Chapter 9

Dave, however, remained unperturbed. 

Instead, he met Jerry's and the others' gazes with a look of indifference, which only served to unsettle Jerry further.

Jerry, feeling the pressure of the crowd's scrutiny, knew he had to act quickly to shift the attention away from the competition. 

He forced a smile and turned to Ava with his voice smooth and composed. 

"Ava, there's something important I wanted to discuss with you today."

Ava, who had been glaring at Dave with obvious disdain, turned her attention to Jerry. 

"What is it, Jerry?"

Jerry's smile widened, sensing an opportunity to regain control of the situation. 

"I heard from my Uncle that Carl Mullen, the head of the Kevton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a banquet tonight. I know you've been working hard to help your family's business, Smithly Associates, join the chamber. This could be your chance."

Ava's eyes lit up with interest. 

"Really? Carl Mullen is in town?"

"Yes," Jerry confirmed. 

"I thought you might want to attend the banquet. I can introduce you to him and pave the way for Smithly Associates to gain access to the Kevton Chamber of Commerce. It's going to be a great opportunity."

The mention of such a prestigious event immediately captured Ava's full attention, and she momentarily forgot her disdain for Dave. 

"That would be amazing, Jerry. Thank you for thinking of me."

Jerry's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"Of course, Ava. Anything to help a friend."

As the conversation shifted, the crowd discussed the one-in-town banquet that would soon take place.

"I can't imagine the splendour that would accompany such a billionaire banquet."

"I heard it's only the crème de la crème in Nexroh who are invited to the banquet."

"Even fairly rich individuals can't attend."

Meanwhile, Ava and Hannah couldn't help but praise Jerry for his kindness.

"Jerry, you're such a gentleman," Hannah said with her voice dripping with admiration. 

"Ava is lucky to have someone like you looking out for her."

Ava nodded in agreement with her earlier anger at Dave now replaced with gratitude towards Jerry. 

"You're right, Hannah. Jerry's always been so thoughtful and considerate. Unlike some people."

Dave watched the exchange in silence as he maintained an indifferent expression. 

He knew that Jerry's offer to help Ava was just another way to solidify his position and undermine him. 

But Dave had no interest in their petty games!

His focus was on something far more important.

Jerry, noticing Dave's silence, felt a flicker of unease. 

He didn't like the way Dave seemed unaffected by everything. 

Determined to maintain his upper hand, he continued to steer the conversation. 

"Ava, I'll pick you up tonight around seven. We'll head to the banquet together. Make sure to dress your best; first impressions are everything."

Ava smiled with her excitement palpable. 

"Thank you, Jerry. I really appreciate this."

Hannah quickly chimed in. 

"Can I come too? It sounds like a fantastic event."

Jerry hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Of course, Hannah. The more, the merrier."

Ava was pleasantly surprised by Jerry's offer and couldn't stop grinning.

How else would she have had the chance to meet the renowned Carl Mullen if she hadn't met Jerry? 

She couldn't be more excited about her meeting with Jerry that night!

"Jerry, I can't thank you enough for tonight. Meeting Carl Mullen and the other influential figures is an incredible opportunity. You've given me a chance I never thought I'd have."

Jerry smiled warmly, feeling proud and confident. 

"I'm glad I could help, Ava. You deserve every opportunity to succeed. Smithly Associates is going to make waves in the chamber of commerce."

Hannah, standing beside Ava, chimed in with equal enthusiasm. 

"Jerry, you're amazing. Your connections and resources are beyond impressive. We would have never been able to get this far without you."

She cast a disdainful glance toward Dave, who was quietly enjoying some snacks and drinks he had brought along. 

"Unlike some people," she continued sarcastically, "who are completely useless! They offer no help to Ava's career and just live off her!"

Dave was seemingly unaffected by Hannah's cutting remarks. 

Instead, he chuckled softly while he took a sip of his drink and looked at the trio. 

"You know," Dave began with his tone light and amused, "it's quite a delusion to think that you're going to attend Carl Mullen's banquet."

Ava, Jerry, and Hannah turned to him with puzzled expressions. 

Ava furrowed her brows. 

"What do you mean?"

Dave shrugged nonchalantly. 

"The banquet has been cancelled. Carl Mullen decided not to host it after all."