Chapter 238
As soon as the words were out, chaos erupted.
Ivy wasn't a knockout, but she was definitely more pretty than ugly.
No one saw it coming when Felix bluntly called Ivy ugly in front of everyone.
After a brief silence, an angry female voice cut through the crowd. "Felix, how could you harass me and then call me ugly? You're such a jerk!"
All eyes turned to the speaker. Ivy, looking furious, stormed toward Felix, clearly seeking justice.
But when she met Felix's cold stare, she hesitated, guilt washing over her.
Even though Felix wasn't the president of the Clinton Group anymore, his cold demeanor still scared people.
Remembering what Thomas had told her on the phone earlier, Ivy took a deep breath and marched up to them. "Today, you must apologize to me in public, or I'll sue you!"
Seeing her angry face, clenched fists, and trembling body, everyone started whispering about Felix, instinctively siding with Ivy.
Hearing the crowd curse Felix, Ivy felt a bit more confident. Felix had no proof he hadn't done anything to her. Whether he apologized or not, he'd still be despised.
Gianna frowned. Before Felix could speak, she stepped forward and coldly looked at Ivy. "Miss Foster, you're really clueless."
Ivy glared at her, remembering Gianna's role in getting her father kicked out of Dawnridge. "Gianna, what do you mean?"
Gianna raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I mean, it's sad you don't even realize you're ugly."
"You!" Ivy gritted her teeth and wanted to slap Gianna.
Felix's gaze turned icy, but before he could act, Gianna grabbed Ivy's wrist.
"Ah! It hurts, let go of me!" Ivy struggled, trying to break free.
Gianna chuckled and let her when she struggled. Ivy lost her balance and fell, and her face twisted in pain.
"Gianna! I won't let you get away with this!" she spat.
Ivy struggled to get up, glaring at Gianna like she was ready to attack.
The crowd was shocked by Gianna's boldness and started whispering, mostly cursing her.
"If Felix didn't do anything, Ivy wouldn't dare talk about suing. She must have some evidences."
"I used to think Felix were too good for Gianna, but now I see they're perfect for each other. A jerk and a country bumpkin. They deserve each other!"
"Ivy's really unlucky. She was harassed and the guy won't admit it! And there's a woman defending him. How weak!"
Hearing the chatter, Ivy's anger cooled a bit, and she looked at Gianna in mockery.
"Gianna, are you sure you want to defend a man who harasses women?"
Gianna raised an eyebrow and smiled, "You say Felix harassed you, got any proof? If you do, sue him. If not, stop spreading rumors!"
Ivy's face turned pale with anger, and she gritted her teeth, "I've already contacted a lawyer. Just wait for the court summons!"
"Fine, I'll be waiting." Gianna shrugged.
Just then, the Astor senior's displeased voice cut through the tension.
"Ivy, come back! What are you doing? Don't lower yourself to their level!"
Ivy took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Grandpa, you're right. I just got too angry."
The Astor senior turned to Gianna and Felix, his tone icy, "Since Felix denies harassing Ivy, please leave. My birthday party doesn't welcome people like him!"
Felix stayed calm, "If I wasn't welcome, you shouldn't have sent me an invitation."
The Astor senior's face tightened, "It must have been a mistake by the servants, forgetting Felix is no longer the president of the Clinton Group. This won't happen again."
His words were meant to humiliate, making it clear Felix had no place there anymore.
Gianna sneered, "Funny how the strong get bullied once they fall."
The Astor senior glared at her, "Gianna, if you choose to degrade yourself by siding with Felix, you can leave too. You're not welcome here!"
Gianna said nothing, pulling Felix away.
As they left, the Astor senior snorted. A former president and a small business owner? The Astor family didn't need them!
But then Mitchell stepped forward, smiling, "Felix is my good friend. If he's not welcome, I guess I'm not either. I'll leave too."
The Astor senior's face fell, and before he could respond, Uriah and Raymond followed Mitchell out.
He was stunned, his face darkening. Had he just offended the Lisa, Musk, and Harris families?
Realizing this, he was about to call them back when a deep voice spoke up.
"Astor senior, Felix is my cousin. I'm upset about what he did too. If possible, I hope you can persuade Ivy to show some leniency."
The Astor senior looked at Thomas, surprised.
Thomas's words helped save face for the Astor family, making those who left seem like the wrongdoers. The Astor senior's expression softened.
"Since Thomas said so, I'll talk to Ivy. But it depends on Felix's attitude. If he keeps this attitude, it won't be resolved easily."
Thomas smiled, "That's fair."
The banquet hall returned to its lively state, with many people approaching Thomas to discuss business.
Now that he was the president of the Clinton Group, everyone wanted to curry favor with him.
Thomas smiled, speaking with ease and making people feel comfortable.
After the banquet, many praised Thomas, saying he was much more approachable than Felix.
Thomas felt proud, confident that soon people would forget Felix was ever president. He would be the new business king of Dawnridge!
