Chapter 489 The Windsor Family's Party!
Ryder headed straight back to Maple Real Estate after leaving the hospital.
Up on the twentieth floor, he settled into his office chair and took a look around.
Although he had only been in this office for a few months, he had already gotten used to working here!
But with Maple Group's main operations shifting to New York City and the headquarters relocating there earlier this year, Ryder knew he'd soon be saying goodbye to this office for good.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
Sophia, dressed in professional attire, walked into the office.
She'd always been Ryder's go-to assistant, and he was seriously impressed by her skills.
That's why he made up his mind—Sophia was taking over as the new president of Maple Real Estate!
Sophia respectfully said to Ryder, "Mr. Clark, all the office materials you need to take with you have been organized and will be transported to the New York City headquarters tonight. When you arrive there, you can use them directly!"
Ryder nodded, "Thank you for your hard work!"
"Just doing my job," Sophia replied with a polished smile.
Then, as if it just hit her, she dropped a stack of papers on Ryder's desk.
"Mr. Clark," she said, her tone all business, "the sales team's been digging up something shady. Down in Houston, there's a bunch of imposters posing as Maple Real Estate. They've even got a fake website going, pushing properties all over the place. Lots of homeowners said they saw our properties listed at crazy discounts online and jumped on them—paid deposits, and some even went all in with full payments. Turns out, they got played. Those properties were never officially listed by Maple Real Estate. Half of those houses don't even exist!"
Ryder raised an eyebrow, "What's the damage?"
Sophia replied, "Over 120 homeowners got burned, totaling more than $10 million in losses. Almost half of them think Maple Real Estate's on the hook too, and they're gearing up to take us to court."
Ryder squinted slightly, "How much information do we have on the fraudsters?"
Sophia stepped forward and opened the file, "It's all here, please take a look!"
Ryder glanced at the contents of the file, a cold smile forming on his lips as he muttered, "Looks like we've got some shady characters to handle before we leave Houston!"
Evening!
Inside the Windsor family's mansion, the first-floor living room was buzzing with energy.
A party was in full swing, with about thirty to forty people dressed to the nines, mingling and laughing, wine glasses in hand, all set to the backdrop of smooth tunes.
The occasion? Lucas had just closed the sale of all his assets earlier that day, cashing out nearly $200 million.
He was packing up and heading to New York City for bigger opportunities, and this shindig was his friends' way of sending him off in style.
Lucas was riding high, already five or six drinks deep, holding court right in the middle of the room.
He raised his glass and shouted, "Everyone, quiet down, I have a few words to say!"
The living room immediately fell silent!
All eyes were on Lucas!
Lucas, his face slightly flushed, looked around and said, "I've spent decades building my career here in Houston, and I owe it all to the support of my friends and partners. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. So, here's to you all!"
With that, he threw back his drink in one go.
The crowd erupted with praise:
"Well said, Lucas! You're a pro at handling your liquor!"
"Compared to you, what we've done is just the cherry on top. It's your talent that's brought you this far!"
"No kidding! Meeting Lucas has been the highlight of my life. I should be the one toasting him!"
Listening to the flattery, Lucas felt a wave of satisfaction!
Being in power felt great!
He cleared his throat, signaling everyone to quiet down again, and continued, "Now, I'm off to New York City—the land of endless opportunities! But no matter where I am, I won't forget any of you. If you ever hit a rough patch, come find me in the Big Apple. If I can help, I've got your back!"
The room buzzed with excitement.
Everyone was thinking the same thing: if Lucas made it big in New York and became one of the city's elite, they'd be set for life just by cozying up to him.
"Top me off!" Lucas, already a little buzzed, called out.
A young man, whose attire looked out of place compared to the others, bent over and carefully poured half a glass of wine for Lucas!
This person was Henry!
The Windsor family's matrilocal son-in-law!
Since being despised, he had been living a slave-like life in the Windsor family!
Seeing Henry, everyone couldn't help but mock:
"Isn't this the infamous matrilocal son-in-law Henry? That outfit looks pretty good on you!"
"He deserves it for always disappointing Lucas! If it were up to me, breaking his legs would be a light punishment!"
"Exactly! This kind of trash is only kept around because Lucas is kind-hearted! Anyone else would have killed him!"
"I'm thinking of getting a matrilocal son-in-law for my daughter in the future. If he doesn't listen, I'll beat him as I please!"
The mocking and ridicule fell on Henry's ears!
He remained bent over, not daring to lift his head!
Just then, Elena, rocking a plunging neckline, barked, "Hey, loser! Get over here and pour me one too!"
Henry quickly stepped forward to pour wine for Elena!
While pouring, Elena, who was smoking, sneered, "Don't worry, even though you're trash, my dad and I have decided to take you to New York City with us to continue serving us!"
As she spoke, she pressed the cigarette butt into Henry's arm!
Henry screamed in pain.
His arm shook!
Some wine accidentally spilled from the bottle, splashing onto Elena's calf!
Elena's expression darkened, and she slapped him directly!
"Are you blind? Do you want me to chop off your hand?"
Henry quickly apologized, "I'm sorry!"
Elena was about to continue her outburst but Lucas cut in, "Chill, it's a party. Don't let him ruin the mood. Just let him pour for everyone. One more screw-up, and he's losing a finger."
Only then did Elena let Henry go!
After making his rounds in the living room, Henry kept refilling the guests' glasses, enduring their taunts without a word, head down and silent.
Once everyone's drinks were topped off, Lucas was about to give his final speech when his expression suddenly changed.
He glanced at the wine glass in his hand.
Something was off!
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