In the depths of Manfred James's discerning gaze, perhaps if Theophilus was to be the heir of that enigmatic figure, he might possess a modicum of mettle. Yet, to expect the entire upper echelon of the James house to roll out the red carpet for him was undoubtedly a lofty aspiration. If Theophilus were not to inherit the power and clout from that era's shadowy figure, then what would even a sprinkle of acquired skills avail him? Moreover, with Theophilus being of such tender age, even if that grand elder desired to bequeath all his influence, how could the young man possibly wield it effectively? "Brother Manfred, we cannot afford to underestimate this Theophilus." Raine James cautioned with a hint of trepidation: "Although we're in the dark about the true stature of that grand elder from yesteryears, and the extent of his dominion, even our own patriarch approached the matter with kid gloves. It'd be prudent for us to tread lightly." Pausing for a brief moment, Raine James contin
Being the crown jewel of the James conglomerate in Radiant Harbor, Lillian held unparalleled sway. In days of yore, her influence would have been on par with that of a reigning princess, an unreachable celestial existence. Without their academic ties, many among them, even those with some societal stature and moderate wealth, wouldn't be deemed worthy of sharing a coffee with Lillian. Dulcie nodded, her tone firm: "I am indeed running a gemstone corporation in Elysian Echo. I'm here in Radiant Harbor for business, but most dealings are nearing completion. We might soon establish a branch here." "Oh? Really, Dulcie? You're branching out to Radiant Harbor? That's commendable, but the gemstone business here isn't a piece of cake." Lillian retorted with a hint of skepticism: "You've been absent from Radiant Harbor for years. How did you manage to establish connections? Without them, business here can be quite challenging." Dulcie's brow furrowed slightly. Lillian's demeanor during this
"That won't do, Theophilus is busy with something, and he doesn't really know anyone here." Dulcie declined, not wanting to bother Theophilus with this matter. "What's so busy about it?" A young girl spoke up: "Dulcie, don't you respect Lillian? Is that guy discussing business? If so, tell him to come here. Discussing business with anyone is no match for Lillian. You know how influential Lillian is in Radiant Harbor; just one word from her, and there's no contract that can't be signed." "That's right, Dulcie, we're all very curious about this legendary good-for-nothing son-in-law. What gives him the right to scoff at our beauty queen?" A young man chimed in. "Talking about business? Dulcie, you don't have to hide anything anymore. You come to Radiant Harbor, and you don't even have a car. What kind of business can that worthless Theophilus do?" A fashionably dressed young man mocked: "People like that, Dulcie, you shouldn't be defending him anymore." "Exactly, let Theophilus come o
Lillian looked at Theophilus, a silent laugh in her heart; indeed, he was nothing but a parasitic loafer, only good at deceiving women. Pretending so well, she wondered where he rented that car from, and even hiring a foreigner to pose as his bodyguard, looking so dignified. Theophilus glanced at Lillian, recognizing her as the one who took Dulcie's phone to speak to him. Maintaining minimal courtesy, Theophilus responded: "Indeed." "That's quite the car, Theophilus, is it yours?" Lillian asked teasingly. Theophilus frowned slightly, who talks like this, clearly showing disdain? Theophilus replied indifferently: "You could say that." He didn't know what these people were thinking, that Bentley was just a car he had Hades casually pick up from the Mid restaurant. "You could say that? Ha ha, you're quite something." Lillian said with a meaningful smile. Suddenly, everyone focused on Theophilus's car, their faces skeptical. They believed Theophilus couldn't afford such a luxury v
Everyone's face showed their eagerness to please this influential person from the Mid area. "Theophilus, what are you doing? Why are you still sitting there?" Everyone in the banquet room had stood up, except for Dulcie and Theophilus, who remained seated, quietly drinking their wine. "Aren't you aware of the custom to toast? Or do you think you're too superior to respect Mr. Wright, the CEO?" Lillian accused in a cold voice, finding Theophilus's behavior intolerable. Even she, the host of the party, had stood up to toast Mr. Wright, the CEO, yet Theophilus dared to sit there, pretending to be ignorant. "Dulcie, aren't you going to remind this useless fellow? He doesn't seem to understand any manners!" Lillian commanded sternly. Her tone annoyed Dulcie, but she didn't know what to do and just looked at Theophilus. Theophilus remained calm, glancing at Stanley, whose face had turned pale, looking very troubled. Stanley had not expected that his casual visit to greet Miss Lillian
It was surprising that Theophilus, whom they mocked as Dulcie's useless husband, could be formidable enough to force Lillian to call her father to save face. Moreover, judging by the current situation, even if Lillian's father came, it's not certain Stanley would show any respect. It was truly incomprehensible how Theophilus possessed such ability that he could make Stanley turn against Lillian and wholeheartedly protect him. However, they dared not voice any opinions, as the confrontation between the two seemed like a battle between gods, far beyond what those of lower status could fathom. Everyone there knew that Lillian's father, Stuart James, held a significant position in the James Corporation in Radiant Harbor, commanding high respect in the James family. "Stanley, wait until my father gets here. I want to see how you'll speak to him!" Lillian retorted sharply, showing her true colors as a spoiled heiress. Unbelievably, Stanley had made her apologize to Theophilus, somethin
Stanley, visibly angry, was quickly restrained, his phone flung far away. "Stuart, do you have a death wish? Let me tell you, you can't afford to offend boss Jake!" Stanley spoke defiantly. "Can't afford to offend? Is Theophilus a relative of your big brother Vincent?" Stuart raised an eyebrow, then calmly said: “It's useless, even if Vincent comes, he can't easily solve this, I must satisfy my daughter today." Seeing the situation, Lillian smiled triumphantly: "Theophilus, Stanley, I told you not to overdo it, but you had to create such chaos, truly inviting trouble." "Dad, now have someone make Theophilus kneel down, then make him slap himself and admit his fault.” Lillian commanded. "Don't worry, Theophilus won't get away today.” Stuart assured sternly. Then, Stuart walked towards Theophilus with a commanding aura, saying in an authoritative tone: “Seeing your youthful ignorance, and out of respect for Vincent, I might spare your life. Now kneel and apologize to my daughter."
He raised his hand and slapped Stuart across the face, turning his cheek red, his eyes filled with humiliation and defiance. "What right do you have to make conditions with me?" Theophilus asked. "Theophilus! You, you!" Stuart felt humiliated, unable to believe he was slapped down by a young man in front of so many people, including his daughter. The slap was so shocking that everyone present was astounded. Theophilus was daring, stepping over Stuart like that. How confident was Theophilus? Wasn't he afraid of Stuart's revenge? Lillian's face turned red with anger, unable to do anything as she saw her father being hit. "Theophilus, think carefully, do you know what my status is in Radiant Harbor?" Stuart spoke harshly: “You will regret your actions today!" "Are you threatening me?" Theophilus's eyes briefly showed a cold glint. Two more slaps landed on Stuart's cheeks, his face swelling, breathing heavily, filled with rage. Theophilus coldly looked at Stuart and said: “If it