Chapter 427 Sending James Back to the Villa
The room went dead silent.
"James, what are you talking about?" Ivy's pretty face turned icy. "Who are you trying to jinx?"
Vance was just as angry. "Yeah, why would you say something bad is gonna happen to us?"
In their eyes, this was the pitiful resistance of a small person—low class, ostracized, and now spewing nonsense in anger.
The people around looked at James with disdain.
James gave Vance and Ivy a faint smile. "Just wait. If you don't die, you'll at least get hurt. It's gonna happen soon."
"Really? You're just pretending to be some kind of mystic." Ivy sneered. "For Coralie's sake, I'll give you a chance to apologize. Otherwise, I'll say this right now: In Glowing Oasis, you won't be able to get by."
Her tone carried a clear warning.
"What's going on here?"
At that moment, seven or eight more people arrived, led by Coralie's mother, Marigold. She was dressed fashionably in a long gown, exuding mature charm and a hint of sensuality.
After hearing Ivy's complaint, Marigold's face hardened as she scolded James. "James, even though you're a guest invited by Bruce, you can't just spout nonsense."
"Trust me, you can afford to offend Ivy and Mr. Murphy."
"If you make them angry and end up losing your job or getting into an accident, don't blame us for not helping you."
She looked at James with disdain. "Apologize to them right now."
Coralie hesitated, wanting to say something for James, but knowing it would only make things worse. She gently tugged on James's sleeve. "James, let it go. Be the bigger person, apologize, and make peace."
"Let's talk about it after tonight," James replied nonchalantly. "If nothing happens to them tonight, I'll apologize on my knees tomorrow."
"But," he looked at the two of them and added, "if something does happen, it means I wasn't cursing, and there's no need to apologize."
Coralie was slightly disappointed, thinking James was being too stubborn. Did right or wrong really matter?
Ivy was furious. "Still being stubborn?"
"Ms. Price, Mr. Murphy, I'm sorry. James was being impulsive. Please forgive him," Bruce hurriedly appeared in front of everyone before Marigold and Vance lost their temper.
"You're all important people. Please give me some face and don't argue with a kid."
He tried to smooth things over while pulling James to his side. "Let's just drop this, okay?"
Marigold couldn't help but scold James. "Look at you, always causing trouble for Bruce."
Bruce's face turned cold. "What did you say about James? If it weren't for him finding Dr. Fields last time, my head would be half useless now."
Seeing Bruce stand up for him, Ivy and Vance had no choice but to let it go, though they still huffed heavily. "Fine, we'll let it slide for Bruce's sake this time."
"But if you curse us again, don't blame us for being ruthless."
Ivy shot James a venomous look, like a snake ready to strike. James instinctively tensed, his eyes sharp as he watched Ivy.
He sensed a hint of danger.
But Ivy had already looked away, chatting with her friends. Vance pointed a finger at James before joining Coralie for a chat.
"James, come on, let's head to the hall. I'll introduce you to some people," Bruce said, leading James into the luxurious hall, intending to introduce him to some members of the Mystic Alliance.
James thought he might run into some familiar faces, but he didn't recognize any of the so-called high-ranking members of the Mystic Alliance in the hall.
None of Ruby, Mia, Milo, or Crazy Bear showed up. James quickly realized these were all members below level seven.
After all, it was just about supporting Bruce's company. There was no need for Crazy Bear and the others to show up personally.
"Mr. Howard, I'm not bragging about our new president, but as a friend, I advise you to get to know him if you have the chance!"
"Yeah, I heard he's only in his twenties, but his strength and wisdom are incredible. He cleaned up the chaotic situation in Glowing Oasis in less than half a month!"
"Piper and Mr. Murphy are all obedient to him, even the most domineering Crazy Bear conceded."
"He even saved Piper, who had a damaged Energy Core. He's a master of both medicine and martial arts."
"Rumor has it that Lancelot speaks highly of him too. Unfortunately, he keeps his identity hidden, and only those at Crazy Bear's level have the privilege to know his true face."
"Even the hundreds of people who fought in the arena back then are all silent now."
"Mr. Howard, if you can befriend our president, you'll be prosperous for generations."
Several Mystic Alliance members enthusiastically shared stories about the new president, urging Bruce to seize the opportunity to curry favor.
