Chapter 397 Watch the Drama
The Douglas family.
It was Howard's birthday, and he invited many big names from the business world and celebrities from the entertainment industry to celebrate with him.
After all, the Douglas Group had dominated the Silverlight City business circle for many years.
In recent years, under Ethan's leadership, the Douglas Group had maintained its leading position. Unfortunately, this group was no longer what it used to be.
In the business world, things changed in an instant.
Many companies went bankrupt overnight, and Howard hadn't learned his lesson.
Now, people in the business circle were saying Howard was ruthless, having dealt with his eldest son, who posed a threat to him, and instead, putting his less capable younger son in a high position.
This younger son was nothing like Ethan; he was indecisive, lacked ability, and cared too much about his face.
Now, the Douglas Group was in an awkward position, with many competitors eyeing it.
The Raymond Group, flourishing unexpectedly, outpaced the Douglas Group. Over half of Douglas's partners opted to sever ties and align with Raymond. Howard wanted to use his birthday as an excuse to make amends with Ethan, hoping to bring Ethan back to help the Douglas Group through its difficulties.
Because Howard knew that the Raymond Group was not easy to deal with.
"Howard... Ethan hasn't had any contact with us since he left the Douglas family. Inviting him over for a birthday will only encourage bad behavior," Claire said from the side,
"If your son were competent, I wouldn't need to speak kindly to him," Howard said angrily.
If Daniel were more capable, he wouldn't need to focus his attention back on Ethan.
"Ethan dominated the company for so many years, and he has the advantage of accumulated connections. I don't think Daniel is worse than him; he was just suppressed too harshly in the past few years. Give Daniel a few years, and he will definitely do better than Ethan," Claire said, still unconvinced.
"The Douglas Group doesn't have time for him to grow. The Raymond Group is already about to crush the Douglas’. If this continues, the Douglas family's situation will be very dangerous," Howard said, a man who valued his reputation. Having once stood at the top, he wanted to stay there.
Being overshadowed by a mysterious new company was something he couldn't accept.
"But..." Claire said, unwilling to give in.
"No buts," Howard frowned. "Don't make it too obvious. When he comes back, you go and say nice things."
Howard wanted Claire to play the good cop.
Claire reluctantly agreed.
Most of the Douglas family's shares were still in Howard's hands. As long as Ethan was alive, Howard would always think of him.
And Ethan was indeed very capable.
"Dad, Mom, the guests have arrived," Daniel said, dressed very formally as he walked in slowly.
Annabelle followed behind him, looking like a couple.
Lisa also came, bringing a gift for Howard.
"Where's Jordan?" Howard frowned.
Today was his birthday, and Jordan was not giving him a face.
"He didn't come with us. He'll definitely come later; his parents will force him to," Lisa said, frowning.
He was probably off with some woman.
"Jordan is a scoundrel; there's nothing about him worth liking," Daniel frowned. "I even heard them say the other day..."
After a moment of silence, Daniel spoke again, "Forget it, as long as you like him."
Lisa had thrown away her dignity to marry Jordan.
If Howard hadn't suppressed the scandal, her reputation would be as bad as Annabelle's.
"Since you're already married, as long as the Douglas family doesn't fall, Jordan won't dare to divorce you. Living together as a couple, don't be too particular. Every man will have a mistress; don't make a fuss," Howard scolded Lisa, frowning,
Lisa clenched her hands and said nothing.
Yes, she had no right to blame Jordan.
Whenever she argued with Jordan, he would say that her mother also rose to her position as a mistress, so she had no right to judge others.
Even though she was the only daughter of the Douglas family, she still carried the stigma of being the daughter of a mistress.
"Dad, what if I want a divorce..." Lisa asked softly,
"Shut up! You insisted on marrying Jordan back then, and now it's too late to talk about divorce! You can clearly see the current situation of the Douglas Group. Marriage isn't as simple as ordinary people living their lives. Don't even think about divorce." Howard only cared about his own face.
He didn't care about the happiness of his children at all.
Daniel clenched his fists and turned to leave.
He and Lisa had no freedom.
They were all under Howard's control.
Lisa didn't say anything, lowered her eyes in disappointment, and turned to entertain the guests.
At the entrance of the Douglas family home.
Ethan's car was parked outside. He got out first and opened the door for Jasmine.
Jasmine was in a good mood. After all, Nolan had spent a lot of money and gifted her a mansion worth two hundred million dollars.
Jasmine suspected that Nolan had given her all his savings.
"Ethan, it seems a bit excessive for us to take Nolan's house," Jasmine muttered softly, which was nearly two hundred million dollars.
That wasn't just two hundred dollars.
"He wants to give it to you. If you don't take it, he won't sleep well." Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," Jasmine accepted it with peace of mind. "But I have to go to work tomorrow."
Ethan's face darkened. Nolan was a cunning person.
He tricked Jasmine into going to work.
"Hello, do you have an invitation?" At the entrance, the butler deliberately stopped Ethan.
It was obvious he wanted to embarrass him.
There were so many guests in the courtyard, all famous figures in the Silverlight City business circle.
Claire deliberately had the butler do this to embarrass Ethan.
She wanted everyone to know that Ethan was not invited, and the Douglas family did not invite him.
"It's only been a while since we last met, and you've already got dementia," Jasmine sighed.
Ethan reached out and held Jasmine in his arms. "Since we can't enter without an invitation, let's go."
Originally, Ethan had planned to attend the funeral, but this time, he came back to let Jasmine see the drama. If they weren't allowed in, so be it.
Seeing Ethan turn to leave, Claire couldn't stand it and quickly had Lisa come out.
"Ethan." Lisa ran out. "You should have given us a heads-up if you were coming."
"I don't need to give a heads-up to enter my own home." Ethan pointed to the Douglas family courtyard. "This house was a wedding gift from my grandfather to my mom, which means it's my house."
In the future, he would have to clear these people out.
Because they had tainted this house.
"Ethan," Lisa stepped forward and whispered, "Just saying you have something to do and leave..."
Lisa was also afraid that her mom would embarrass Ethan and Jasmine later.
This would put her in a difficult position.
Although she didn't like Jasmine, she didn't want to see Ethan being bullied too badly.
"Ethan is here, come in quickly," Claire said with a smile at the entrance.
"Ethan is back; the butler is really following the rules." Annabelle walked over with a smile, giving Claire a meaningful look. "Jasmine is here too; come in quickly."
"Today is your dad's birthday. It's good that you came back to make him happy, but why did you bring just anyone?" Claire said with a kind face. "Ethan, quickly send this woman back. The Douglas family birthday isn't something Jasmine can attend."
Ethan and Jasmine looked at each other, both watching Claire with interest.
Soon, Cordelia from the Cunningham family would come with her three sons to back Jasmine up. Ethan was very curious to see how embarrassed Claire would be then.
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