated.

The two of them together made her feel they were a perfect match.

Maliah felt a surge of anger.

SEND GIFT