Chapter 11

Among the graduating class, no one paid attention to Robert. They barely spoke to him. He was considered persona non grata, having offended Barry and being Marilyn's ex-boyfriend. Although everyone knew Marilyn had dumped him, Kendrick remained displeased with Robert. Consequently, anyone associating with Robert risked ruining their future prospects.

At the job fair, Robert was completely isolated. However, he didn't mind; he was only there to accompany Samuel and the others.

"Robert!"

A loud shout startled everyone. Who would speak to the supposedly jinxed Robert at that moment?

Samuel, Simon, and Eric were seen hurrying toward him.

"Samuel, you guys are late! The job fair almost ended," Robert said, smiling. He'd enjoyed a close relationship with his three housemates throughout university.

Samuel, panting, smiled and punched Robert. "It's all your fault, you punk! I'm still hungover from that wild night. I woke up feeling groggy."

Simon winked at Samuel. "You were the happiest one drinking that day. Lucy sounded so sweet calling your name."

Samuel blushed, a rare hint of embarrassment crossing his face. His relationship with Lucy was clearly blossoming.

"Stop teasing him," Robert urged. "Go submit your resumes."

Only then did Samuel and the others remember their purpose. They grabbed their resumes and headed toward relevant booths.

"Barry, you've seen my resume before," Simon said, approaching Barry. Unaware of the conflict between Barry and Robert, he presented his resume.

Barry glanced at it, sneered, and tossed it in the trash, muttering, "Garbage."

Simon was stunned.

"Get out of here, you're an eyesore," Barry said impatiently, waving his hand.

Barry's lackey shoved Simon.

Simon's expression changed. "What do you mean, Barry? We had an agreement…"

"An agreement with me? Anyone connected to Robert is barred from my company! Understand?" Barry showed no mercy, berating Simon publicly.

Simon pushed away the lackey. "Who the hell do you think you are? I don't care about your company!"

Meanwhile, Samuel and Eric stood before Zabel Group's human resources personnel, having already submitted their resumes and made prior contact. However, Kendrick appeared, glanced at them, waved to the personnel, and said, "Get them out of here. Zabel Group doesn't want anyone associated with Robert."

Samuel and Eric's expressions fell. They hadn't anticipated a conflict with Zabel Group, but Marilyn's presence beside Kendrick revealed the truth. Remembering Jeremy's comments about Marilyn breaking up with Robert because of Kendrick two nights earlier, they understood.

Barry and Kendrick were openly boycotting Robert and his associates. Given the prominence of Barry's family and Zabel Group's influence, most local companies would comply. Other companies promptly discarded Samuel, Eric, and Simon's resumes.

Samuel, Eric, and Simon noticed this and clenched their fists in anger.

Outside the school gate, ten Rolls-Royces with consecutive license plate numbers, followed by a fleet of new, license-less sports cars, formed a procession. These were Zachary's graduation gifts for Robert. Behind the cars stood over 100 young women in red gowns, each carrying a tray of additional gifts—precious collectibles and real estate deeds.

Carlos, on the phone, said, "Everything's ready, Mr. Zabinski. The school principal is informed. The convoy will enter shortly. The news hasn't leaked; Robert still doesn't know."

"Well done," Zachary replied. "It's hilarious how the Quesnell daughter looks down on my son. How's the investigation into Rob's housemates?"

"Clean backgrounds."

"Good. They helped him; I'm not ungrateful. I'll arrange company positions for them. They're good kids; with training, they can be Rob's right-hand men. I'll be out of the country for a while; take care of him, Carlos."

"Rest assured, Mr. Zabinski," Carlos replied, then ordered via walkie-talkie, "Prepare to enter. Maintain speed, helicopter ready!"

The grand display outside attracted attention, though unseen by the students inside, who regarded Robert with disdain.

"This job fair is nonsense! We'll find jobs in Yrinas!" Samuel declared, putting his arm around Robert. Their friendship remained unaffected.

Kendrick smirked, confident. "Let's see which company dares hire you all!"