Chapter 397
After Lauren spoke, her cheeks turned red, and she went off to greet the guests.
Around eleven in the morning, I glanced at my watch and figured it was time to get ready for the opening. Just then, three women came strolling down the hallway.
Leading the pack was none other than Zoey.
I was floored. What was she doing here?
Trailing behind her were a sad-looking Abigail and an obviously pissed-off Wendy.
Feeling a bit jittery, I walked up to them. "What are you doing here?"
"John, you jerk!" Wendy spat out. "What do you take Abigail for? Everyone else knew about your company's opening, but Abigail was the last to find out."
I tried to say something but ended up just mumbling, "Sorry, I messed up."
Zoey gave me a cold look. "You did it on purpose, didn't you?"
I sighed, "I'm sorry. But today's a big day for my company. Can we talk about this later?"
"Do you realize I can make it impossible for you to stay in Greenvale City?" Zoey said, all calm and collected.
Her words made me squirm. I thought, 'Who does she think she is? What's this got to do with her?'
I said, "Sure, you've got that power. Maybe you can even make it tough for me anywhere in the country. But can you stop me if I go abroad?" I haven't done anything to her, so why the threats?
"John, that's not what Zoey meant," Abigail chimed in.
"Ms. Kingsley, this is between you and me. If everyone's gonna butt in, what's the point?"
"You've got guts," Zoey said.
I chuckled, "Zoey, I don't think I've wronged you, right? Have I done something terrible? Or have I hurt Abigail? Or maybe taken advantage of her? Maybe you come from a big-shot family, but I've never wanted to know you, let alone suck up to you. If power is your way of pushing people around, then sorry, I'm not buying it. I'd rather go abroad than bow down."
I thought, 'I haven't done anything wrong. What right does she have to threaten me? Just because I didn't tell Abigail about the company's opening? Is she my girlfriend? At most, she's just a friend!'
"John, you've got some nerve!" Wendy snapped. "Do you know how heartbroken Abigail is?"
"Wendy!" I said, trying to keep my cool, "Maybe it would be better if you didn't give Abigail advice. She's an adult, an independent person with her own thoughts. Do you think your so-called kindness is really good for her? Do you think just because Abigail cares about me, I must be grateful to her? I act with a clear conscience, never sucking up. I'm not afraid to face the Kingsley Family. I know my place and won't chase after something that's not gonna happen. Are you happy now?"
I then looked at Zoey. "Zoey, are you satisfied with this answer?"
Wendy was fuming but couldn't say a word.
Zoey seemed to be thinking and said, "I get it now. I was too hasty about this."
She turned to Abigail. "This is gonna be a happy ending. Are you sure you want to keep going?"
Abigail's eyes were full of sadness, but soon, her gaze turned determined, "I want to keep going!"
She brushed her hair back. "John, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. Wendy, apologize!"
"Abigail," Wendy said, feeling wronged.
"Apologize to John now!"
In my mind, Abigail always spoke softly, but this time was different. Wendy was also a bit scared and reluctantly said, "Sorry!"
I shook my head. "You guys are guests. Come on in and have some hot tea."
"But we didn't bring any gifts," Abigail said, biting her lip.
I replied, "Your presence is the best gift. Please, come in!"
I made a welcoming gesture.
Zoey took Abigail's hand. "You won't win his heart this way. You need to be bolder."
She shot me a glance and led Abigail into the company.
As soon as the three of them walked in, the once lively office area went dead silent.
Then came a chorus of exclamations!
"Zoey!"
"Abigail!"
"Wendy!"
"The three famous beauties of Greenvale City. Oh my God, am I dreaming?"
Amid the excitement, Quinlan hurriedly came up to greet, "Abigail!"
Zoey frowned, and Quinlan immediately froze. He had a natural fear of Zoey.
Zoey slapped Quinlan right in front of everyone, and he didn't dare say a word.
Yves and Alaric exchanged glances, their eyes wide with shock.
"Zoey, what a coincidence. You're here for John's company's opening too," Yves said with a warm smile.
"Yes!" Zoey nodded slightly. Yves wanted to say more, but it was clear Zoey wasn't interested in chatting.
"Wendy!" Alaric walked up to Wendy, his face unusually red.
I didn't know Alaric well, but it was obvious he had a thing for Wendy.
I secretly mocked, 'With Wendy's fiery personality, someone actually likes her?'
"Stop." Wendy didn't give him any face. "Call me Ms. Rodriguez!"
Alaric quickly smiled apologetically, "Okay."
Everyone perked up after they arrived.
Richard whispered to me, "John, your connections are impressive."
Connie also chimed in, "I didn't expect the three famous beauties of Greenvale City to come and support you!"
I smiled wryly. "I don't care if they're famous, but you're no less than them."
"Really?" Connie looked at me with bright eyes.
"Really!" I nodded.
Connie immediately beamed with happiness.
Marlow and Calliope were completely stunned. There were so many big shots, and any one of them was out of their league.
And there were dozens here.
They looked at me with awe.
I stepped forward. "Hello everyone. It's time. Let's start the opening ceremony."
"Alright, let's start!" Everyone shouted.
Luckily, I had everything prepped in advance.
After the opening, we headed to a private restaurant in Greenvale City. We had eight tables set up. It wasn't as lively as the opening in Sevan City, but the guests were either distinguished or noble.
Hiring private chefs cost three to four million dollars, but it was worth it.
Marlow and Calliope followed me around, helping me toast. Their faces were unusually red, and they looked super excited.
I got hammered that day.
When I woke up, it was already dark.
I rubbed my aching head and looked around, realizing I was in a hotel.
"You're awake?" A woman's voice came from beside me. "You must be thirsty. Drink some water!"
The woman's fragrance wafted over as she brought a cup to my lips and gently rested my head on her soft lap. It was Lauren.
After drinking the water, I sighed in satisfaction, "Thanks for taking care of me."
Lauren said with a smile, "You really impressed them today."
I felt nervous, asking, "Did I get drunk and act crazy?"
"No." Lauren said, "The company's employees, including Marlow and Calliope, are all talking about how impressive you are, knowing so many people. They believe the company will definitely thrive."