Chapter 332 - Madam Hilda Shen's Birthday Party (Twelve)
Sitting around the table, Vincent let Rodney pour him drinks on his glass, which he drank at one go.
"You got annoyed with those investors," Zaijan repeated what Tyler said earlier.
"I told mom to invite just our relatives," Vincent groaned. "See what happened now?"
He already perceived what could happen in a massive gathering like this one. He just wanted to spend time with all of his cousins and uncles close to their ages. Most of all, his father-in-law was here. Those business partners would take this an opportunity to talk to him, and as he already predicted, they cannot control themselves to bring up a partnership.
"Just relax and enjoy the rest of the night," Zalde patted his back, a cousin two years younger than him. Zalde poured Vincent a drink, then clinked their glasses.
"Everyone now thinks they can take advantage of my new position," Vincent grumbles after he empties his glass.. His tone contains irritation.
"Being a son-in-law of a giant businessman like Jacob Davies is not just something simple. We understood you, cousin." Danny Lee chimed in.
"Danny is right. We know the pressure that you are going to experience," Tyler echoed.
"So cheer up, dude! Just focus on your beautiful wife. And soon, you are a father of three. That was absolutely a blessing, bro." Jayden Lopez joined them, and he sat down next to Tyler. "I heard Jessa is going to interview Vincent and Hailee."
Jayden spoke to Tyler, to whom the guy nodded as a response. So then, Jayden went on. "I want to collaborate if Jessa's boss will hear my proposal. I want the exclusive interview to become a documentary of Vincent Lopez Shen and Hailee Davies. The Legendary Couple..."
Jayden Lopez is a famous film director and producer in the P Country Entertainment Industry, and he also does international work and even indie films.
Vincent only wanted to listen. However, upon hearing the title Jayden made for them, he couldn't help to scoff. Everyone is being exaggerated toward him. But he didn't comment on it but fell into deep thoughts as everyone continued chatting while pouring him a drink.
"What do you mean, documentary?" After a bit of a while, Danny raised a question.
"This is a perfect chance for Vincent and Hailee to do their Pre-Nup Videos. It will be a short film to show Vincent and Hailee's life since their childhood days." Jayden explained to them. After then, they give their impressions.
"That was a good idea," Zaijan commented. "Everyone must contribute good words for Vincent."
"And with this documentary, our faces should show up in the film." Rodney had this massive grin on his face that earned him ridicule.
"Shut up! You just wanted to boast!"
"You are single, that's why!" Teased by his other cousins, that made Rodney frown.
'I have a girlfriend!' he wanted to shout at everyone's faces, but he held himself. Rodney glanced at Zaijan before he fixed his gaze on the woman across the hall.
She was too beautiful in her gold evening dress. It isn't as revealing as most of the dresses tonight, but the dress complimented all her curves. Its design was just perfect for her personality.
Meanwhile, Fraine could feel someone was looking in her direction. She turned her head, and she caught Rodney staring at her.
She pursed her lips, unsure whether to smile or nod at him. However, her eyes caught Zaijan staring in her direction as well.
She withdraws her gaze and ignores them both. She is working at the moment. Vincent's aunts from both sides inquire about the jewelry Hailee lent to the older women from Lopez and Shen families to wear to this grand party.
"I will work on the papers tomorrow, Mrs. Lopez," said Fraine. This older lady loved the jewelry she got and wanted to purchase it.
"It was the only design in the entire world, right?" the beautiful older lady queried. The jewelry she is wearing is exquisite. Instantly, she fell in love just at first glance.
"Yes, Mrs. Lopez," Fraine replied politely.
"Then, I am going to purchase it!"
Fraine smiled. She could not stop grinning inwardly as Hailee's promotion was successful. Tonight, this is the fifth set of pieces of jewelry that she sold.
Back at the men's table, Rodney smiled bitterly. In these passing days, he didn't have a proper talk to Fraine.
But she was avoiding him, and he knew that she only used her work as her excuse.
'We need to talk after the party.' In the end, he could not stop himself from sending Fraine a message.
He waited for five minutes before Fraine replied.
'I'm busy. Please don't disturb me.'
Rodney clenched his jaw. She's making things hard for him again. Annoyed, Rodney put back his phone on his coat inside his pocket and drank the brandy Tyler poured for him.
The men are just discussing random stuff at the moment, and so he lost interest in joining.
Sitting across from him is Zaijan. The guy gives him a knowing look. Rodney smiled faintly, and he felt too sad. Among his cousins, Zaijan, who knew him really well.
Indeed. It is not like him to be quiet in his seat. All the time, he is one of the noisiest among these men.
Rodney gritted his teeth and sighed inwardly, attempting to ignore what he felt right now.
