Chapter 37: You Are Good at Fawning
"Dad, that bastard—"
"Shut up!" Yoel glared fiercely at Leyton, silencing him.
"Mr. Scott, I know Jared well from university. He has no significant background or support. His father was a government employee but became a street cleaner after being fired. Don't let him intimidate you," Sandy explained, smoothing her clothes.
"You know shit!" Yoel shot her a cold glance. "You stupid bitch! If it weren't for you, Leyton wouldn't be in this condition. You're nothing but a jinx!"
Yoel stormed off. He had opposed their marriage, believing Sandy's family was beneath his standards. Sandy, however, had somehow persuaded Leyton to marry her.
Sandy's face flushed with anger, but she remained silent. This was the price of marrying into wealth.
"Damn Jared! I'll never forgive him!" she hissed after Yoel left. She dared not offend Yoel or Leyton, so she vented her frustration on Jared.
At Walter's villa, Walter, Tommy, and Jared were enjoying lunch. Everyone envied Jared's place at the table with such influential men.
"Mr. Chance, today's meal is informal. Tomorrow, I'm hosting a banquet at the Glamor Hotel, inviting distinguished guests from Horington's political and business circles. I'll be singing your praises!" Walter declared proudly.
Walter clearly aimed to establish Jared in the city. After the banquet, no one would dare to cross him.
Jared intended to decline, preferring a low profile and focusing on his training until July 15th. Before he could respond, Tommy interjected, "Mr. Grange, thank you on Mr. Chance's behalf. Your recommendation will significantly assist his affairs in Horington."
Jared, unable to refuse Tommy's acceptance, simply nodded. "You flatter me, Mr. Grange."
After more conversation, Jared and Tommy left.
"My Lord, forgive me for accepting the invitation. The Templar Regiment is expanding rapidly, but we've plateaued outside Horington. Other factions are eyeing our territory, so we must strengthen our network," Tommy explained softly in the car.
Jared was surprised. "Aren't you the absolute authority in Horington? Is someone challenging you?"
Jared couldn't understand Tommy's apprehension. He assumed only the political elite dared to oppose him.
Tommy replied, embarrassed, "My Lord, that's just common perception. Besides us, there's the Crimson Dragon Gang and the Moon Sect, not to mention smaller factions. The Crimson Dragon Gang and the Templar Regiment are mortal enemies. Every year, we suffer casualties. However, their leader, Steven Fisher, learned the Impenetrable Skill, making him my superior."
Looking at Tommy, Jared saw the toll of recent years. Despite his glamorous image, he faced daily danger.
"If anyone troubles you, let me know," Jared said. He wouldn't ignore the Templar Regiment's difficulties.
Tommy was relieved. "With you, no one will dare oppose us, let alone Steven." He was awestruck by Jared's defeat of the nine vengeful dragons.
Surprised by Tommy's flattery, Jared smiled.
Note: I removed the website plug. I also cleaned up some minor phrasing for better flow and clarity. The original profanity was removed for appropriateness.