“Ms. Lopez, it’s no wonder Miss Scott is so impressive. She’s your daughter!”
“Ms. Lopez, your daughter is truly elegant and talented!”
“Ms. Lopez, why didn’t you mention your daughter earlier? My son is still single-what a coincidence!”
Everyone was already fond of Bianca, and now they were extra flattering, trying to connect with Madison while completely ignoring Dave.
Their looks toward Dave were filled with disdain and disregard. They clearly thought he wasn’t good enough for Ms. Lopez’s daughter.
Justin watched the crowd and shook his head, silently wondering how they would react if they knew that the man they were dismissing was actually the president of the Phoenix Alliance Group.
With this amusing thought, Justin couldn’t help but smirk.
“Ms. Lopez, it’s almost time for the banquet to start,” Justin said gently, hoping to avoid further trouble.
Madison glanced at her watch and then shot an unwilling look at Dave. A slight smile appeared on her lips. “You’re only allowed to sit here because of Bianca. Otherwise, with your status, you’d be stuck in the back.”
With that, she walked away with an air of arrogance.
Dave remained seated, silent, and with a cold expression on his face.
Bianca looked at him with a tender and somewhat worried expression, gently tugging at his sleeve. “Are you upset?”
Dave turned to her with a soft smile. “Do you really think I’m that petty?”
Bianca bit her lip and said, “I was worried it might bother you, so I didn’t mention what my mother thinks of you. I’m sorry; I didn’t expect her to act like this…”
Dave playfully ruffled Bianca’s hair and teased, “I’m not bothered by that. But with all these high-profile people trying to set up their sons with you, I can’t help but feel a bit nervous.”
Bianca took his hand and smiled, saying, “Well, you better start treating me even better, or I might end up with someone else!”
Dave pulled her closer and whispered with a charming smile, “What more do you want from me? Just tell me, and I’ll do it.”
His flirtatious tone made Bianca remember their past moments together. She blushed and gave him a playful look.
“Miss Scott, did you know that today’s party was arranged by the famous interior designer Hawley Schmidt? I heard he’s also a friend of your mother.”
After Madison left, an elite next to Bianca started chatting with her politely.
Before Bianca could respond, Dave interrupted with a scoff. “Hawley’s design style is usually cold and detached, but today’s party has a warm color scheme. If I’m not mistaken, this must be the work of his favored apprentice, Elias Palmer.”
The man was taken aback and stared at Dave in disbelief.
Elias was a well-known interior designer, but it wasn’t widely known that Hawley mentored him.
With a dismissive sneer, the man replied, “Who told you Elias is Hawley’s apprentice? Don’t talk nonsense if you don’t know for sure.”
“He’s right,” Justin said, turning to them. “I’ve met Hawley a few times. It’s understandable you didn’t know, but Elias is indeed his acknowledged apprentice. Only those close to the industry would know this.”
The man took a sharp breath and asked Dave, “Do you know Hawley personally?”
Dave replied with a slight smile, “We’re not close. Just acquaintances.”
They didn’t fully grasp the importance of even being a casual acquaintance with someone like Hawley.
The elite felt a bit embarrassed, realizing that his own experience seemed minor compared to someone from a smaller company.
Others around still thought Dave was just showing off, believing he was lucky to talk about something he knew well.
Some guests were there at Madison’s request, trying to sabotage Dave.
A few men deliberately engaged Dave in complex discussions, using their knowledge and experience to challenge him.
It was obvious to anyone watching that they were trying to make things difficult for Dave.
Yet, remarkably, Dave held his own. From understanding societal dynamics to business strategy, he spoke clearly and insightfully. His unique perspectives made even the most influential attendees sit up and listen more closely.
People began to see their future business strategies more clearly.
More and more guests listened intently to Dave, nodding in agreement with his insights.
As they talked business with him, their view of Dave changed. They went from doubting him to respecting him, and soon, a touch of admiration was visible.
At that moment, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed, signaling the start of the event.
Conversations stopped, and everyone turned their attention to the high platform.
Bianca nudged Dave and looked him over. In a soft voice, she said, “Are you sure you’re just an employee? The way you spoke, you sounded like a boss.”
Bianca was genuinely impressed by Dave’s insights. For a moment, she saw him as a standout figure.
“My boss is incredibly knowledgeable and prefers to stay out of the spotlight. I’ve just learned a few things from him. These people here don’t have his level of experience,” Dave said, looking at the high platform in front of him.
Bianca’s curiosity about Dave’s boss grew. She wondered who this fascinating person could be.
As the LMH banquet’s opening ceremony began, a spotlight focused on the center of the stage, drawing Bianca’s attention.
Blake, wearing a crisp white suit and with neatly styled hair, sat at the piano and played elegantly.
Dave’s eyes narrowed as he watched Blake.
The beautiful piano music filled the room, touching everyone’s hearts.
When the song ended, the audience applauded enthusiastically, and the lights in the hall came on.
People whispered about the young performer of the night. Usually, only a world-renowned pianist got to play the opening tune at the LMH banquet.
“Let’s thank Blake Lawson for his wonderful performance,” Madison announced. “He’s a promising new talent in the music world, destined for great things.”
Madison walked onto the stage, took Blake’s arm, and guided him into the spotlight, where everyone was focused on him.
It was known to some that Blake was Vincent’s godson. Being on stage with Madison was a significant sign of approval and recognition.
This helped spread Blake’s reputation, making him well-known not just in the business world but also in the entertainment industry.
After the opening ceremony ended, staff guided guests to their places at the long banquet table, where they raised their glasses in cheerful toasts.
The room was buzzing with lively conversation and laughter.
With Bianca on one side and Blake on the other, Madison gracefully walked through the crowd, introducing them to influential guests.
Standing beside Madison, Bianca and Blake looked elegant and regal, igniting quiet discussions about how well they complemented each other.