In his twenties? Cleaned up the Glowing Oasis Mystic Alliance in half a month? Ruby and Crazy Bear all bowing down? Lancelot praising him?
A series of revelations not only surprised Bruce and Marigold but also made Coralie and the other girls excited. They were eager to see what this president looked like.
Someone their age, yet so heroic and impressive, Coralie and the others felt this was the true prince charming.
"Vance, aren't you Mr. Howard's nephew?" Coralie suddenly looked at Vance eagerly. "Have you seen the new president? What does he look like?"
"Well..." Vance hesitated, then forced a smile. "I've been busy with company matters lately and haven't had the chance to meet him."
"Don't worry, I'll talk to Uncle Milo sometime and see if I can meet this impressive figure. I'll take a photo with him and show it to you all."
He tried to stay calm, but he was actually panicking. He called Milo his uncle, but they were only distantly related, with barely any real connection.
Coralie and the other girls were delighted. "Make sure to take a photo with him if you get the chance."
"You'll have the chance next week," a Mystic Alliance member said with a smile. "On Friday, the Mystic Alliance is hosting a thank-you banquet. Ask Mr. Howard to get you some invitations."
"Really? That's great!" Coralie jumped up, looking at Vance. "Vance, please take care of this."
Marigold's eyes lit up. "Mr. Howard, get a few more invitations for our whole family."
Even if they couldn't befriend the new president, meeting a few Mystic Alliance bigwigs would benefit the family greatly.
Bruce was also interested. "Vance, can you handle it?"
Vance's smile was strained. "Well..."
James hesitated and asked, "Uncle Bruce, do you want to attend the Mystic Alliance banquet?"
"That tone, as if you could get in," Vance scoffed before Bruce could respond. "Don't worry, I'll talk to Uncle Milo and take you all in."
"That's great!" Coralie and the others cheered.
Bruce patted James on the shoulder and smiled. "If you want to go, I'll ask some friends and see if I can get you an invitation."
James smiled. "Thank you, Uncle Bruce."
Seeing Vance's confidence, Coralie's eyes sparkled. He could casually promise to take everyone to the Mystic Alliance banquet, while James needed Bruce's help to even have a chance.
The difference was too great.
Thinking of this, Coralie felt more and more that James and she were from two different worlds.
Two hours later, the birthday party ended with everyone in high spirits. The Mystic Alliance guests left one after another, leaving only Ivy and a dozen others. James was also ready to go home.
"James, where are you going?" Bruce called out. "I'll give you a ride. It's late, and you won't find a cab in the villa area."
"Uncle Bruce, no need. I'm going back to Leo Villa," James replied casually. "It's just a short detour."
The room fell silent.
Vance, Ivy, Marigold, and Bruce all stared sharply at James.
"Do you really live in Leo Villa?" Vance sneered. "Are you sure it's not Flying Apsaras Villa?"
Flying Apsaras Villa was an abandoned building, a place for scavengers.
Bruce's expression turned grim, filled with disappointment. "James, how many times have I told you to be honest?"
James was helpless, spreading his hands. "Uncle Bruce, I really live there."
"Fine. Let's take you home then," Marigold said sarcastically before Bruce could speak. "We're full anyway, so a little walk won't hurt."
"Yeah, let's take you home. Do you dare let us?" Ivy and the others chimed in, eager to see James embarrassed.
"Take me home?" James smiled. "Is that necessary?"
"Of course it is. We've seen many villas, but never Leo Villa," Ivy said mockingly. "Why not give us something we can brag about in the future?"
Marigold blocked James's retreat. "Exactly. I can tell people my nephew lives in Leo Villa. How impressive."
Bruce stood there awkwardly, his face dark and silent.
Coralie stomped her foot in anger. "James, are you still trying to save face? Is that a villa you can own? We're all locals. We know it's the Rivera family's villa. Are you still gonna embarrass yourself?"
She was furious. James's humble background was one thing, but his vanity was another. She thought he had improved since starting work, but now he was back to pretending.
James was honest. "It really is my villa. Mr. Rivera gave it to me."
"Gave it to you?" Ivy laughed maliciously. "Fine, let us take you home then."
"If you insist, then let's go," James responded decisively, turning to leave the villa.
Marigold and Vance immediately followed, clearly intending to see James humiliated.
Bruce followed with his hands behind his back, his face grim. "Hopeless."
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