Chapter 130: Chapter 130: You’re the Only One Here
"James, you shouldn’t speak carelessly like that. If others hear, who knows how they’ll interpret the relationship between our two families."
When it came to his own interests, Victor Whitman finally decided to open his precious mouth: "Your aunt was just joking, do you really think James took it seriously?"
"Yes, I took it seriously." James Grant replied with a half-smile, the displeasure in his eyes not feigned.
Victor was momentarily at a loss for words and turned to rebuke Lady Whitman.
"At your age, why are you bickering with a young girl? I’ve pampered you and our daughter too much; you say whatever comes to mind, even bringing up James!"
Saying this, Victor glanced at James Grant, seemingly observing his expression, but seeing nothing, he had no choice but to continue the act.
"James has helped the Whitman Family so much, having such an outstanding nephew brings me great pride. You should be more mindful in the future!"
Only the last sentence did Evelyn Clayton hear genuine feeling.
As for the rest, Victor was merely speaking for the sake of it, going in one ear and out the other.
They found amusement, but Lady Whitman became the joke.
She looked at Victor Whitman in disbelief, her face trembling vehemently.
"Victor Whitman! Say it again! Who are you scolding?! Who are you talking about?!"
"If you have the guts, say it louder, in front of everyone!"
Lady Whitman lunged at Victor, grabbing his clothes and shouting, completely disregarding her so-called composure.
Evelyn Clayton pulled James Grant aside quietly.
Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, Harrison Grant hurried over and had Lady Whitman pulled away.
"Oh dear, what is the matter, Madam Whitman? Were the staff not attentive enough? I’ll have the VIP room upstairs prepared for you, so you don’t have to squeeze in with the younger ones."
Harrison’s demeanor was polite, and even if Lady Whitman wanted to cause a scene, she had to consider his position.
She glared at Victor Whitman then tidied her hair before heading upstairs.
After Harrison’s intervention, the banquet finally returned to normal.
He nodded towards James Grant, his eyes surveying the surroundings, and when they landed on Iris Lockwood, who was holding Matthew Sullivan’s arm, a barely noticeable chill crossed his face.
He approached them, his expression sullen: "Marcus, is this your date? Aren’t you embarrassed enough already?"
Iris noticed his unfriendly demeanor and instinctively tightened her grip on Matthew’s arm, trying to draw some security from it.
"Miss Lockwood recently caused us The Grant Group quite a bit of trouble. Do you think you have the right to attend such a banquet?"
Harrison didn’t even spare Iris a direct look as he added, "Marcus, you better think carefully about whether Evelyn is suitable for you, or if this woman who can’t achieve anything is."
Matthew clenched his fists, a flash of resentment in his eyes.
If he could get Evelyn Clayton to agree, would he still have to entangle with Iris Lockwood?!
A moment of silence ensued.
Seeing that the man beside her wasn’t speaking up, the hope in Iris’s eyes shattered.
She felt a sting at her nose, released Matthew Sullivan’s arm, and stormed off in frustration.
"Matthew Sullivan, don’t forget your main task; the time I gave you is almost up. If Evelyn doesn’t agree to be with you, don’t think about coming back to the Grant Family!"
...
The hall resonated with melodious music, as several couples danced gracefully hand in hand in the center.
Among them were Evelyn Clayton and James Grant.
The lighting was just right on their faces.
They looked exceptionally well-matched.
Matthew Sullivan ground his teeth, a flicker of hatred in his eyes, but Harrison Grant pulled him along to continue the social rounds.
As the dance ended, Evelyn Clayton had long noticed the solitary Matthew Sullivan.
"Where’s Iris? Why are you alone?"