Chapter 17: Chapter 17 - Unexpected Honor
The noise wasn’t particularly loud, but in the hushed environment, it stood out like a gunshot.
Mabel Sean turned her cold gaze toward the source of the disturbance.
"Who does this woman think she is? How dare she criticize Miss Sean?"
"She must have a death wish! Does she understand Miss Sean’s position? Who gave her the right to speak that way?"
"That’s someone from the Lucas family, if I’m not mistaken—barely a second-tier clan."
"True ignorance breeds foolish courage."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, their expressions hardening with disapproval.
Harvey Brown’s complexion turned pale as ash. He looked like he wanted to slap Lyla Lucas senseless for her stupidity.
"What nonsense are you spewing!" Harvey hissed frantically, panic evident in his voice.
At that moment, Harvey felt like his life was crumbling around him.
He’d already managed to offend Mabel Sean, and now Lyla’s loose tongue was pushing him straight over the cliff.
"She... she’s talking about me. I went out carousing last night and she caught me. I apologize for the confusion..." Harvey quickly improvised, trying to salvage the situation.
"Control your woman better, or you’ll bring trouble down on yourself," someone remarked with contempt.
"Yes, yes, entirely my fault..." Harvey wiped beads of cold sweat from his brow while forcing an apologetic smile.
While everyone else tensed, Lyla Lucas remained oblivious to the danger.
Especially when she noticed Mabel Sean’s apparent lack of reaction, her boldness only grew.
"Whatever, it’s not such a big deal anyway," Lyla snorted dismissively.
Harvey shot her a furious glare and bellowed, "Keep your mouth shut! One more word and you can leave immediately!"
Had they been somewhere more private, Harvey would have struck her without hesitation.
Lyla’s face crumpled with wounded pride. "Fine, I won’t say anything else, happy now?"
Harvey inhaled deeply, silently praying that the damage could be contained.
He kept glancing nervously at Mabel Sean, only relaxing slightly when she showed no signs of being troubled by the outburst.
"Thank goodness for my quick thinking," Harvey congratulated himself mentally.
He even began fantasizing that Mabel had come to River City seeking investment opportunities and profits. Naturally, she’d need to partner with an exceptional young businessman.
Perhaps his clever response had impressed her!
This thought filled Harvey’s heart with renewed hope.
"May I have everyone’s attention, please."
The host’s voice from the stage cut through the chatter.
Silence descended instantly over the gathering.
Mabel Sean stood on stage, regal as a proud swan.
Her gaze carried weight, causing whoever it fell upon to shiver involuntarily.
Her eyes held a precise mixture: three parts pride, three parts detachment, four parts glacial chill.
The audience waited breathlessly for her to speak.
"I’ve come to River City representing both the Sean family’s investment interests and my own personal ventures," Mabel finally announced.
"During my time here, I’ve encountered quite a variety of people."
"Some have genuinely impressed me."
"Others have thoroughly disgusted me."
As she spoke these words, her gaze landed deliberately on Lyla Lucas.
Lyla’s expression crumbled, and she silently cursed Mabel in her thoughts.
"It’s finished!" Harvey noticed Mabel’s pointed look and stared at Lyla with utter despair.
Mabel scanned the assembled crowd before continuing, "Now, I’d like to introduce you to a young man—the most exceptional individual I’ve encountered in River City."
Hearing this, Harvey felt an involuntary wave of relief wash over him.
The most exceptional person? It couldn’t possibly be Mason Raymond.
In Harvey’s mind, Mason Raymond and excellence existed in entirely separate universes.
Several potential candidates flashed through Harvey’s thoughts.
Among River City’s younger generation, only a handful could rightfully claim such distinction.
Harvey knew almost all of them personally.
After careful consideration, Harvey settled on a conclusion: if not himself, then surely Theo Williams deserved the honor.
"If not for that wretched Lyla, it would certainly have been me!" Harvey silently fumed.
"Still, this could work. If I maintain good relations with Theo, the Brown family might yet prosper," Harvey reasoned privately.
The atmosphere grew thick with anticipation as everyone held their breath.
They all hungered to know whom the Sean family had chosen to favor!
Such recognition could catapult someone into unprecedented success!
"Please join me in welcoming..." Mabel deliberately paused for dramatic effect.
Spotlights suddenly blazed across the venue!
The beams swept over the audience as if deliberately selecting someone!
Finally, the light settled on Harvey Brown!
All eyes instantly turned toward him!
"This is incredible! Absolutely fantastic!" Harvey’s excitement bubbled over, tears of joy welling in his eyes.
"See, my prediction was correct. A shrewd businesswoman like Miss Sean would never let personal feelings interfere with business interests," Harvey rejoiced inwardly.
"See, honey? Mason Raymond is nothing but worthless trash. The Sean family would never choose him," Lyla smugly whispered.
Harvey likewise felt his earlier concerns had been foolish.
How could the prestigious Sean family possibly select a failure who couldn’t even control his own wife?
"Please welcome Mason Raymond, Mr. Raymond!"
But in that moment, Mabel Sean’s announcement took an unexpected turn as she called out my name!
As her words registered, the room erupted in thunderous applause!
Then everyone watched as I walked out into the brilliant spotlight!
