Chapter 305 Candidness Triumphs Over Covert Whispers
Upon their arrival, Malcolm and Reese immediately became the cynosure of all eyes, owing to Malcolm's significant influence in Atlanta. His status as a top-tier influencer was undeniable.
Reese, standing alongside a man of Malcolm's stature, was also the recipient of many curious glances. However, her steadfast resilience and self-assuredness never allowed her to feel undeserving of the man by her side.
Together, they were a formidable pair, their combined strengths making them a power couple, evenly matched in nearly every aspect.
Before long, they were surrounded by industry magnates, each one eagerly trying to curry favor with Malcolm.
"Mr. Flynn, we're honored by your presence. It's delightful to see you here."
"And this must be Reese, your better half. The two of you together seem like a match made by destiny."
"I've heard that Flynn Group recently secured a massive new contract. Congratulations are certainly in order!"
Reese listened to these superficial pleasantries with a growing sense of irritation. She saw through their false pretenses, wondering what hidden agendas lay beneath their eager overtures.
This was precisely why she detested such events. She lacked the patience for the grotesque charade of insincerity that these people performed so adeptly.
She believed it would be far more beneficial to focus on fortifying one's own business, rather than engaging in empty flattery at these gatherings. After all, true strength resonated louder than a hundred hollow words.
However, looking around, it was clear that they didn't comprehend this. If they did, they wouldn't feel the need to ingratiate themselves with Malcolm.
Malcolm, for his part, maintained a courteous but detached demeanor—he couldn't afford to alienate the business community entirely.
As for Reese, he allowed her to be herself. She was perfectly capable of handling herself, and in that moment, she did so with an air of aloofness that seemed to suggest she preferred these people to maintain their distance.
The socialites arrived in droves, and where there was a gathering of women, disputes and disagreements were bound to follow—especially among those of the upper echelon.
Whispers began to circulate among the women from rival business groups, their curiosity piqued.
"Is that Mr. Flynn's Reese? She seems rather ordinary to me."
"I think she's quite attractive, actually. But probably just a trophy wife, I heard she's the heiress of the Brooks family."
"Pfft, Brooks Corporation? They're nowhere near our level of success."
Indeed, Brooks Corporation had been mediocre in the industry for the past few years—hardly a standout.
"Look at that scowl on Mr. Flynn's Reese, it's as if someone owes her money."
"If she didn't want to attend this event, she could have just declined. It's the golden anniversary of GlobalMacro Group’s founders—her sour expression is really inappropriate."
The source of these snide remarks was none other than Abby Sawyer, from the struggling Sawyer Group. Having married into wealth early and blessed her in-laws with three sons, she had earned a coveted place in their hearts.
Now a significant voice within these elite circles, her arrogance seemed limitless, as if she herself was some great catch.
Especially since her brother Sawyer's fall from grace, allegedly due to this woman named Reese, Abby harbored no warm feelings toward her.
"Just by looking at her, you can tell she's trouble. What's the use of being pretty if it brings disaster?"
Watching Reese, Abby sneered, "Who knows what kind of scheming fox she is, probably eyeing the Flynn fortune. Even with his wealth and qualities, Mr. Flynn could have had his pick of any girl—why settle for her?"
"Who knows, maybe she's got a certain charm. Even though I'm not very familiar with Reese's background, just her looks would disarm any man."
"Exactly, nowadays if a man is wealthy, he doesn't appreciate the ones who throw themselves at him. They prefer the cool, aloof type—it's all a game for them. They want what they can't have and undervalue what comes easy."
They all thought Reese was out of earshot, never suspecting she heard every word.
It wasn't that Reese hadn't acted yet—she was biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back as the others grew increasingly vociferous and vile in their gossip. Then, turning to Malcolm, Reese whispered something.
"Honey, you keep busy; I have some things to handle over there."
Malcolm gently squeezed her hand, asking softly, "What do you need to take care of? Do you want my help?"
"No need, just some gossips; I can handle it. Focus on what you're doing."
She believed that the wars between women didn't require a man's involvement.
Glancing in the direction Reese was headed, Malcolm noticed a group of women huddled together, obviously deep in conversation. He instantly understood the matter Reese referred to.
Squeezing her hand reassuringly, he said, "Don't worry about leaving me out; if anything goes down, I've got your back."
Reese nodded, "Okay."
Oblivious to the looming confrontation, the women chatted with enthusiastic delight.
"I just caught wind of a juicy rumor. This Reese isn't actually a natural-born Brooks, not blood-related at all."
"What? Not her own flesh and blood? That's no different from an ordinary person. Such a person marrying into the Flynn legacy is utterly preposterous."
"Well, what can you do? Some people just have a way about them."
"What can I do? Why don't you enlighten me, so I can truly understand what kind of person I am?"
Reese's voice, icy and sharp as winter air, struck fear into the listeners. The women recoiled as they encountered her piercing, commanding gaze.
With a leisurely stride, Reese approached them, leaving the ladies dumbstruck. Evidently, Reese's presence was overwhelming, and they were defenseless.
Others from various corporations remained silent, cowed by Reese's aura, though one woman seemed considerably calmer.
It was Lancy from the Moon Group, known to be close friends with Abby.
With an awkward chuckle, she said, "Reese, there must be some misunderstanding. We were discussing someone else, not you."
Reese, sharp as she was, saw right through their intentions and knew exactly what they were thinking.
Having nothing better to do at the moment, she decided to join their little game.
Arms crossed, her posture relaxed but her gaze intense, she fixated on Lancy. "Then why don't you share with me who it was you were discussing?"
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