Chapter 46: No More Talking to You

"It was Leyton Scott, the heir to the Scott family's girlfriend," Josephine interjected. "She used to date Mr. Chance, but now she thinks she's superior after hooking up with the Scotts. She spat on him several times."

Walter snarled, slamming his hand on the table, his frown deepening. "The Scott family? How dare they! I'm summoning Yoel immediately to question him!"

Ah, so that's why he texted to have Yoel kicked out! Everyone realized Walter harbored a grudge against the Scott family. It seemed their business ties needed to be severed immediately.

Jared smiled faintly. "Mr. Grange, there's no need for such anger. I can handle this trifling matter myself." Leyton and Sandy were insignificant to him.

Outside the hotel, the scorching sun irritated Leyton.

"Have some water, Ley," Sandy offered, handing him a bottle.

Leyton took a long drink, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Why are we waiting here if we can't go in? This is ridiculous!" He grumbled, but feared his father cutting his allowance for half a year.

Just then, he saw his father exiting the hotel. Excitement flooded him. "My father's coming out! He's here to let us in!"

He rushed toward Yoel with Sandy. "Dad, why did you come out? Are we going in?"

Yoel huffed. "Keep dreaming! I was kicked out!"

Leyton was stunned. "What happened? Why?"

"How should I know? Let's leave before we make fools of ourselves." Yoel had arrived in high spirits, but left with his tail between his legs. Leyton and Sandy didn't even enter the banquet.

Two hours later, the banquet ended. Guests, faces flushed, chatted excitedly.

Josephine pulled Jared aside. "When did you meet Mr. Grange? He was so polite to you! And you didn't even tell me you were the guest of honor!"

Jared grinned. "You didn't say you were bringing me to a banquet when you rushed me away. I wanted to surprise you!"

"That was quite a surprise! I almost had a heart attack! You're too mean! No more secrets!" Josephine playfully thumped his chest.

Unexpectedly, Jared took her hand, their gazes locking. Without speaking, they exchanged a silent communication. He leaned closer. Josephine hesitated, conflict brewing within her. As his lips neared hers, she closed her eyes, anticipating the kiss.

Then, just as she waited anxiously, Jared murmured, "There's a smudge on your face." A devilish smirk played on his lips.

Josephine opened her eyes. "Ugh! You're so mean! I'm not talking to you anymore!" She smacked his chest and fled, blushing.

William smiled faintly, approaching Jared. "Mr. Chance, any future plans? Interested in starting your own company?"

Jared shook his head. "Nope. Right now, I just want to train and improve. I have no interest in, nor am I suited for, business."

The final paragraph with website information has been removed as it is promotional in nature and not relevant to the text cleanup.