Upon hearing this, Bruno felt quite displeased. The security at the Cloud Dream Mountain villa area was known for its arrogance, and he didn’t want to be looked down upon. However, he couldn’t refuse the old Mrs. Henley’s order.
“Grandma, I have a lot going on at the company recently,” Bruno subtly declined.
“Grandma, how about letting Sophia and Leo go? This embarrassing matter suits Leo, he’s used to it,” Fanny quickly suggested to avoid the unlucky task falling on her.
To gain favor with the Browne family, there needed to be genuine sincerity. Only the core members of the Bloomer family could convey this. Leo, being a son-in-law, lacked the qualifications. The old Mrs. Henley had excluded Leo from the start.
Additionally, Leo’s marriage into the Bloomer family had caused quite a stir across Langstel. The Browne family was unlikely to be ignorant of this, and if they learned that the Bloomer family sent an in-law, it might provoke their displeasure.
The old Mrs. Henley felt repulsed by Fanny’s suggestion. “Fanny, what do you mean by pushing Leo forward? Do you want the Bloomer family to miss the Browne family’s invitation?”
Upon hearing this, Fanny, who thought she had a good idea, felt a chill in her heart. She hurriedly explained, “Grandma, that’s not what I meant. I…”
Afraid that Fanny might say something untimely, Bruno stood up and said, “Grandma, I think sending Sophia alone is enough. Even if she faces rejection, it won’t be a big deal for her, considering she dared to marry a freeloader.”
The Browne family had consistently ignored the Bloomer family. Bruno had personally gone there in previous years, only to face rejection each time. So, even with the chance to attend Old Mr. Browne’s eightieth birthday this year, Bruno was unwilling.
Sophia, feeling the gaze of the Bloomer family on her, hesitated for a moment and said, “Grandma, I can visit the Browne family to present gifts, but I can’t guarantee an invitation to Old Mr. Browne’s eightieth birthday.”
“Sophia, that’s not the right thing to say. You currently manage Sophia Cosmetics, the most profitable among all subsidiaries under Henley Group. In other words, you represent the strength of both the Bloomer family and Henley Group. You must ensure success,” Bruno said cunningly.
Bruno knew this matter was almost hopeless, but since Sophia agreed, he could use this opportunity to make her a target.
Aware of Bruno’s sly intentions, Sophia spoke coldly, “Bruno, your words sound nice. If you have the ability, why don’t you go?”
“No, no,” Bruno shook his head like a drum, “Sophia, in the recent period, your company has effortlessly handled so many troublesome matters. It shows your capability. Building connections with the Browne family is a trivial matter for you, right?”
Unlike usual, today the Bloomer family members did not support or echo Bruno’s obvious attempts to provoke. They knew there was little hope in this matter, so challenging Sophia further would be meaningless.
The old Mrs. Henley pressed her hand, signaling Bruno to sit down. Then, she addressed Sophia, “Sophia, don’t burden yourself mentally. Just do your best.”
As soon as the old Mrs. Henley finished speaking, Leo stood up from the corner and loudly declared, “Grandma, for this matter, I think I should go.”
Leo’s words first stunned the members of the Bloomer family, then erupted into bursts of laughter.
“Leo, since you and Sophia are attending the family meeting, can you sit quietly in your designated seat without speaking? We don’t need you to use your childish humor to lighten the atmosphere,” someone scoffed.
“Leo, please understand your own status. If you go to the Browne family, not only will they kick you out, but our Bloomer family will also suffer a bad impression,” another added.
The mocking voices made Bruno direct his sarcasm toward Leo. Standing up, he sneered, “Leo, it seems like you’re becoming more arrogant lately, wanting to meddle in everything. At this rate, you probably want the position of chairman.”
Bruno’s words were both mocking Leo and subtly reminding the old Mrs. Henley, displaying a malevolent intent.
Leo glanced around at the Bloomer family members and continued, “I’ve already been invited by the Browne family. I’ll make a call to confirm, and they should invite the Bloomer family to the celebration.”
Fanny couldn’t help but burst into laughter, one hand covering her stomach, the other pointing at Leo, “Leo, seriously, could you at least draft your lies before spewing them?”
“I did receive an invitation from the Browne family, personally from August,” Leo said solemnly.
The Bloomer family members burst into laughter again.
“He must have a problem with his head, this freeloader, daring to claim August personally invited him!?”
“Leo, Leo, stop daydreaming. Wake up! Freeloading in real life isn’t enough for him.”
“I’ve figured it out; no wonder Leo is always at family meetings. He’s here to boost his presence and liven up the atmosphere!”
Sophia couldn’t help but glance at Leo. Only she knew that Leo wasn’t bragging or joking.
During the meeting, the old Mrs. Henley preferred seriousness. She tapped the floor with her cane, saying coldly, “Leo, the meeting room is a place for serious matters. If you keep talking nonsense, you can get out!”
“Grandma, I’m telling facts,” Leo replied lightly and sat back in his designated seat.
However, Bruno wasn’t willing to let Leo off that easily. He pressed, “Leo, you say August personally called you. Do you have any evidence?”
“I do, but you’re not qualified to see it,” Leo said without even looking at Bruno.
Bruno sneered, “A waste is a waste after all. Even if you brag, it only ends up making you a laughingstock.”
Fanny looked at Leo with a disgusted expression and said, “Leo, you have no place to speak in this meeting room. Can you please shut your foul mouth? Your words make me sick!”
Leo looked at the old Mrs. Henley one last time and asked, “Grandmother, do you really not want me to help with this favor?”