Chapter 538 The Most Regrettable Thing
The spotlight illuminated the center of the banquet hall, drawing all eyes to Gavin and Sawyer.
The folks from the Wellington Group and the Clark Group were on edge, their gazes fixed on Gavin.
Securing this project would resolve the Clark Group's current crisis, while the Wellington Group would gain even more power.
But Charlie seemed indifferent, more interested in finding his daughter than the project.
Where had his precious Evelyn gone? Could she be hiding somewhere with Edward?
Charlie felt his face flush as inappropriate images flashed through his mind.
However, he soon noticed that the usually well-behaved Jennifer was also missing.
Just as he was feeling lost, Evelyn and Edward appeared in the crowd.
"Dad."
"Mr. Taylor."
Charlie looked at them, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
Seeing Evelyn and Edward so perfectly matched, their eyes filled with deep affection for each other, he felt a subtle sense of pride.
"Evelyn, where did you go?"
Seeing her pale face, Charlie's concern grew, "Are you feeling unwell? Should I have Landon and Hubert take you to the hospital?"
Evelyn shook her head, her expression somber, "I'm fine."
"Where's Landon? I just called him. Why isn't he here?"
"Landon had something come up; he'll be here later."
Charlie frowned, "And Jennifer? I haven't seen her all evening."
Edward's eyes turned cold, his jaw clenched tightly, while Evelyn's icy gaze pierced Elbert.
"Charlie, did you forget? Jennifer was chatting enthusiastically with Randy during the dance. They probably found this business event boring and went somewhere quiet to continue their conversation."
Elbert chimed in with a smile, "Jennifer has always been shy and quiet. I never expected her to have so much to talk about with Randy. It seems they really hit it off!"
Evelyn's cold laugh made the atmosphere awkward.
Elbert's smile stiffened, but he forced himself to ask, "Evelyn, you don't seem very happy. Did someone upset you?"
"Elbert, it's obvious Jennifer isn't interested in your limping Randy. Can't you see that?" Evelyn's eyes narrowed, her tone impatient.
Elbert's smile froze, anger rising in his chest.
Was she spoiled by Charlie, or did she feel invincible because both Gilbert and Edward admired her? She seemed to think she could do whatever she wanted, becoming increasingly arrogant.
"Evelyn, how can you speak to Mr. Alexander like that? That's rude!" Charlie scolded her, feeling that she was unusually hostile towards the Alexander family tonight.
"Charlie, don't be so hard on her. I'm sure there's a misunderstanding."
Elbert maintained a gracious demeanor, his tone grateful, "If it weren't for Evelyn, Randy might never have had the chance to walk again. No matter what, Evelyn has done a great favor for the Alexander family. You shouldn't speak to her like that!"
Mentioning this only fueled Evelyn's anger, "Elbert, do you know what I regret the most? Saving Randy."
Elbert's eyes widened, his jaw clenched, struggling to maintain his composure.
"Evelyn! Elbert is your elder and has always been kind to you. How can you be so disrespectful?" Charlie couldn't hold back any longer, finding Evelyn's behavior tonight very strange.
"Mr. Taylor, please calm down." Edward, who had been silent, finally spoke, wrapping an arm around Evelyn's waist and pulling her gently into his warm, strong embrace, "Please don't think Evelyn is being unreasonable. Her words may be harsh, but there's a reason. You'll understand after the banquet."
Evelyn looked up at Edward, their eyes meeting with a shared understanding.
"Mr. Wellington, this is a matter between our families. It doesn't concern you, does it?"
Elbert was not polite to Edward, his gaze hostile, "And what do you mean by your earlier words? What did Randy do to offend you? Watch your tone!"
Edward said nothing, merely staring at Elbert with a faint smile, his deep, cold eyes making Elbert shiver.
Jessica watched Edward and Evelyn together, her face twisted with jealousy.
Where had they been all this time?
"Ah!" Jessica's mind conjured up a provocative image, causing her to scream!
The surrounding guests glanced at her with disdain.
Patrick frowned.
Patrick had to admit, in terms of talent and family background, Evelyn was a better match for his son. Jessica couldn't compare at all.
But Evelyn was cunning, unpredictable, and manipulative, always causing trouble for the Wellington family.
Such a shrewd and ruthless woman was a ticking time bomb, and marrying her into the family would be a disaster.
"I'm delighted that so many of our business friends could take the time to attend the Journey Group's first banquet in Mugden. On behalf of my father and the Wilson family, I thank you all," Sawyer, the president, began his speech.
Applause thundered.
"As you know, we've already established a strategic partnership with the Wellington Group. The project is progressing quickly, with smooth communication and impressive results."
"So for our Dawnridge Equestrian Hotel project, we will again choose a capable financial group from your country as our partner."
Some guests looked at Patrick, while others looked at Elbert.
Charlie wasn't from Mugden, and the KnightSpear Group wasn't a local company, so he didn't mind being overlooked. But Maurice was furious.
This clearly showed that everyone thought the Clark family wasn't as strong as the other two!
After Sawyer's opening remarks, he stepped back, leaving the stage to Gavin.
Gavin calmly scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on Patrick and Maurice.
Finally, he announced in a powerful voice.
"I am pleased to announce that the Journey Group will be partnering with the KnightSpear Group for the Dawnridge Equestrian Hotel project!"
The KnightSpear Group, the Taylor family?
The crowd was stunned, then erupted into enthusiastic applause!
The spotlight shone on Charlie, who was momentarily surprised, then smiled gracefully as he stepped forward to shake Gavin's hand.
"It is an honor for the KnightSpear Group to collaborate with your esteemed group."
"Mr. Taylor, the honor is ours."
Now, partners, Gavin's attitude towards Charlie became more cordial, "At the horse race, you demonstrated your overwhelming strength."
"I promised that the champion would be our top choice for a partner. I intend to keep my word."
Only the Wilsons knew.
Just an hour ago.
They had spoken with Caleb in Mythorica.
"If you truly value my advice, I suggest partnering with the KnightSpear Group."
Sawyer was still upset about being rejected by Evelyn, and Gavin frowned.
"Why? Wouldn't continuing with the Wellington Group benefit you and your father more?"
Caleb laughed, his voice clear, "Partnering with the KnightSpear Group benefits you and me. If I must explain, let's just say I admire Evelyn and don't want her efforts to be in vain."
Evelyn's eyes sparkled with joy, genuinely happy for Charlie.
Suddenly, she felt a warm hand envelop hers.
"Evelyn, congratulations to you and Mr. Taylor."
Edward naturally held her hand, his fingers interlacing with hers, "I told you, you would succeed."
Evelyn felt a jolt of electricity, their fingers entwined, making her heart race and her ears turn red.
While Charlie celebrated the big project, Patrick and Maurice's expressions grew darker!
Maurice felt humiliated, coughing angrily, while Jessica patted his back.
Elbert, a friend of Charlie, hoped the Taylor family's success would benefit them too.
The Wellington Group had already laid the groundwork with the Journey Group.
But what did he get? Nothing but a joke!
Seeing the Taylor family bask in glory, Patrick's lips twitched with anger, feeling humiliated.
He took a deep breath, forcing a nonchalant smile, and approached Charlie and Gavin.
"Mr. Taylor, Mr. Wilson, congratulations."
"Thank you, Mr. Wellington." Charlie smiled lightly.
"Indeed, we should celebrate together."
Patrick raised an eyebrow, "Because tonight, I also have a happy announcement to make."
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