Chapter 100

The celebration banquet kicked off soon enough. I scanned the room and saw that the attendees were indeed big shots. It was clear Brandon had gone all out for this event.

Savannah, Kathy, and I stood in a corner, taking it all in.

Joanna had already been whisked away to mingle up front. We watched as Brandon worked the room, toasting left and right, his grin impossible to hide.

Kathy remarked, "Well, he's definitely made it."

Savannah glanced at Brandon and muttered, "Success built on others' efforts is ultimately hollow, isn't it?"

Her comment made Kathy and me burst into laughter. People who practice martial arts really do have a knack for cutting to the chase.

Meanwhile, Karen was busy schmoozing, seemingly bragging about Brandon's achievements. But everyone here was sharp; they all knew the real story behind their family.

Inwardly, they all looked down on Karen, thinking it was beneath them to even speak to her. But you couldn't deny that she had managed to climb the social ladder through marriage, and you had to respect that kind of luck.

Just then, a woman walked in through the door. She was elegant and poised, immediately drawing attention as if she were the hostess of the evening.

Brandon noticed her too and quickly went to greet her.

Kathy scoffed, "Brandon really has no shame, does he? He's not even trying to hide it anymore."

Curious, I asked, "Who is she?"

Kathy replied, "That's Maeve Harrington, a well-known mistress. She's been with quite a few wealthy men, all thanks to her looks and figure."

"She's also the lead dancer at the city's dance troupe, which is how she meets so many rich guys."

Kathy pointed around the room, "I bet a lot of her ex-lovers are here tonight."

I was taken aback, not really feeling anything but still puzzled about why Brandon invited her.

"Maybe he invited her to perform a dance later," Kathy guessed, seeing my confusion.

I nodded, still unsure, and continued to watch their interactions.

Brandon, clearly feeling triumphant, was now introducing Maeve to various bigwigs, his arm around her.

Kathy rolled her eyes, "Does Brandon not realize he might introduce her to one of her exes?"

Just then, Joanna came over and pulled me along, "You're the star of the show. What are you doing standing in the corner? Come with me, you should be at the center of the event."

I was reluctantly dragged to the middle, with Kathy and Savannah following behind.

Joanna pushed me next to Brandon and said coldly, "Mr. Jordan, why are you introducing a dancer instead of your wife at this banquet?"

The term "dancer" was highly derogatory, and Maeve's face immediately showed her discomfort. But given Joanna's status, she couldn't say anything and forced a smile.

Brandon was caught off guard but quickly recovered, saying, "My wife isn't feeling well, so I thought I'd introduce the performer for tonight, Maeve. She'll be dancing for us later."

Joanna, never one to hold back, shot back, "If it weren't for Caroline, my father wouldn't have agreed to give you the project. And yet, you don't even introduce her?"

Hearing this, the leaders around us turned to look at me.

Brandon gritted his teeth and forced a smile, "This is my wife, Caroline, the founder of this company."

Kathy chimed in, "Yeah, Caroline is the founder."

Brandon glared at Kathy but nodded reluctantly.

The leaders shook my hand, "We've heard a lot about your company's achievements in the building materials industry. It's impressive to meet the person behind it."

I smiled, "I had some help from my father, who was also in this industry."

The leaders nodded, understanding that few succeed without family support these days.

Joanna continued to praise me to the leaders, "Caroline's work is exceptional. She saved the company from the brink several times. It's only now that her husband is managing it. Back then, they were the industry leader."

The implication was clear: the company's decline was Brandon's fault, not mine.

Brandon's smile grew more strained as he understood Joanna's point.

I raised my glass and toasted the leaders, exchanging pleasantries.

Our group was lively and harmonious, while Brandon and Maeve were left out in the cold.

After a while, I suggested, "Let's not keep talking, the banquet is about to start."

Brandon seized the opportunity to step forward, "Alright, everyone, please take your seats. I'll say a few words and then join you."

He went on stage, pushing down his earlier feelings of being ignored, and put on a confident expression.

"Distinguished colleagues, leaders, and friends, welcome to our company's celebration banquet. We're here to celebrate securing an overseas project. Of course, my wife Caroline played a crucial role in this success."

Having learned his lesson, Brandon made sure to introduce me.

"Now, let's welcome Mr. Cox from our overseas partner to say a few words."

Louis came on stage with a translator and delivered his speech, followed by applause.

"Alright, I now declare the banquet officially started," Brandon announced.

Guests took their seats, and the stage transformed into a performance area where Maeve began her captivating dance, drawing many eyes.

I was seated at the main table, while Kathy and the others were nearby. I wanted to join them, but Kathy insisted, "You're the star tonight. You need to sit at the main table. We're fine where we are, and Isadora is with me."

Isadora nodded, "Yes, Ms. Sharp, you should be here."

Joanna also pulled me to sit at the main table.

Once the dishes were served, the banquet officially began.