Chapter 794
“So that’s the Deputy Director of the Federal Securities Regulatory Bureau?
He looks like a straight-laced guy. Why is he turning his back on local firms to back some foreign entity p>
Hank asked.
“He’s not actually here for Jude. Lawrence brought him in.
Lionel has a history with my grandfather. But my grandfather never calls in that favor unless it’s an absolute emergency, and he’s certainly never asked him to break protocol.
Lawrence is completely exploiting that connection today.
And because of the Lance family’s stellar reputation, Lionel probably didn’t even bother looking into the details p>
“That guy in the loud jacket next to him must be Charles Vance p>
“Most likely. I’ve never actually met him in person p>
Owen replied.
While they spoke, Jude had already led the two men onto the main stage.
Before he even introduced them, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Jude took the microphone himself. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the man I mentioned earlier-Mr. Lionel Merrick, Deputy Director of the Federal Securities Regulatory Bureau p>
Another wave of aggressive applause swept through the room.
“And beside him is the renowned global private equity investor, Mr. Charles Vance p>
Naturally, the crowd clapped even harder.
“I now invite Deputy Director Merrick to say a few words p>
Just then, a waiter quietly approached Owen and whispered something in his ear.
Owen immediately stood up, bringing Mira with him as they followed the waiter out of the hall.
Stepping just outside the banquet doors, they were met by an imposing figure. He had a strong jawline, sharp features, and an intensely authoritative presence.
Standing over six feet tall, his posture was as rigid as a commanding officer, exuding absolute power.
He was accompanied by only two bodyguards.
“Gabriel p>
Before Owen could finish his sentence, the man raised a hand to stop him. “Keep it quiet p>
The man then followed Owen and Mira back into the hall.
Despite his overwhelming aura of
authority, he casually took a seamet
Mira and the group met
and
in as he watched
the stage.
Mira turned to him. “Grab a water p>
He waved her off, signaling that he didn’t need anything, his unblinking gaze locked on the stage.
Hank glanced at the newcomer. The man’s sheer presence screamed danger, and Hank smartly kept his mouth shut.
Harvey leaned in and whispered to Mira, “He has the exact same vibe as Dominic West p>
On stage, the speech dragged on.
“Good evening, esteemed guests!
I am here tonight solely to support the advancement of our financial sector.
As you all know, our local markets have fallen behind. If we want to compete
globally, we must unite and work relentlessly.
Jude is a brilliant global financier. We wholeheartedly welcome his decision to bring his expertise to our shores.
To accelerate our growth, I officially
represent the Bureau in backing the establishment of The Capital
Markets Regulatory Association, with Jude Vance serving as its head.
From now on, his organization will oversee and validate our financial products.
Furthermore, Mr. Charles Vance has arrived with massive capital, fully prepared to inject it into our markets p>
As his words settled, the applause was deafening, echoing off the walls.
But just as Lionel prepared to step down from the podium, a massive figure blocked his path.
“Gabriel… Secretary Harrington, what are you doing here p>
“If I didn’t show up, were you just going to keep twisting the truth and disgracing this office p>
Gabriel glared at Lionel, his gaze predatory.
“Secretary Harrington, I know you outrank me.
But everything I’ve done tonight is for the good of the people, and it’s well within my jurisdiction.
It’s a fact that our local markets are lagging. Having foreign elites willing to step in and invest is a good thing p>
In reality, Lionel had only gone along
with Lawrence’s instructions
becau
he assumed Jude was fully
vetted, and that the Lance family had handled all the
ned tape
He never expected this p>
Lionel stood his ground. As the Deputy Director, he knew exactly where the lines were drawn.