Chapter 695
Andrew let out a cold laugh. “So, Raymond’s confidence comes from the Wright family?”
Stephen gave a firm nod. “Exactly. Without the family’s backing, Raymond wouldn’t even be qualified to shine your shoes, let alone set up the ridiculous Reckoning Toast.”
Andrew’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “Mr. Brunner, enlighten me, what exactly is that supposed to mean?”
Stephen straightened in his chair and explained, “The Reckoning Toast is an old tradition in certain circles. It’s essentially a public apology disguised as a show of respect.
“If two sides have a conflict but don’t want an all-out war, or if one side wants to back down without losing face, they’ll arrange a Reckoning Toast. You’d pour a glass of wine, offer it to Raymond, and apologize while acknowledging his supposed grievance.”
He explained, “If he takes the glass and drinks, it means he accepts the apology, and the matter is settled. But if he refuses or smashes the glass, that’s a declaration of war. It means the conflict will only escalate from there.”
Andrew’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. “And what do you think I should do, Mr. Brunner? Should I humor him with a drink or just ignore the whole thing?”
Stephen’s smile turned awkward. “Well… given Raymond’s ties to the Wright family, he’s feeling pretty bold right now. If you want to avoid trouble and steer clear of a conflict with the capital, I’d suggest going to the Jayrodale Grand Hotel.”
Andrew arched a brow. “So, what you’re really saying is that I should bow my head, offer him a drink, and let this slide?”
Stephen’s face paled slightly as he shook his hands frantically. “Of course not! Mr. Lloyd, you’re leagues above that fool. He doesn’t deserve a second of your time. But the Wright family’s influence runs deep, and it’s never wise to provoke powerful forces without reason. I just don’t want you to invite unnecessary trouble.”
Lauren, who had been quietly listening, scoffed. “I don’t care if Raymond has the Wright family behind him. We’re not going to apologize to that slimeball. Dream Paradise got trashed because of his son’s stupidity. He brought it on himself, and frankly, he deserved it.”
Stephen sighed, rubbing his temples. “Ms. Rhodes, I get what you’re saying, and you’re not wrong. But we still have to consider the bigger picture here. That spoiled brat from the Wright family – the one who spent months at Dream Paradise with a different girl every night – has already arrived in Jayrodale. As soon as he saw the damage, he went ballistic.”
Lauren’s expression shifted, her brows knitting together. “That must be Winston Wright. Ugh, that useless parasite. So he’s here in Jayrodale now?”
Andrew leaned back and exhaled slowly, completely unfazed. “The Wright family, Raymond… I honestly don’t care. They’re not worth my time.”
He shifted his gaze back to Stephen. “Anyway, how’s the production going with our joint project?”
Stephen’s face lit up with relief at the change of topic. “Oh, everything’s going according to plan. We followed your formula and started production as instructed. But if I can be candid, Mr. Lloyd, I think we might be overproducing. This is a brand-new product, and flooding the market could backfire. If sales flop, we’ll take a huge hit.”
Andrew smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. It’ll sell out. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if we can’t keep up with demand.”
Stephen hesitated but ultimately nodded. He had not known Andrew long, but he had seen enough to realize that this man was not someone you questioned without reason. In Jayrodale’s tangled web of power and influence, Andrew was already a force to be reckoned with.
“Alright,” Andrew said, standing and stretching his shoulders. “That’s settled then. Lauren, let’s go.”