Chapter 579
Andrew sighed dramatically. โI canโt believe it. You have a Hidden Dragons boss as your uncle, yet you canโt even manage 50 million. Fine, Iโll lower it to 30 million.โ
โ30 million? Forget it! If youโre going to keep pushing, then do it. Iโd rather risk my life!โ Finley snapped.
Andrew chuckled. โAlright, alright, you look like youโre about to pass out. Letโs settle on five million. Honestly, youโre the poorest and stingiest of all the guests today, Mr. Moore.โ
In the end, after some intense back-and-forth, Finley begrudgingly transferred five million to Andrew. He stared at his phone screen, watching his balance drop, and felt his heart bleed.
Five million gone over a single simple banquetโit was a humiliation he could not swallow.
The moment the transfer came through, Francesca promptly confiscated it.
โThis isnโt some secret fund, Andrew. Itโs part of the collection, so Iโll keep it for proper accounting,โ Francesca said with a playful grin. โYouโre not getting it back!โ
Lauren clapped her hands in delight. โFran, letโs tally up the gifts right now. With suckers like Mr. Moore here, we mustโve cleaned up big time!โ
Hearing this, Finley nearly toppled over in fury.
Andrew patted his shoulder cheerfully as he teased, โDonโt be shy, Mr. Moore. Eat and drink as much as you like. If you want more, just let me know, and Iโll have someone bring out the best dishes for you.โ
Finleyโs eyes darkened. โYou got me today, Andrew. But mark my words, I wonโt let this slide.โ
He added with mock sympathy, โFive million is generous, but itโs still leagues behind Mr. Sanfordโs golden offering. Better luck next time, huh?โ
Finley drowned his anger in drink, too afraid Andrew might actually press him for more money. His gang members scowled.
โMr. Moore, letโs get out of here. No point sticking around.โ
โYeah, weโll make sure that bastard Andrew pays for this!โ
However, Finley slapped him hard across the face. โYou moron! Weโve already paid five million. Weโre staying and eating every damn centโs worth!โ
The man froze, stunned, then nodded in agreement. โYouโre right, Mr. Moore. Letโs eat until this cheapskate goes broke.โ
They promptly launched an assault on the banquet, shoveling food like it was their last meal. Andrew chuckled at the sight. The banquet costs were laughably lowโbarely a thousand per table. Even if they ate until they burst open, they would never eat through five million.
The event was winding down, with some guests finishing their meals and heading out. Tiana, clearly unimpressed, signaled for Jerry to get ready to leave.
Suddenly, another group entered before she could take her leave, drawing everyoneโs attentionโthe Stevens family.
Leading the group were Aspen and Christina, followed closely by Irene and Leroy. Trailing behind them were Aspenโs lackeys, Bruce and Jackie, along with a hunched, frail-looking man named Gordon Woods.
Bruce and Jackie seemed particularly wary of Gordon, keeping a cautious distance from him as they walked.
โWell, well. Looks like the partyโs just getting started,โ Aspen remarked with a sly grin.