Chapter88 Louis's Psychological Shadow
Ethan didn't take Sarah's threat seriously. After arranging everything for the reception, he returned to his own room.
On the other hand, the prominent figures in Seattle's business community received invitations to the reception simultaneously by that morning, causing quite a stir.
For receptions like this, it’d usually be announced a few days in advance, so it was quite unusual to receive an invitation on the day of the reception itself.
After all, these big bosses weren’t idle people; they needed to plan their time in advance to attend anything.
However, this project involved RP Investments, so even if they were busy, they’d definitely clear their schedules to attend. After all, a well-funded investment firm like this was the object of desire for countless of them. Getting their attention was usually a difficult task!
This naturally included Frank from QU Group.
“Dad, do you think Ethan intentionally arranged this hasty reception?”
Frank looked at the invitation, discussing the peculiarities within.
“Even the venue is arranged at the hotel where he’s staying. Even a fool can see that! It's not surprising that he organized the reception immediately after the buzz your foolish actions made yesterday! If I were him, I would’ve done the same. Ethan wants to establish his reputation in Seattle's business circle!”
It seemed like Frank had already seen through Ethan's intentions. He scolded Louis angrily on one hand, showing slight solemnity on the other.
“Weren't you looking for that woman named Alice? She’ll definitely attend the reception tonight, so this should be our chance!”
Louis's expression changed. He quickly changing the subject while still harboring intense hatred for Ethan in his heart.
“Of course. Today, I’ll personally meet this woman and find a way to get involved. We absolutely can't let Shine Group get too complacent! Once the reception starts, you can go to the venue and promptly gather intel.”
Frank instructed with narrowed eyes, already having a rough plan in mind.
In any case, he couldn't just stand by and watch Shine Group and RP Investments cooperate smoothly without doing anything!
The reception was originally scheduled on 6 o'clock in the afternoon. By 4 o'clock, the banquet hall on the hotels’ 8th floor had already been prepared, with invited celebrities and dignitaries gradually arriving.
Evander arrived early with several senior executives from the company to greet the guests. Most people would arrive early for events like this. After all, it was an excellent opportunity to expand their network and make new friends, which was what many of them really wanted.
Louis never expected that overnight, his and Ethan's identities would be reversed and he’d find himself in Ethan's territory.
If he had a choice, he really didn't want to come personally. Ethan's actions yesterday had traumatized him, and he wanted to stay as far away as possible from that despicable and dreadful guy.
However, he feared that if he didn't go to the reception, Frank would break his legs.
Entering the banquet hall, Louis looked around. Once he confirmed that Ethan wasn’t around, he was instantly relieved.
He was afraid that if he saw Ethan again, that guy would use that disgusting smile to stare at him and ask why his so-called friend hadn't come.
Others probably wouldn’t do that, but Louis knew Ethan was capable of it.
“Louis, you arrived early. Are you alone? Why didn't your friend come with you?”
Just at that moment, a voice Louis regarded as a nightmare from last night suddenly echoed behind him, making him tremble.
He stiffly turned around and saw Ethan, who was wearing an Armani suit. Alongside him was Sarah, looking stunning as ever as they both walked into the banquet hall.
Suppressing the urge to run away, Louis forced a smile and said to Ethan, “Mr. Wilson, you’re here early as well? What a coincidence! However, my friend is still out of town.”
“That's truly unfortunate.”
Ethan pretended to be regretful and sighed. By this time, many people who had already arrived recognized the two of them, excitement appearing on their faces.
The incident at Palace Club had become a hot topic, and everyone present was likely aware of it.
In the past, as QU Group’s young master, Louis would’ve been the center of attention.
But at this moment, as soon as someone saw Ethan, they immediately surrounded him with smiles, treating Louis like air.
Standing in place, Louis watched Ethan and the bosses or wealthy second-generation figures enthusiastically chatting and laughing. He felt like a clown, wishing he had extra legs to run away as far as possible.
“Louis, where are you going? These people are all CEOs and executives of Seattle's leading companies. You should be quite familiar with them, right? Come say hello!”
Just as he was about to slip away, Ethan's words froze him in place.
Simultaneously, everyone's gaze immediately turned to Louis.
Louis could only force a smile. “Mr. Wilson is joking. I’m only a bystander today; Mr. Wilson is the true protagonist!”
“Louis, you're quite funny. I'm just an outsider, so how can I compare to you? In the future, I hope you can introduce me to more people,” Ethan laughed heartily, his arm hooking around Louis' somewhat-stiff shoulder, displaying a very intimate demeanor between the two.
A chill ran down Louis' spine, feeling nauseous as if he had swallowed a fly. He wisely shut his mouth, remaining silent.
At that moment, a middle-aged businessman smiled and said, “Mr. Wilson is too modest. Just by looking at you, one can tell you are a good friend. Although everyone here has their own industries, that doesn’t stop us from collaborating. We also hope we could work with Mr. Wilson.”
Ethan replied with a noncommittal smile, “More friends come with more opportunities, and you could never earn enough money. With more friends, money will naturally follow. There’s always opportunities open for partnerships, but I’m just worried Shine Group may not find it appealing.”
“Mr. Wilson truly jests. Who doesn't know that Shine Group is currently collaborating with RP Investments? We’re all very envious!” Another person joined in the laughter.
“Mr. Wilson is implying that he’s willing to make money together with everyone!”
“That's right! We’ll definitely appreciate Mr. Wilson's generous support!”
Immediately, two more people chimed in agreement.
This group of people coordinated their words excellently, responding to one another. Even someone who barely knew social etiquette would have to say a few nice words to handle the situation. Naturally, it gave them further opportunities.
“You’ve all said so much. It seems that if I don't show my intentions today, it wouldn't be enough?” Ethan forced a smile and shook his head, displaying a hint of helplessness. This immediately caught everyone's attention, including Louis, who had been hating Ethan and wanting to leave just a moment ago.