Chapter 349: Chapter 349 - Tested
Our gazes locked, and the secretary’s brow furrowed with displeasure.
He was about to demand "How did you get here?" when Jerry Sean emerged, grinning as he said, "Mason Raymond, take it easy and don’t stress yourself out too much."
"I get it, Jerry Sean." I gave him a respectful bow.
Watching our exchange, the secretary’s expression darkened further, and he bit back whatever he’d planned to say.
It was obvious that Mabel Sean wasn’t the only one who favored me—the real power behind the Sean family also held me in high regard.
What position did a simple secretary have to object?
"Mr. Raymond, please... step into the car." The secretary pulled open the car door for me.
Thank God I wasn’t the type to hold grudges, so I kept my mouth shut and slid into the vehicle.
The car sped toward the gathering.
During the ride, Mabel Sean explained that these social events were common in their world.
They looked like casual dining and entertainment on the surface, but their real goal was building stronger bonds and communication between the major families.
Wherever people gathered, cliques formed—and this was especially true among powerful families.
We pulled up to a hotel.
The entire place had been reserved, with expensive cars crowding the entrance.
Mabel Sean gestured toward the vehicles outside. "Check out those models. More business cars means it’s a corporate meeting."
"But if you see flashy sports cars, it’s a party for rich kids."
I nodded, though today both business vehicles and sports cars filled the parking area.
After we parked, Mabel Sean slipped her arm through mine without hesitation.
"Ready?" Mabel Sean gave me a playful wink.
I glanced down at Mabel Sean clinging to my arm and felt heat rise to my cheeks. "Aren’t you... worried people might get the wrong idea?"
At that, Mabel Sean flashed another wink. "Don’t you want to mark your territory?"
My breath caught, and I drew in a deep lungful of air before nodding with determination. "Absolutely! I want everyone to know you belong to me."
With that declaration, I pulled Mabel Sean closer and we headed into the hotel together.
The event was on the top floor, which had no guest rooms—just one massive ballroom.
Security for the gathering was incredibly tight. The moment we reached the top floor, two guards stood watch at the entrance.
Both bodyguards were actually Grandmasters!
"Grandmasters working security," I muttered under my breath. "That’s insane!"
Even now, I had no clue about the real influence these elite families wielded!
I was even more clueless about how many top-tier martial artists they kept on payroll!
We pushed through the doors, and music washed over us.
Unlike typical parties, the music here wasn’t loud or jarring but refined and soothing.
Mabel Sean’s entrance immediately drew every eye in the room.
"Miss Sean." Someone quickly approached with a wine glass in hand.
They offered Mabel Sean humble greetings, their demeanor appearing perfectly respectful.
But I knew damn well this so-called politeness was all an act.
In other words, their behavior changed based on who they were dealing with.
Tonight at this party, they were all courteous and refined, but around regular people, they were arrogant jerks who looked down on everyone.
"Miss Sean, who might this be?" Soon, someone’s attention shifted to me.
Before Mabel Sean could respond, I drew her against my chest and announced, "I’m Mason Raymond, and I’m Mabel Sean’s boyfriend."
The moment those words left my mouth, the entire room went silent!
Everyone stared in shock, and even the music cut out!
"Miss Sean, this... this gentleman has to be kidding, right?" All eyes turned to Mabel Sean, clearly waiting for her response.
Mabel Sean looked at me, then replied with a subtle smile, "That’s correct. Mason is my boyfriend."
Gasps echoed throughout the room!
Everyone in Capital City knew Mabel Sean’s reputation for being ice-cold and untouchable. Despite countless admirers, no one had ever won her over!
But tonight, this Mason Raymond had appeared out of nowhere, and nobody had heard of him before!
"Mr... Mr. Raymond." Someone stepped forward and quickly lifted their glass to toast with me.
The others followed their lead, introducing themselves to me one after another.
I responded to each of them individually. Within thirty minutes, I’d downed over a pound of imported liquor.
Finally getting a break, I found somewhere to sit.
I wiped sweat from my brow and mumbled, "These people sure are friendly, making me feel kind of awkward."
Mabel Sean shook her head. "Don’t let their fake warmth fool you. These people only care about what benefits them. Today they’ll act like your best buddy, but tomorrow they could stab you in the back."
When more interests got involved, people became more complicated.
To them, feelings were a luxury they couldn’t afford.
After the crowd scattered, they started whispering among themselves.
"What’s this Mason Raymond’s story? How come none of us know him?"
"No idea. There’s nobody by that name in Capital City, right?"
"Winning over Miss Sean—now that’s seriously impressive."
"Speaking of which, isn’t Vance Johansson from the Johansson family always chasing Mabel Sean? If the Johansson family finds out about this..."
"The key is Jerry Sean’s position. As long as Emperor Sean makes his choice, the Johansson family can only sit back and watch."
Even though they kept their voices down, I caught every word clearly.
My frown deepened as I thought it over.
Tonight’s announcement might definitely cause me a heap of trouble.
Of course, I wasn’t scared. Since I had the guts to say it, I had the guts to handle whatever came next.
"Miss Sean." Right then, a man with confident strides approached from nearby.
This guy wasn’t particularly built, but his steps were solid, and his breathing was deep and controlled.
I studied him closer and my expression shifted slightly.
Facing this person felt like staring into an endless ocean, impossible to see the bottom.
"Peak Grandmaster? Or maybe... someone who’s gone beyond Grandmaster level?" I couldn’t help wondering.
Mabel Sean got to her feet and smiled. "Mr. Billy."
The man called Mr. Billy chuckled. "Miss Sean, your announcement tonight certainly stunned everyone. Your words today must have crushed plenty of dreams."
As he spoke, Mr. Billy released an intimidating aura.
The crushing pressure aimed straight at me!
This pressure was beyond anything I could imagine, and even I couldn’t handle it.
My whole body shook, like I was about to be flattened at any second.
Facing someone far stronger than myself, I fought to resist, channeling the spiritual energy inside me.
Between us, an intense battle of wills played out, making even the air seem to vibrate.
Sweat poured down my face. Against this overwhelming force, I barely held on and was close to breaking.
Luckily, Mr. Billy pulled back his pressure then, and a flash of contempt crossed his eyes.
"Miss Sean, what’s this Mason Raymond’s background? How come I’ve never heard of him?" Mr. Billy asked with a smile.
Mabel Sean considered for a moment before saying, "Well... he’s a man who will reach the top of Capital City someday."
