Chapter 311 Making a Scene
The anticipation was palpable as they waited. "We might have to linger a little longer," came the announcement, "The MacKinnon couple is yet to make their appearance. It's only right that we bid them farewell before our departure."
The underlying implication was clear - failing to do so would invite a tirade from Grandpa Flynn later on.
Reese, however, seemed unperturbed by the delay. "Sure," she responded nonchalantly.
In the midst of the waiting, Valentina took it upon herself to issue a stern warning to Dahlia, punctuating it with a sharp poke on the forehead. "Should you dare to pursue my husband again, I'll ensure the entirety of Atlanta is privy to your dirty secrets. Mark my words."
Dahlia, now a pitiful sight on the floor, clutched the incriminating photos tightly. Her heart was a tumultuous storm of humiliation and fury. She silently vowed that this would not be the end. The disgrace she had endured today would be returned a hundredfold in the future.
With her threat hanging in the air, Valentina departed, her head held high. The crowd around her gradually dispersed, leaving Dahlia alone with her thoughts.
"Granddad's doing well; he just misses you. He's been swamped with work lately, so he sent me in his stead," Malcolm informed Jackson. His tone was respectful yet firm, devoid of any hint of subservience.
Malcolm's composure, regardless of the situation, was something Reese admired greatly. His calm demeanor exuded a sense of security and reliability, painting him as a man who could be depended upon.
Jackson clapped Malcolm on the shoulder in a friendly gesture. "Feel free to make yourself at home and enjoy your time here. There's no need for formalities."
Turning his attention to Reese, who was standing next to Malcolm, Jackson extended his greetings. "So, you must be Reese. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
"Uncle Jackson," Reese responded, her reply smooth and practiced.
Jackson was pleasantly taken aback by the stunning young woman Malcolm had brought along. His face lit up with approval. "She seems competent. I'm certain she'll be a valuable asset in your professional journey."
Reese was adept at adapting to various situations, including feigning modesty when praised. She did so now, in response to Jackson's compliments. "You're too kind, Uncle Jackson. I'm not as exceptional as you make me out to be. All credit goes to Malcolm's guidance."
Malcolm was quietly taken aback by Reese's humility. Her ability to preserve his dignity in front of others was endearing, and he found himself falling for her more each day.
He wrapped an arm around Reese, their affection for each other clear for all to see. "Reese is sensible and has a sweet disposition. We never have disagreements."
Reese couldn't help but smirk inwardly at the exchange. It felt like a game of mutual flattery, all for the sake of maintaining good business relations.
Jackson watched the young couple's display of affection and felt a twinge of envy. His mood, however, soured as his gaze landed on Kenneth. His expression hardened. "Colin, what were you thinking? I extended an invitation to you for my wife and I's golden anniversary celebration, and instead of showing gratitude, you create a spectacle with your daughter."
Kenneth felt a surge of panic. He knew he couldn't afford to cross paths with the likes of the GlobalMacro Group, and Jackson held considerable influence in the industry. Offending him was the last thing Kenneth wanted to do.
In a swift motion, Kenneth pulled Dahlia up from the floor, his reprimand sharp and urgent. "Apologize to Jackson immediately!"
Dahlia seemed slig htly disoriented, but even she recognized that Jackson was not someone to be trifled with. Kenneth appeared to be on the verge of losing his patience, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that if she continued with her antics, he would not hesitate to punish her severely once they were home.
With shaky steps, Dahlia rose to her feet and offered an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Jackson. I lost my composure today."
Jackson's displeasure was evident; his face had turned a shade of iron blue. "Miss Brooks, personal matters should be dealt with at home, not displayed here for attention. With everyone present, you should at least maintain some dignity."
Dahlia's face turned a deep shade of red at Jackson's rebuke. She wanted to blame Reese for the debacle, but given the close ties between the Flynns and Jackson, she didn't dare speak ill of Reese openly.
Swallowing her pride and sense of injustice, she murmured, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jackson. It's my fault."
Jackson, not wanting to prolong the issue, dismissed it with a wave of his hand and a frown. "Just ensure you don't attend my parties in the future."
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