Chapter 268
Steven walked past me, but when he turned around, he looked really upset.
Even billionaires have to hustle to make a living.
"The organizers are a joke, letting anyone in. This wine tasting feels like a business conference!" Mr. Taode grumbled.
Charles patted his shoulder. "These things happen. Let's go find Mr. Foster!"
George whispered, "When you talk to them, don't mention the media company right away. Once you're familiar, you can say you have a family business in media, got it?"
I nodded. Nowadays, people juggle different businesses, so doing beer and media isn't a big deal.
Charles introduced me to many well-known experts in the domestic wine industry along the way.
I met many top experts but didn't add them on Facebook, just exchanged contact info. George said if you're not high-level enough, you don't get to know these big shots. Many powerful business experts, almost industry leaders, are hard to meet.
Charles just smiled and greeted them from the side.
I was still excited; meeting these celebrities was a big deal for me.
Patrick then introduced me to many sales channel experts from various states. At 9 AM, the chairman of the Sevan City Wine Association and a group of judges arrived.
They were all big names in the domestic wine industry.
Many key figures in the red wine industry showed up.
These people were true red wine experts.
Senior wine tasters judged wines without knowing the brands, just numbers. Even the brand owners didn't know their own numbers.
Because it was an official event, fairness wasn't an issue, which is why manufacturers from all over the country came.
The higher the ranking, the more valuable the certification.
Everyone watched the judges, and a group of experts gathered. Just then, Katherine signaled me from across the room. I got the hint and left the crowd.
In a quiet spot, Katherine asked, "What are you doing here?"
"I came with George," I replied.
"You need to leave now," she said, looking worried.
“Why?” I asked, confused.
"I heard Joseph on the phone. His men have snuck in and are looking for you," Katherine said.
How was that possible? Here? Did he even know what kind of place this is? If something happened, not even Joseph's father could handle it.
"You probably don't know, his uncle is the vice chairman of the Sevan City Wine Association!" Katherine said.
'What?' I was shocked. I had no idea.
"If that's the case, then I'm not worried," I said. "The people here are important. If he tries anything, the police outside will arrest them!"
"Naive!" Katherine said urgently. "If he wants to get you, he won't do it the obvious way."
I frowned, realizing I was being too naive.
Just then, I heard a commotion behind me, like something was happening at the event.
I had a bad feeling, and then hurried footsteps approached. A group of men in black rushed toward us. "It's them! Found them!"
I was really nervous, my heart pounding.
The group grabbed Katherine and me.
One of them splashed something on us. I sniffed it—it was red wine!
Katherine got splashed with red wine too.
I knew this was bad—Joseph must be up to something nasty.
"What are you doing? Let go of me!" Katherine yelled as they grabbed her hands.
"Take them away!" the leader barked, dragging us toward the event.
Everyone stared, and my heart sank.
The leader said, "Mr. President, we caught them outside with samples number thirty and forty, plotting something. When they saw us, they spilled the wine."
Luke, the chairman of the Sevan City Wine Association, looked stern. "Do you two know what you're doing? Speak up, who put you up to this?"
The crowd was furious. "Mr. Harrison, stealing competition samples must be punished severely!"
"Yes, this is a crime! Hand them over to the authorities!"
People were angry, some even suggesting extreme measures.
Of course, it was just talk, given the big shots present.
My mind raced. Sneaking samples at a national event would disgrace Sevan City.
Everyone, from experts to regular folks, would be ashamed, and we'd be in deep trouble.
I scanned the crowd and saw Joseph glaring at me, holding that celebrity, eyes full of contempt.
He must be behind this—he was the only one with a grudge against me!
"Let us go! We're not thieves!" Katherine shouted. "We didn't steal any samples!"
I yelled too, "We're innocent! This is a setup!"
Just then, Charles, George, and others stepped up. "Let them go!"
Patrick approached Luke. "Mr. Harrison, there must be a misunderstanding. This is my friend; he has no reason to steal!"
Charles added, "That's right, Mr. Harrison. He came with me and has been with me the whole time. If he's a thief, then we all are."
As a Sevan City wine expert, Charles's words carried weight.
Patrick was Gary's son, a major distributor and beer brand owner. He wouldn't do such a thing.
Luke frowned. "Then why were they acting suspiciously? And why do they smell like wine?"
"It's simple, he's my driver," Katherine said calmly. "His name is John, he works in the marketing department at Skyliho Group. I called him aside for instructions. If you don't believe me, check anytime!"
"As for the wine smell, they splashed it on us," Katherine pointed at the strong man.
Luke's eyes narrowed. "What's the truth?"
The strong man said, "Mr. President, don't listen to her. They were hugging when I saw them. They're a couple, not driver and boss!"
This shocked everyone!
I glared at him, anger boiling. I pushed away the person holding me. "You're lying! Who told you to say that?"
I turned to Joseph—he had to be behind this. But the strong man's words implicated Katherine too.
I scanned the crowd and saw Linda smiling at me.
It all clicked.
Maybe it wasn't just Joseph—Linda was involved too.
Linda had the biggest grudge against Katherine, no doubt!
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
