As Wendell fled the scene, Harold walked into the hall with his sister, Wendy, and her fiancé, Gerald.
When Harold ran into Wendell, he immediately approached him.
“Hey, Wendell! I heard something happened to your family when I came in. What happened?”
Wendell pushed him away hurriedly.
“It's over... It's all over. I'm finished...”
Harold asked worriedly, “Mr. Jones, what's wrong?”
Wendell shook his head in panic, not daring to say anything.
At that moment, he had no doubt that if he revealed anything he shouldn't, he would end up dead somewhere the next day.
So he pushed Harold's hands away and ran out of the hall as though his life depended on it.
Harold watched him flee and sighed.
“I guess it's really the end for the Jones family. Damn, isn't everything happening a little too quickly? They were doing fine yesterday, and today they've already gone bankrupt!”
Just then, Harold spotted Charlie and Claire.
A malicious thought suddenly crossed his mind.
He walked toward Claire and introduced her to the man beside him.
“Claire, let me introduce you to one of our distinguished guests tonight. This gentleman is Gerald's cousin, Kevin, the eldest son of the White family.”
Then Harold smiled at Kevin.
“Kevin, this is my cousin, Claire Wilson.”
Ever since Kevin had entered the hall, he had been staring at Claire.
As soon as Harold introduced them, Kevin immediately extended his hand.
“Hello, Claire. I've heard a lot about the beautiful daughter of the Wilson family. Your reputation certainly precedes you.”
A trace of displeasure appeared in Charlie's eyes.
This was the unfortunate downside of having a beautiful wife. Suitors seemed to swarm around her like flies, and he could never get rid of them all.
Charlie stepped forward, shook Kevin's hand, and said coldly, “Hello. I'm Claire's husband.”
Kevin looked Charlie up and down, obvious disgust appearing on his face.
He withdrew his hand and said bluntly, “I didn't know Claire was married.”
Wendy quickly added, “Kevin, he's the Wilson family's live-in son-in-law. He doesn't have a job or any real abilities.”
She winked at Kevin before continuing, “After Gerald and I get married, we'll all be one big family. We should get together more often.”
Kevin immediately understood what she meant.
She was encouraging him to pursue Claire.
He smiled and said, “Miss Wilson is beautiful and elegant. I'd certainly be happy to get together more often.”
Just then, Charlie noticed his in-laws, Elaine and Jacob, walking toward them.
As soon as Elaine arrived, she said excitedly, “Claire, have you heard? The Jones family has gone bankrupt!”
Claire stared at her in shock.
“What? When did that happen?”
“Just now!” Elaine sighed. “I thought that after you divorced Charlie, you might be able to be with Wendell. But now it looks like that plan has gone out the window.”
Charlie felt helpless.
Was his mother-in-law really this foolish?
Didn't she realize that the man she was talking about was standing right beside her?
Kevin then politely said, “Hello. You must be Claire's mother. I'm Kevin, Gerald's cousin.”
When Elaine heard that he was Gerald's cousin, she immediately made a mental calculation.
The eldest son of the White family?
A wealthy and handsome young man?
Her eyes lit up with excitement.
“Yes, yes, I'm Claire's mother. Are you Claire's friend?”
Kevin smiled.
“Yes, but we only met today.”
Excitement was written all over Elaine's face.
She nodded enthusiastically.
“Come, let's sit down. Mr. White, my Claire is beautiful, and she's also pure and kind, just like an angel. You young people should keep in touch more often.”
“Mom!” Claire immediately interrupted, embarrassed.
Elaine was about to continue when Claire gently pulled at her and gestured toward the stage.
At that moment, Lady Wilson was standing beneath the spotlight.
She looked around before stepping in front of the microphone and speaking with a smile.
“First of all, on behalf of the Wilson family, I would like to welcome all our friends, business partners, and distinguished guests to tonight's banquet.
“Next, please give a warm round of applause to the Vice Chairman of the Emgrand Group, Doris Young!”
The spotlight immediately shifted toward the front row.
Doris was wearing a black evening gown that perfectly accentuated her elegant figure.
She looked stunning, and almost every man in the hall couldn't help but turn their attention toward her.
The Vice Chairman of Emgrand Group was truly an extraordinary beauty.
Every aspect of her appearance seemed to command attention.
Doris stood up and nodded gracefully to the crowd.
Her gaze briefly stopped on Charlie before moving away.
Lady Wilson continued speaking.
“Most importantly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Emgrand Group for entrusting us with such an important project. We will do our very best and will not disappoint them.”
She paused before continuing.
“Next, we would like to introduce an outstanding young member of the Wilson family...”
Elaine exclaimed excitedly, “Claire! It's your turn to shine!”
Claire had mentally prepared herself to go onstage, but she was still extremely nervous.
Charlie gave her an encouraging look.
Harold glanced at the excited Claire with a sneer on his face.
Lady Wilson looked toward their table with a smile before continuing.
“However, if it weren't for him, we wouldn't have been able to establish this partnership with the Emgrand Group.
“After careful consideration by our board of directors, we have decided to appoint him as the new director of the Wilson Group. He will be fully responsible for the project with Emgrand Group.
“Please welcome the new director of the Wilson Group, Harold Wilson!”
Claire froze like a statue.
She stared at the stage in disbelief.
Then she saw Harold walk onto the stage with an arrogant smile.
A layer of coldness immediately appeared in Charlie's eyes.
How dare they burn the bridge after crossing it?
After benefiting from Claire's hard work and securing the Emgrand Group project, the Wilson family had immediately discarded her without a second thought.
Claire's eyes suddenly turned red as tears filled them.
She stood up and ran out of the hall without looking back.
Charlie became even more furious when he saw her leave.
On the stage, Harold said proudly, “Thank you for this honor. I'll do my best as the new director and ensure that the project with Emgrand Group is completed successfully!”
Lady Wilson nodded with satisfaction.
She took the microphone and continued.
“There is one more important matter for tonight's banquet.
“We are also honored to have invited the new chairman of the Emgrand Group, Mr. Wade!
“Please welcome him with a generous round of applause!”
Thunderous applause immediately filled the hall.
All the guests had come tonight hoping to see the new chairman of the Emgrand Group.
They couldn't wait to finally see his true identity.
Everyone looked around like meerkats, eager to see who would stand up.
Someone whispered, “I suspect the mysterious chairman is the same mysterious wealthy man from Emerald Court.”
“Yes, I think so too! Even his back looks extraordinary. I don't think he's just another wealthy businessman from Aurouss Hilll.”
“Oh my God! Does that mean the chairman of the Emgrand Group is the most powerful billionaire in Aurouss Hilll?”
“Ah! I can't wait to see his face!”
Amid the thunderous applause and the eager attention of everyone in the hall, Charlie Wade slowly stood up, his expression cold and composed.