Chapter 152 Lloyd, the Drama King
Jane got the boot. Some folks were thrilled, others, not so much.
Emily and Sandra were the most bummed out.
They'd barely managed to set up Aurora, and now Jane was out before they could even make a move.
Sandra shot a look at Aurora, who caught it right away.
Amidst the crowd, their sharp gazes clashed in the air, sparks flying.
Sandra smirked, swirling her wine glass, and raised it in a mocking toast to Aurora.
Jane was just the warm-up; the real drama was yet to come.
Aurora found the whole thing annoying but kept her cool smile. Whatever was coming, she was ready.
Helen felt like she was on a roller coaster and hadn't quite recovered. "Aurora, when did you find out Jane was faking her pregnancy?"
"It wasn't me who found out, it was Lenora." Aurora withdrew her gaze. Seeing Helen's pale face, she said, "Helen, why don't you go rest first? We can talk about this later."
"Alright, Jane always causes troubles." Helen sighed. "By the way, where are Loren and Summer?"
"They're feeling a bit off, so I had Sophia take them home first." Aurora lied smoothly.
Just then, Todd walked in looking serious.
"Ms. White, Boss is in trouble." Todd didn't lower his voice, so everyone heard.
Aurora's heart skipped a beat. "What happened?"
"Boss's car went off a cliff on the mountain road." Todd's words shocked everyone.
The guests were stunned, and Helen's legs went weak. "What about John? How is he?"
That was the question on everyone's mind.
Todd's brow furrowed deeply. "We don't know his situation, but it doesn't look good."
Helen's eyes rolled back, and she fainted.
"James, take Mrs. Lewis to her room," Aurora said, her mind racing but her actions steady.
Sandra panicked. "Todd, what happened to John? Why was he on the mountain road?"
Todd replied, "The boss was ambushed on his way here, and his car was wrecked. The police are already on the scene."
Aurora noticed a waiter acting suspiciously, heading upstairs.
Lloyd was resting in the upstairs lounge.
Aurora made a quick decision. She stepped onto the stage and said firmly, "Due to some unexpected events, the birthday banquet might start a bit late. Please stay calm, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves."
Then, Aurora turned to the Lewis Family's extended branch and said, "Today is Mr. Lloyd Lewis's 70th birthday. You all share the Lewis name and are part of the Lewis Family. Since we're family, it is only fitting for you to graciously help entertain our guests."
Aurora wasn't afraid of the guests gossiping; she was worried these branches of the Lewis family would take advantage of the situation, so she had to stabilize them first.
The guests were secretly impressed by Aurora's composure and quick thinking.
The internal strife within the Lewis Family was well-known, and now with John in trouble and Lloyd not showing up, today's banquet was bound to be complicated. The extended family members were definitely wanting to cause trouble.
Aurora's mention of "family" immediately quashed any schemes the extended family might have had.
To put it simply, everyone shared the Lewis name, so they were all in the same boat. The Lewis Family was now in trouble, and Aurora, who hadn't married yet into the family, was standing firm. If they took advantage of the situation, they would be despised and seen as traitors.
The extended family members exchanged glances, feeling quite frustrated. They were indeed outmaneuvered and ensnared by the clever tactics of Aurora.
What could they do?
Aurora had already called them hosts, not guests. So, as hosts, they couldn't stir up trouble. It was only reasonable for hosts to entertain guests.
Aurora signaled to Todd and Kevin to take care of the guests in the hall while she headed to the lounge.
John had mentioned that Wade would try to force Lloyd to hand over his shares today. If John couldn't make it, she would have to stop it.
Aurora believed John would be fine and would come. However, she was puzzled about why John was on the mountain road, but she didn't dwell on it.
In the lounge, Lloyd sat on a wooden chair, smoking a cigar. Wade and Rex stood on either side, handing him a share transfer document.
"Grandpa, you heard it just now. John had an accident on the mountain road, and his body was burned. You're getting old, and you can't manage such a big company alone. Just let me, your grandson, help you."
Wade's words were smooth.
Lloyd calmly smoked his cigar, blowing a smoke ring into the air, making the atmosphere even more tense.
He tapped the table with his cigar holder, exuding his authority. "Wade, I watched you grow up. When I was making waves in the business world, your father was still unknown. You think you can play 'usurpation' in front of me? Why don't you just kill me too?"
His voice was strong, and his words might be a bit harsh, but that was indeed the truth.
In front of him, Wade was a nobody.
Wade was seething with anger but didn't dare to show it. Deep down, he feared and respected Lloyd.
Even though Lloyd was old, Wade didn't dare to act rashly.
Rex was even more intimidated. He had never been Lloyd's favorite son; among his sons, Lloyd preferred his eldest and third sons.
Lloyd had been strict with his children, and Rex was scared seeing him angry.
"Grandpa, I wouldn't dare." Wade lowered his head, appearing submissive, but he still handed over the share transfer document. "Grandpa, today is your 70th birthday. If you sign, it will be a double celebration. Don't force me. I'm calmly discussing this with you, asking to share your burden."
Rex added, "Dad, I know you favor John. We've been suppressed for years, and John never treated me like an uncle."
Lloyd was disappointed. "Is that what you think?"
"Isn't it true?" Mentioning his years of frustration, Rex was emboldened and said, "Now that John is in trouble, we're trying to stabilize the company. If news of John's accident gets out, the company will be in chaos. Dad, you should sign. The guests are waiting for you."
"Trying to force me? You two are forcing me?" Lloyd paced back and forth, his arms crossed, filled with anger.
Unable to contain his anger, Lloyd suddenly grabbed his cigar holder and struck Wade and Rex on the head. "You want me to sign? Dream on. If you have the guts, just kill me too, and the Lewis Family will be all yours."
Wade, wincing in pain, glared fiercely. "Grandpa, you make me do this."
Just as Wade was about to force Lloyd to sign, Aurora kicked the door open.
Aurora said, "Why is the door closed in broad daylight? Are you doing something shady?"
Seeing Aurora, Lloyd waved his cigar. "Aurora, help! They want to beat me up. Oh, what a misfortune for the family."
Wade and Rex were momentarily at a loss.
They hadn't even hit him yet. Clearly, they were the ones being hit.
And where did the authoritative Lloyd just now go?
As soon as Aurora appeared, Lloyd acted like a bullied old man, almost ready to cry and throw a tantrum. What was going on?