Chapter 45: A Match Made in Heaven
William rushed to the front, signaling Jared to leave discreetly. He blocked Walter's path and lied, "Mr. Grange, that's a hotel server; he must have taken a wrong turn."
Josephine caught up to Jared, pulling him away. "How inattentive were you? How did you end up here?" she muttered.
"Wait!" Walter called.
Josephine stopped, releasing Jared. "I apologize for the server's intrusion, Mr. Grange. I'll explain later."
William, sweating profusely, feared Walter's wrath. Unexpectedly, Walter was surprised. "Are you saying Mr. Chance is a family employee?"
"Yes!" William nodded, then froze. "M-Mr. Chance?"
How does he know Jared's last name is Chance? And why "Mr.?" he thought.
"Indeed," Walter explained, nodding. "Mr. Chance is this banquet's guest of honor. The others are simply associates."
William and Josephine were baffled.
Jared smiled and stepped forward. "I hope I'm not late, Mr. Grange?"
"Right on time, Mr. Chance. And this is?" Walter asked, gesturing to Josephine.
"My daughter," William replied. "She's friends with Mr. Chance."
William, a seasoned businessman, quickly recovered his composure.
Walter chuckled. "A perfect match! Handsome and beautiful!"
The guests complimented Jared and Josephine's compatibility. Josephine blushed deeply, avoiding eye contact.
"Please be seated, Mr. Chance. We've been waiting," Tommy said, gesturing to the main seat.
Jared readily took his seat. The crowd gathered; they sensed his future influence in Horington. Respected by Walter and Tommy, and the son-in-law of the Sullivan family—the city's wealthiest—no one dared offend him.
William and Josephine followed. Walter sat beside Jared; the other seat remained empty.
"This seat's for you, Ms. Sullivan. You two should sit together," Walter said, smiling and gesturing to Josephine.
Blushing, Josephine sat beside Jared. William took the seat next to her, a step lower in rank; Tommy deferred to him as Jared's prospective father-in-law.
Once seated, Walter raised his wine glass. "To Mr. Chance!" He knew the others would understand the implications.
"You flatter me, Mr. Grange," Jared replied, downing his wine.
As Jared set down his glass, Walter gasped. "What happened to your suit, Mr. Chance?" he exclaimed, pointing to a saliva stain.
"Someone spat on me twice outside," Jared said calmly.
Walter's expression darkened. "Who dared?" His gaze swept over the guests; everyone held their breath, fearing a family member was responsible.