Chapter 060 The Banquet
Jane still wanted Ethan to acquire Bernice's contracts and compensate for the thirty million dollars. "Aunt, I bought the contracts from the relatives and I don't have any money left," Ethan said helplessly, showing her his bank account balance on his phone.
Jane, upon seeing it, immediately rolled her eyes in anger and said, "You're truly useless. With so much money, you don't even think to give some to the family first!"
Ethan remained speechless and felt some dissatisfaction with Jane's behavior, but he couldn't say anything. Only in the Smith family could he endure a bit of bullying from these menacing elders.
"Ethan, you helped me out this time, and I'll remember it. I'll pay you back when the time comes," Bernice said with a cold face.
"Okay," Ethan shrugged. If Bernice wanted to draw a line, he didn't feel like saying much either.
"Don't think that just because you helped me this time, I'll be so grateful that I'll offer myself to you. That's impossible!" Bernice said in a cold voice.
Ethan tilted his head. He thought Bernice was clearly overthinking. He didn't have any intention to take advantage of her gratitude.
After all, the appreciation of the value of Cam Mount's land was right in front of him. It would be foolish not to make money. Moreover, it would also solve the troubles for the Smith family along the way, killing two birds with one stone.
Robert had some concerns about Ethan's money, but Ethan assured him that it was legitimate, so he could rest assured.
"Most likely, it's the money saved before leaving the McKellen family. I'll find a way to pay him back in the future!" Bernice thought to herself, still maintaining her arrogant attitude.
At this moment, Robert received a message and turned to Bernice, saying, "Bernice, the Aim Group is hosting a banquet tonight. Take Ethan with you and give him a chance to see the world, to meet Boston's leading figures."
Bernice nodded and then cautioned Ethan, "Just don't embarrass yourself."
Ethan was speechless.
In fact, this banquet was organized by the Aim Group at the last minute because two famous financial experts from Wall Street came to the Aim Group.
These two experts were the ones Ethan brought in through Gusinsky.
In order to show respect, Ella immediately arranged this banquet and invited celebrities to attend, while also using the reputation of these two experts to deter the ambitious Tiger Group.
Coincidentally, these two financial experts were a couple, and the husband's last name was Watson. They were therefore hailed as the "Watson Couple" in the financial world.
When Bernice presented her Smith Group President's card at the New Blue Sky Grand Hotel under the Aim Group, she brought Ethan into the venue.
"Bernice, you finally came. There are so many important figures here today!" Dorothy appeared, wearing a fiery red dress that complemented her figure very well.
"Dorothy, you came before me," Bernice responded with a smile.
There were indeed many important figures at the scene, but due to the rushed preparation of this banquet, some influential figures from other provinces couldn't make it. Otherwise, the atmosphere would have been livelier, with dazzling stars.
Because he didn't have a formal suit, Ethan wore one belonging to Robert. When he put on the suit, it didn't quite fit him properly, but no one seemed to notice.
The suit looked a bit tight on Ethan, which made him appear somewhat uncomfortable. Dorothy couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Bernice, why didn't you buy him a more fitted outfit?"
"Just received a last-minute message from the Aim Group, no time to prepare," Bernice replied nonchalantly.
Deep down, Dorothy was happy. If Bernice truly cared, she could have made time to take Ethan to the mall and get him a new suit.
It was evident that the relationship between the two was still tense.
Having not eaten dinner, Ethan immediately approached the long table filled with exquisite food and started helping himself.
"Such embarrassment..." Bernice couldn't help shaking her head, regretting agreeing to her father's request of bringing Ethan to the Aim Group's banquet.
At that moment, Tom made his entrance. As soon as he appeared, the influential figures around immediately gathered, greeting him one by one.
Tom laughed heartily and shook hands with everyone, exuding a relaxed and charming demeanor.
Watching Tom, Bernice couldn't help but feel envious and said, "The Tiger Group is also one of Boston's top conglomerates. I wonder when we can achieve such greatness!"
Noticing Bernice's envious gaze, Dorothy couldn't help but find it amusing. It was like envying someone else's bowl while holding a pile of gold bricks!
Ethan had already dealt with Tom's cousin Phil before, and with Ethan's background, he probably wasn't afraid of the Tiger Group at all, not even the formidable Tiger Gang.
"Bernice, isn't that Sienna over there?" Dorothy suddenly pointed to a woman and asked.
"Hmm? Oh, it really is her. I can't believe that after all these years, she became a big star," Bernice looked at the dazzling woman and sighed.
Dorothy smiled and said, "Hasn't the Smith Group been looking for a spokesperson? She seems perfect for the role. We used to be classmates, so if you approach her, she probably won't refuse."
Bernice replied, "Alright, I'll give it a try!"
Upon seeing Bernice, Sienna appeared slightly surprised but greeted her.
After some casual conversation, Bernice finally said, "Sienna, the Smith Group is currently in need of a brand ambassador, and I believe you are undoubtedly the most suitable candidate."
Sienna exclaimed in surprise, "Really? It would be my honor!"
Bernice couldn't help but feel delighted upon hearing Sienna's response. She didn't expect Sienna to agree so quickly!
Sienna was currently a highly sought-after A-list celebrity, receiving countless offers for advertisements and endorsements. If the Smith Group could sign a contract with her as their spokesperson, it would greatly enhance the group's image.
The elephant and status will undoubtedly experience a leap! "Indeed, an old classmate who cherishes old friendships!" Bernice thought, her face lighting up with a smile.
Sienna asked, "When will we sign the contract?"
Bernice replied, "I will have someone arrange the contract right away."
She made a phone call back to the company to have the contract drafted and properly arranged. After it was done, she smiled at Sienna and said, "Sienna, it's all set. When do you want to go with me to sign the contract and discuss the price?"
Upon hearing these words, Sienna burst into laughter and looked deeply at Bernice. She slowly said, "Bernice, do you really think I would sign a contract with you and become your spokesperson?"
Bernice was stunned!
"Do you even consider the value of the Smith Group? The companies that have me endorse their advertisements are top enterprises like Nike and Dell. Do you think you're worthy? It was just a joke, but I didn't expect you to take it seriously. It's laughable! Do you think the Smith Group deserves me, a celebrity of my status?"