Just then, another notification popped up on Shannonâs phone.
Topping the trending list once again were Justin and Bella, and the
buzz was only getting stronger by the minute.
It was undeniable that whenever this former couple made a joint
appearance, they attracted massive attention, stirring up significant
public discourse.
It was clear that these two were a formidable duo. If they were placed
in the business arena together, their combined prowess would be
unstoppable.
However, Gregory's expression was far from pleasant.
âWell, Chairman Thompson really did hit the jackpot with Ms.
Thompson, didnât he? With her around, everyone else just fades into
the background. She'll always be the center of attention wherever she
goes.â
Shannon sneered as she looked at the top trends, her words la
with sarcasm. âConsidering how Justin and Bella flaunt their
relationship, Greg, you should seize this golden opportunity today an
propose a marriage alliance to Chairman Thompson on their behalf.â
At this moment, the Hoffmans had already taken their seats, and Mrs.
Hoffman happened to occupy a seat across the aisle from Shannon.
Consequently, Claire could clearly hear every word Shannon uttered,
causing her to furrow her brows.
The remarks from Shannon were truly repulsive.
A matriarch like her in the Salvador household was akin to a centuries- old curse. The Salvadors had managed to endure over
the years solely due to the unwavering resilience of multiple generations. The prospect of dealing with Shannon in the future,
particularly with Zoeâs determination to marry Justin, was already giving her a headache.
Justin, whom Claire had watched grow up, was undeniably an outstanding child.
However, the intricate relationships within the Salvador household made Justin feel like nothing more than an illegitimate child.
Despite his current position of authority in the Salvador Corporation, Justin was not the favored one. Besides, with his elder half-
brother still alive,
there was uncertainty about how long Chairman Salvador would
continue to support Justin.
As for the prospective marriage, Claire, as Zoeâs mother, did not hold
much hope for it.
Considering Justinâs relatively young age for a second marriage, he
seemed mismatched with Zoe.
âYeah, Dad. Mom's words do make sense.â
Bethany chimed in, adding her own mockery. âLook at them. Just and Ms. Thompson are practically inseparable. Ms. Thompson
seems eager to join our family, too. Justin seems ready to empty our
coffers for her dowry. Itâs obvious they're smitten with each other.
Dad, maybe itâs best not to play the villain here. Just let them have
each other.â
374
Having been part of the Salvadors for
so long, Bethany had ag od sense of
garyjstetrinerafieht upporting
Justin and Bella at this point will only
further exacerbate the situation.
Gregory kept staring at those photos,
observing Justinâs overly cautio
infuriated he became. Even his gums
began to ache from
the frustration.
âNo matter what, my son will never
remarry a woman whom he divor
| will never. allpisuon an J
e batrassing situation to occur! So
what if sheâs Wyatt Thompson's
daughter? My son can't be easily.
manipulated by any woman!â
With those words, everything became crystal clear.
Shannon and Bethany exchanged a knowing look, their expressions revealing a smirk of satisfaction.
At that moment, the Iversons entered the VIP area. James, the CEO,
and his wife, Coral, were busy greeting guests inside the venue.
Christopher and Astrid accompanied Lance into the room.
âMr. Hoffman, itâs been a long time.â Lance merely waved h not approaching Logan for a handshake.
Although both of them were heads of their respective families, La was the junior among the two and should have taken the
initiative t approach first as a matter of courtesy.
Logan, too, did not stand up, only responding indifferently. âIndeed. It
has been a while.â
The subtle power play between the prominent figures unfolded.
The divisions between the families were evident, with an undercurrent of mounting tension.