Rodney drowns himself in liquor while listening to his cousin's jokes.
"Vincent, give me your other bank account number!" All of a sudden, one of Vincent's cousins asked for his bank account number.
"Why?" It was Tyler who returned a question.
"Just spill it out, man." Danny urges Vincent.
"Yes, just say it!" said the rest.
"Why do you want Vincent's bank account number? I have mine here!" Rodney laughs. The men shook their heads, and they could see that he was already drunk.
"Dude! You look like someone just dumped you!" Tristan Lopez jokes on Rodney. As the youngest, he cannot read the atmosphere surrounding Rodney. Tristan shut his mouth when his cousin threw a sharp look at him. 'Did I add salt to the wounds?' he thought inwardly. Tristan snickered, but he didn't show it to Rodney. Of course, he knew this guy's temperament.
Vincent glanced at Rodney. It also made him wonder why the guy was suddenly in a foul mood. Earlier, he had a broad smile and even constantly threw a joke on him.
Rodney stood up and left them, ignoring everyone. It shocked them when he walked toward Fraine and dragged her out of the hall.
Vincent and all the men at that table shared a knowing look. They saw when Rodney dragged Fraine outside. Now, all of their eyes landed on Zaijan.
Until now, they were still curious about how Zaijan and Rodney dealt with their affairs. Except for Vincent and Tyler, who knew everything.
Zaijan, on the other hand, emptied his glass before he put it down to the table, then stood up from the sofa.
"I already wired my contribution," he said before he walked away. "Vincent's bank account number is…."
The twelve men at the table typed on the account number on their phones.
"What is this for?" Vincent is already very curious about what his cousins are up to.
Not long after, his phone receives several notifications. He pulled out the gadget from the back of his pants and opened the messages.
After seeing those money transfers, it completely changed his mood. Now he has an enormous grin on his face.
"Thanks, brothers!"
"Now, I paid you off." Rick Lopez jokes on him.
Vincent chuckled, shook his head. When Rick got married a year ago, he gave a considerable amount to contribute to his wedding, and now everyone is returning the favor.
Anyway, it has become the clan's tradition since their forefathers, and now every generation continues practicing this family legacy.
"Thanks, bro! But, guys, don't get married in the same year. I have to save up after this." He told the men who are still single until now.
"Get married? Don't curse us, bro!" Both Jayden and Danny groaned and rolled their eyes, and it was they who didn't want to tie down to a woman.
Vincent raises an eyebrow. He grinned and said, "Be careful, brother. Love comes at the most unexpected time."
"Jeez! Stop lecturing us, lover boy!" Danny complains firmly.
*
Meanwhile…
"What are you doing!" Fraine attempts to get away from him, but Rodney even tightens his grip on her elbow.
"Let's talk now," he mutters under his breath.
Fraine frowned after her nose caught the odor of his breath. "You are drunk!"
"I am sober."
"I don't care whether or not you are drunk. Would you please let me go? Now!" Fraine tried to get free from Rodney's grip. However, she can't compare her strength to him.
"I want to talk to you…." Rodney lowers his voice.
"We have nothing to talk about. You are disturbing my work!" Fraine sneered at him. She braced herself not to show a soft spot in her heart.
"Is giving my life to you not enough?"
Fraine was stunned for a moment. Rodney's words cut her heart. However, she must not get affected no matter what.
"You should not listen to what my mom told you." Rodney's tone is even softer this time.
Fraine bit her lower lip so as not to lose herself once again. She snorts, "All she said would never hurt me or affect me. They know nothing about me."
Rodney darkened his face, clenching his fists on his sides. "Fraine…"
"I need to go back to my work." Fraine turned around, prepare to head back to the hall when Rodney pulled her and wrapped his arms around her body.
"Rodney, what are you doing!?" She struggles to get away from him, but she fails.
"This is a party! I don't permit you to work!" Rodney ranted close to her ear as he tightened his embrace.
"Are you my boss?" She gritted her teeth in annoyance.
"I know Hailee won't allow you to work tonight either."
Even how Rodney coaxes and persuades Fraine but she is as stubborn as he is. "If I don't do my job, I am not supposed to be here. Madam Hilda has no reason to invite me—"
"You are my date here tonight!" Rodney cut her words. He was too annoyed with her stubbornness, and she never listened to any of his explanations, which frustrated him.
"Rodney... What are you doing?"
Fraine quickly pushed Rodney after she heard Zaijan speak behind them. She didn't look at Zaijan but was determined to get away from them.
"Fraine!" Rodney attempted to follow her, but Fraine snapped at him.
"I'm going to the ladies' room!" After saying this, she resumed walking without looking back.
"Rodney!"
"Shut up, Zaijan!" Rodney sneered, throwing sharp glares at the guy.
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