Chapter 470 Riding the Tank!
Susan's comment suddenly put all eyes on Ryder.
On the surface, it seemed like she was just being caring.
But really, she was just mocking Ryder's position.
Ryder just smiled and said, "Thanks for the concern, but my job's going pretty well!"
Susan's eyes flashed with annoyance. "You're so stubborn. I'm just trying to help. A supervisor can't make much, right? Why not let Louis help you?"
Deborah jumped in, "Susan's right. What's important these days? Money and connections! If you don't aim higher, how can you make Lily happy? How can you support our family?"
Lily was immediately annoyed. "Deborah! Ryder's not lacking ambition! And no rule says our relationship has to benefit the family!"
Deborah's face darkened. "Lily, you can't be so selfish. We raised you, and you should give back to us!"
Lily shook her head in frustration, knowing Deborah and Susan were notoriously greedy, unable to accept their principles.
Ryder, on the other hand, stayed calm.
He didn't let their words get to him.
Compared to Karen's harshness, this was nothing; Ryder had developed a thick skin over the years.
The thing was, Ryder didn't need to prove anything to them.
His job was just to play the part of Lily's boyfriend well.
Everything else would fall into place.
Seeing Ryder not react, Luna was a bit annoyed.
Ryder's calmness took the fun out of showing off.
So Luna nudged Louis, who got the hint, put down his fork, leaned back, and, with a smug look, asked, "Ryder, right? They have a point. A guy should strive while he's young and not settle! So, which real estate company do you work for? I know a lot of big shots in Houston! If I put in a good word, getting you a promotion and a raise would be a breeze! After all, we're practically family!"
Louis glanced at Lily, hoping to catch her eye.
In his eyes, women always admired strong men. If he could easily fix Ryder's job situation, it would show off his skills.
But Lily just ignored him.
Ryder, hearing Louis's offer, got a bit interested, a smile playing on his lips. "I work at Maple Real Estate in Houston! Heard of it?"
"Of course!" Louis nodded eagerly. "That's the biggest real estate company in Houston, very impressive! You're in luck; I know the head honcho at Maple Real Estate. With my help, getting a promotion would be a piece of cake!"
Ryder grinned and asked, "Which one? I'd love to know!"
Louis cleared his throat, his eyes darting around, and replied, "Isn't there a guy named Tom at your company? We're good friends!"
Ryder almost laughed out loud.
Tom was just a team leader for a construction crew that worked with Maple Real Estate, and he had no real clout in the company!
Plus, that guy had been fired ages ago for crossing Ryder!
And now Louis was trying to name-drop him!
How hilarious!
Of course, Ryder didn't know that Louis wasn't actually tight with Tom. Last year, Louis's boss took him to Houston, where they had briefly met Tom at dinner!
At most, Louis had tried to cozy up to Tom and added him on WhatsApp, but that was it!
Still, in Louis's mind, as long as he could intimidate Ryder, mission accomplished!
Seeing Ryder stay quiet, Louis felt pretty smug. He picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and acted all generous. "Don't worry, I've handled many such matters; it's a piece of cake!"
Ryder just smiled and didn't say anything.
Louis's arrogance made Lily's relatives very happy and increasingly satisfied with him!
Compared to him, Ryder seemed even more insignificant.
So, for the rest of the meal, Lily's relatives kept showering Louis with praise and attention!
Meanwhile, Ryder stayed cool and quiet.
No one wanted to talk to him!
By 8 PM, dinner was wrapping up.
Louis patted his chest and generously invited everyone to the city center of Houston for some fun!
Betty, who had never experienced such luxury, was thrilled and quickly agreed!
Deborah and Mario also nodded enthusiastically!
They even praised Louis for being so thoughtful!
Lily and Mia initially didn't want to go.
But they couldn't resist Louis's enthusiastic invitation and Betty's insistence, finally agreeing to go along!
In the yard, there were two cars—Louis's BMW and Ryder's red, no-name car!
Betty, Deborah, Mario, and the others had long wanted to ride in the BMW!
Susan and Philip were no exception!
They all looked down on Ryder's car!
Only Lily and Mia got into Ryder's red car!
But since the BMW couldn't fit everyone, Deborah had to reluctantly get out and join Ryder's car.
Deborah was very unwilling and grumbled as she got in, "This car is so uncomfortable! I should have brought our own car!"
Hearing this, Ryder glanced at Deborah through the rearview mirror and chuckled, "I think, given your status, a car might not be suitable! You should ride a tank instead!"
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