Chapter 454: Business Banquet (2)

Bill Jones smiled broadly. Hannah's remark had impressed him; her wisdom was as striking as her beauty. He was disappointed, however, with Sawyer's e-commerce platform, finding its operational model outdated and rigid for the emerging market. If he'd had better options in Northfield, Sawyer wouldn't have been his first choice. Unfortunately, accessing Northfield's market required partnering with a local group.

Gazing at Hannah, Bill said, "My research indicates Sawyer has an unparalleled domestic e-commerce platform. So, what motivates your interest in working with me?"

"The Bead Chain e-commerce platform," Hannah replied. "It's a recently acquired local platform owned by Cooper. You can find more information if you're interested. Compared to Sawyer's colossal two-billion-dollar fund, its market capitalization is only five million—a disadvantage I won't hide. However, it offers advantages Sawyer can't. Being new, we can customize it perfectly to your needs—something Sawyer's years of operation make difficult. Plus, Bead Chain has the substantial backing of Cooper, ensuring sufficient capital for growth, and its fan base exploded from 200,000 to two million in a single week."

Hannah's detailed analysis was delivered confidently. With a self-assured smile, she continued, "Regarding Sawyer, further investigation will reveal the current state of its capital flow. As a professional competitor, I can't disclose more, but you're capable enough to uncover what you need."

Bill simply maintained his smile, offering no response. Businessmen, he knew, were shrewd and guarded, revealing nothing until the opportune moment. Hannah, aware that excessive speaking might betray eagerness, rose gracefully. "I should join my friends," she said. "Enjoy the evening, Mr. Jones."

"See you later," Bill nodded.

Hannah left with Tan.

From a distance, Charles had observed Hannah's conversation. His face darkened; he knew she was aiming for his project. Could she genuinely believe a small platform could rival his? If so, she was foolish. He straightened his suit and tie before approaching Bill, determined to ensure Hannah's failure.

Guests mingled in the opulent ballroom. This important business banquet attracted Northfield's elite: celebrities, the wealthy, and high-ranking officials. Attendance served two primary purposes: social status (the invitation itself was a symbol of prestige) and networking (facilitating deals). Nobody missed it.

Hannah was busy introducing Tan Laurier to business leaders, while Tan engaged in modest conversations. Susan, however, remained quietly in a corner. She was surprised by Hannah's ease with these powerful men; she herself wouldn't have lasted two minutes. She observed Henry, engrossed in socializing, a departure from his usual demeanor. She wondered about his change, but appreciated his thoughtfulness in leaving her to wait, knowing the event might bore her, and promising to collect her later.

Susan sighed. Everyone seemed to progress except her. She lowered her head, scrolling through her phone, escaping into its digital world. She longed to go home but didn't want to leave Henry alone. She sensed his loneliness and the longing for companionship, so she focused on her phone.

"Hi, Susan," a familiar female voice interrupted.

Susan frowned, instantly irritated. It was Martina, a woman she despised. She'd once wondered how Charles, such a seemingly "good" man, could have a sister like Martina; now she understood—family.

"What's up?" Susan asked curtly.

"I'm warning you to stay away from Manuel, now that you're divorced," Martina stated.

"It's none of your business," Susan retorted.

"As his girlfriend, I have the right to keep anyone like you away from him," Martina declared.

Susan was annoyed but held back. A girlfriend's possessiveness was understandable. Glancing at Henry, trying to ignore the infuriating woman, she said calmly, "When have I bothered him?"

"Why were you at Manuel's apartment that night?" Martina pressed.

"I was retrieving my belongings. Did I interrupt you?" Susan mocked. The memory flashed in her mind.

"I don't want to see you near Manuel again," Martina threatened.

"Don't worry, I won't," Susan replied, adding, "It smells awful—a place you sleep in."

"Susan Phillips!" Martina's face reddened with anger.

"Watch your image," Susan retorted sarcastically. "It's not worth dropping your act for me—you've been wearing it for years."

"Fine," Martina snapped, turning away. Her appearance, Susan realized, was less a warning and more a display of superiority—she had a boyfriend, and a better one than Manuel, she thought. Manuel was dull, and Martina unfortunate to be with him. Yet, an inexplicable annoyance lingered; Susan felt distraught, helpless.

Henry was still socializing. After a moment's consideration, Susan texted him: "Feeling unwell, going home early. Enjoy your evening." The message sent, she left the banquet. She couldn't recall when the world had become so uninteresting.