Chapter 20

Cede blinked in surprise. Someone had actually sent him wine?

“What kind of wine is this? Do you think it’s even good?” someone asked.

“Never seen it before. Probably nothing special,” one of his relatives chimed in dismissively, their tone thick with disdain.

The waiter, visibly uncomfortable, maintained a polite smile. “This is one of Willow Bay Dining’s master-crafted red wines. Each bottle costs 20 thousand. Please…”

Though his expression remained professional, the waiter couldn’t help but feel a hint of ridicule bubbling under the surface. What a bunch of bumpkins, they couldn’t even recognize fine wine.

When the price sank in, Douglas and Valda’s faces lit up with shock and delight. Then, they turned to Cedric, their admiration for him reaching new heights. “Cedric, could that guest next door be a friend of yours? You should go thank them! Two bottles worth twenty thousand, how incredible!” Valda exclaimed, glowing with pride.

For better or worse, this was the perfect moment to flaunt their newfound prestige in front of the family. Now it was time to see who would dare to look down on them! Cede felt slightly puzzled. He’d been abroad for years and couldn’t think of anyone in the country who might send him such an extravagant gift. It was clear the sender was either wealthy or influential, so introducing himself could be worthwhile.

“Mara, you stay here and enjoy the meal. I’ll go next door and thank them,” Cedric said, rising from his seat and leaving the room.

He walked down the hallway, his heart beating a little faster as he knocked on the door of the neighboring private room. The door opened to reveal a middle-aged man with a warm, friendly smile. Inside, the table was modestly set with just four dishes and a bowl of broth. Standing behind the man were two bodyguards, their stoic expressions and imposing presence impossible to miss.

This made Cedric cautious. Anyone who could spend 40 thousand dollars on wine so casually was someone to take seriously.

“I’m Cedric Reid, Scarlett Payne’s fiancé,” he said smoothly. He didn’t hesitate to drop Scarlett’s name. Sometimes, leading with the right connections opened doors.

“Indeed, I’ve heard about you. When I learned you were hosting guests next door, I thought I’d send over a small gift. I hope it was to your liking,” the man said, a smile playing on his lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Thank you so much for the gift, sir. I’m a little flattered. May I ask for your name?” Cedric’s curiosity was piqued. Even after Scarlett’s name was mentioned, this man didn’t seem to have much of a reaction.

“I’m Joe Massy. I run a small business in Ashbourne. I recently heard that the Payne Group has an impressive project, and I’d like to work with Mr. Reid.” As he spoke, his eyes flicked toward the bodyguard standing silently behind him. The bodyguard stepped forward, placing a briefcase on the table. Cedric froze for a moment, his gaze locked on the briefcase. Then the realization struck him like a thunderbolt.

“Mr. Massy, are you trying to bribe me?” he said, raising his chin ever so slightly. No matter how wealthy or desperate someone was, they always had to come to him, didn’t they?

Joe chuckled, his tone light. “Mr. Reid, you’ve misunderstood. This is just a gesture to break the ice. If you’re willing to help me, there’s an even bigger gift waiting for you.”

The briefcase was opened, and Cedric’s once-proud posture immediately faltered. The bills were neatly stacked inside, row after row.

“Well, this certainly changes things. Don’t worry, Mr. Massy. I’ll make sure it’s taken care of. As long as I say the word, Scarlett will do as I tell her.”

The two men exchanged knowing smiles, their silent agreement sealed.

Later, as Cedric left Willow Bay Dining, he immediately hailed a cab to the Payne Group office. Sitting beside him was a neatly packed takeout box, something he’d grabbed on the way out.

Inside the interoffice, Scarlett stretched her arms with a groan. It was another late night. For the past few months, she had thrown herself entirely into managing Payne Group, pouring every ounce of energy into the business. Even something as basic as eating regularly had fallen by the wayside. Her gaze drifted toward a corner of her desk. That was where a lunchbox used to sit.