Chapter 536 Welcome Benjamin!
Sarah had delegated a task to Bob earlier, asking him to accompany her to the gala.
The venue was ostentatiously decorated from the entrance, adorned with lavish and intricately designed valuables that dazzled onlookers.
When they arrived at the banquet hall, the place was already teeming with business luminaries, all abuzz with discussions of hot new ventures and the renowned Harrington family.
"Ms. Miller."
Sarah shimmered in her starry diamond-studded gown, radiant despite being only three months pregnant. With no visible signs yet, she exuded flawless beauty in both figure and face.
From the moment she walked in, she captivated the room, gracefully receiving the looks of admiration.
She had grown accustomed to such scrutiny since the moment she took up the mantle for Valencia Inc. and the J&K Group; it was nothing new to her.
Sarah strode across the room with a business-like smile, heading toward the man who had greeted her. "Mr. Black, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ms. Miller," Mr. Black started, leaning in with a voice lowered, "Everyone thought Valencia Inc. had this project in the bag, but then, out of nowhere…" His words hung with a mix of truth and pleasantries.
While onlookers were just there for the drama, Sarah's expression remained unflinching, her tone even carrying genuine respect. "The Harrington Group truly deserves it this time. Handling the Pine Mountain project is a win for our city. As for Valencia Inc., there will always be other opportunities."
Their exchange was polished and seamless.
Mr. Black broke into a smile. "Ms. Miller, your magnanimity is impressive! Hopefully, we'll have a chance to collaborate in the future!"
The crowd nearby, their gazes landing on Sarah, held various expressions of interest.
What kind of woman could take over the reins of two major corporations so swiftly after her husband's death and take them to new heights?
"Pssh! She might look tough, but who knows how much she's crying at home."
Some admired her, while others pitied her. Shortly after her husband's passing, she found herself thrust into the battlefield of business.
"Right? I heard Mr. Valencia, her late husband, adored her. It's a terrible shock, one that a normal woman would struggle to cope with."
"Accept it or not, she has inherited a fortune now. You know how much that is? If it were me, I'd trade places in a heartbeat."
"Ha! That's some wicked humor… But yeah, Antonio's passing is such a pity…"
Sarcastic comments laced with disdain cut through the buzz, all suggesting the same thing: it was all about the money.
Once these words were out, anyone savvy to the situation clammed up, not wanting to offend the wrong person and make an enemy.
The whispers died down, but the curious stares lingered.
Sarah ignored them all, deftly handling each greeting. She even secured meetings with a couple of business tycoons she had long admired and wished to partner with.
Before long, a formally dressed emcee took the stage, exchanged pleasantries, and announced the beginning of the gala.
"Welcome, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to attend today's gathering," he began. "On behalf of Benjamin Harrington, who has specifically asked me to express his gratitude and appreciation for your support, we have prepared a special gift for each guest as a token of his regard."
Applause filled the room as the guests grew increasingly curious—when would this enigmatic Benjamin make his appearance?
"I believe everyone is still curious about Mr. Harrington," the speaker called out with an enticing smile. "But I urge you all to remain calm. We won't let you down, that's a promise!
"Today, as Mr. Harrington gets to know everyone here, he is also seeking out promising businesses for potential collaborative ventures. CEOs who are interested may want to offer their sage advice!"
As the words fell, the room burst into a buzz of excitement.
The audience was well aware that although the Harrington Group's stronghold was in the south, their decision to expand northward meant they had come fully prepared, having already outmaneuvered Valencia Inc. and secured the Pine Mountain project. They had firmly established their presence in the capital.
And now, by making such a public announcement, it was clear they planned on developing long-term in the capital. Aligning with the Harrington Group now could pretty much guarantee a pipeline of future projects. Many were already itching to ingratiate themselves.
"Ms. Miller, look at these people..." Bob said, arms crossed with a click of his tongue, "Imagine if that Benjamin were here and announced he's looking for a partnership. Do you think they would come to blows over it?"
"There's nothing wrong with it," Sarah responded calmly, sipping her juice. "The Harrington Group is a strong company, and it's natural for people to seek partnership with it."
Bob looked scornful of such behavior. Raising an eyebrow, he asked her, "You too?"
"Of course."
Bob shook his head, clearly skeptical.
Sarah didn't bother explaining—she had simply made an offhand remark.
However, having reviewed Benjamin's proposal, she did find herself genuinely interested in a potential partnership with the Harrington Group. After all, who would complain about having too much money?
The emcee played up the suspense and glanced at his watch.
As the expectant eyes of the audience watched, he finally led up to the day's highlight.
"Now, please join me in a round of warm applause to welcome the host of today's event, the esteemed Benjamin Harrington from the Harrington Group!"
The surrounding lights suddenly dimmed, and the spotlight began to move, slowly settling on a spiral staircase on the opposite side of the room.
All eyes turned and focused, full of anticipation, on the top of the staircase. What kind of man was about to descend?
Sarah tilted her head back and joined the crowd gazing in that direction.
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