Chapter 709
Today marked the final day of the Reckoning Toast. Raymond had never expected Andrew to show him such blatant disregard, showing up this late and making such an entrance.
In the center of the hotelโs grand hall, Winston sat slouched in his chair, looking thoroughly bored.
Every now and then, locals from Jayrodale came over to toast him, but he either ignored them or responded with dismissive nods. It was clear he didnโt take anyone here seriously.
Standing stiffly behind Winston was an older man with a lean frame and a stone-cold expression. He was known as Jason Lowell, one of the Wright familyโs top enforcers sent as Winstonโs personal bodyguard.
Raymond approached with a polite smile. โMr. Lowell, youโve been standing there all night. Please, sit down and rest for a bit.โ
Jason responded flatly, โMr. Chapman, just handle your business. Iโll handle mine.โ
Raymond bowed slightly, eager to please. โOf course, Mr. Lowell. Youโre absolutely right. I just worry that Andrew might show up with Jayrodaleโs underground forces. If that happens, I might need to rely on you.โ
Jason let out a cold snort. โIโll step in when necessary. But Jayrodale is a tiny townโthereโs barely anyone here worth my effort.โ
Raymond nodded in agreement, plastering on a sycophantic grin. โMr. Lowell, youโre absolutely right. Nobody here can match you. And that Andrewโฆ heโs not even worth mentioning.โ
Winston tapped his glass on the table, his patience running thin. โWhere the hell is this Andrew guy? I heard heโs some notorious sugar baby who lives off rich women. Nothing disgusts me more than a man who canโt stand on his own two feet.โ
Raymond gave a quick laugh. โDonโt worry, Mr. Wright. I just heard from Stephenโtheyโre on their way.โ
Winston grunted and swept his gaze across the room. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and a lecherous grin spread across his face.
โWell, wellโฆ now thatโs a surprise,โ he muttered. โDidnโt expect to see that kind of beauty here.โ
Raymond followed Winstonโs gaze and immediately chuckled knowingly. โAh, I see Mr. Wright has good taste,โ Raymond said with a sleazy grin. โAllow me to introduce them to you.โ
He straightened his suit and gestured toward the two women Winston had his eyes on. โThose two beauties are Christina Stevens, CEO of Jayrodaleโs Stevens Corporation, known as the โIce Queenโ of the corporate world,โ Raymond explained.
โThe other is Aspen Stevens, from Bridgefieldsโ prestigious Stevens familyโa true socialite.โ
Winstonโs eyes gleamed with interest. โTheyโre both from the Stevens family? Damnโฆ imagine landing both women. Thatโd be a dream come true.โ
Raymondโs smile widened. โWith your charm and family name, Mr. Wright, theyโll be yours in no time.โ
He added slyly, โBy the way, the man standing with them? Thatโs Finley Moore from Hidden Dragons. Youโve met before, havenโt you?โ
Winston sneered. โOf course, I know that old perv. Heโs practically a friend when it comes toโฆ extracurricular activities.โ
Raymond laughed and strode over to the group. โMr. Finley, Aspen, Christina,โ Raymond greeted them with a practiced smile. โAllow me to introduce you to Mr. Winston Wright. Heโs been eager to meet you.โ
Finley raised his glass, giving Winston a knowing smirk. โMr. Wright, long time no see. We havenโtโฆ crossed swords since that night in Blumedale.โ
Winston let out a sleazy chuckle. โYouโve always had a quick draw, Finley. Makes the rest of us look bad.โ
Finley tilted his glass toward him. โNonsense. Yourโฆ technique is famous. Short and thin, but deadly when it counts.โ
Winstonโs eyes darkened, but he let the jab slide, turning his attention to Christina and Aspen instead.
He straightened his posture and flashed what he believed was a charming smile. โGood evening, ladies. My name is Winston. Winston Wright, from the Wright family.โ
He practically growled the last two words, emphasizing his family name.