Wendell fled the scene just as Harold, his sibling Wendy, and her fiancé Gerald, entered the hall. Upon encountering Wendell, Harold urgently asked, "Hey, Wendell! I just heard something happened to your family."

Wendell shoved him away, muttering, "I'm done. It's over."

Harold, concerned, asked, "Mr. Jones, what's wrong?"

Wendell shook his head, too terrified to speak. He feared revealing anything that could endanger him. He pushed Harold away and fled the hall.

Harold watched him go, sighing. "I bet it's really over for the Jones family. Damn, isn't everything happening too fast? They were fine yesterday, and now they've declared bankruptcy!"

Harold then saw Charlie Wade and Claire Wilson. An idea struck him. He approached Claire, saying, "Claire, let me introduce you to our honored guests tonight. This is Gerald's cousin, Kevin, the eldest son of the White family."

He then introduced Kevin to Claire: "Kevin, this is my cousin, Claire Wilson."

From the moment he entered, Kevin had been staring at Claire. He readily extended his hand, saying, "Claire Wilson, hello. I've heard about the Wilson family's charm and reputation."

Charlie Wade's eyes narrowed. He disliked the attention his wife attracted. He stepped forward, shook Kevin's hand, and coldly stated, "Hi, I'm Claire Wilson's husband."

Kevin eyed Charlie, his dislike evident. He withdrew his hand, saying, "I didn't realize Claire was married."

Wendy interjected, "Kevin, that loser is just our family's live-in son-in-law. He's jobless and talentless!" She winked at Kevin. "After Gerald and I get married, we'll be one big family. Let's get together more often…"

Kevin understood her suggestion. He smiled. "Miss Wilson is lovely and sophisticated. I'd be happy to get together regularly."

Just then, Charlie saw his in-laws, Elaine Ma and Jacob Wilson, approaching.

Elaine Ma announced, "Claire, have you heard? The Jones family declared bankruptcy!"

Claire gasped. "When did that happen?"

"Recently!" Elaine sighed. "I thought you'd be with Wendell after your divorce from Charlie. Looks like that plan's out the window…"

Charlie was inwardly frustrated. Didn't his mother-in-law realize he was the good catch?

Kevin greeted Elaine, "Hello, you must be Claire's mother? I'm Gerald's cousin, Kevin."

Upon hearing he was the eldest son of the White family, Elaine's face lit up. "Yes, yes! Are you Claire's friend?"

Kevin smiled. "We just met."

Elaine was overjoyed. "Come, let's sit. Mr. White, my Claire is beautiful and pure. You young people should stay in touch…"

Claire anxiously interrupted her mother. Elaine was about to protest when Claire subtly gestured toward the stage. Lady Wilson was in the spotlight!

Lady Wilson smiled into the microphone. "First, on behalf of the Wilson family, welcome to our banquet. Next, let's welcome the vice-chairman of Emgrand Group, Doris Young!"

Doris, in a black dress, commanded attention. She was striking, captivating all the men in the room. The vice-chairman of Emgrand Group! She acknowledged the guests, briefly meeting Charlie's gaze before looking away.

Lady Wilson continued, "Most importantly, thank you to Emgrand Group for this important project. We will work our hardest. Next, we'd like to introduce an outstanding member of our family…"

Elaine squealed, "Claire! It's your turn to shine!"

Though prepared, Claire was nervous. Charlie gave her an encouraging look. Harold smirked. Lady Wilson smiled before speaking again.

"…Without him, we wouldn't have partnered with Emgrand. Our board has chosen him as director of Wilson Group, responsible for the Emgrand project! Let's welcome the new director, Harold Wilson!"

Claire froze. She looked at Harold, who was smiling smugly on stage. A chill settled over Charlie. They were burning bridges!

Tears welled up in Claire's eyes. She stood and ran out. Charlie groaned.

Harold happily addressed the guests. "Thank you for the honor. I'll do my best."

Lady Wilson then announced, "We're honored to welcome the new chairman of Emgrand Group, Mr. Wade! Please welcome him!"

A roar of applause filled the hall. Everyone was eager to see the new chairman. Whispers circulated: "I think he's that mysterious rich man from Emerald Green Court!" "He must be the richest man in Aurouss Hill!"

Under the enthusiastic applause, Charlie Wade, with a calm face, stood up.