Chapter 175
Chapter 176
Sweedy, who had already decided that Victoria heeded to learn a lesson, turned toward her with a calm but firm expression. “As everyone can clearly see,” she said, “Mr. Marcus’ gift isn’t just the most meaningful one here. It’s also the most expensive. He won the bet fairly. So… kneel and apologize p>
Victoria’s expression stiffened. She opened her mouth and said, “But p>
Before she could continue, Mr. Zed interrupted her. His face had become noticeably serious.
“You’d better do as you promised,” he said firmly. “A person’s word is worth more than anything. If you refuse, then I will have you escorted out of my daughter’s birthday banquet p>
Victoria’s face instantly turned pale. She subconsciously looked toward Eden.
Eden leaned closer and whispered through gritted teeth, “Do it. We still need Mr. Zed to announce our collaboration today. Don’t offend him over something like this p>
Victoria bit her lower lip so hard it almost bled. Her fists clenched tightly.
She wanted to refuse. But under the countless eyes watching her, she knew she had no choice.
Taking a shaky breath, she slowly walked toward Marcus.
Then…
She lowered herself onto both knees.
The entire banquet hall became silent.
Victoria lowered her head and forced the words out.” Marcus… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mocked you or doubted your gift. I was wrong. Please forgive me p>
Marcus simply looked at her for a few seconds before giving a small nod. “Very well p>
Only then did Victoria slowly stand back up, her face burning with humiliation.
Mr. Zed looked toward Marcus and said, “Mr. Marcus, I’d also like to apologize on behalf of my guest. I hope today’s incident won’t affect your impression of our family p>
Marcus smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. Let’s just enjoy the celebration p>
verdive
Sweedy immediately clapped her hands with a bright smile. “That’s right! The misunderstanding is over, Everyone, let’s continue the party p>
The tense atmosphere quickly disappeared as music filled the banquet hall once again.
Guests returned to chatting, laughing, and enjoying the evening.
Not long afterward, Julia quietly walked beside Marcus.
She looked at him with complicated eyes before asking softly, “You prepared all of this ahead of time and I didn’t even know
Marcus smiled.
“I knew we had to leave a good impression on the Minister of Finance. Having someone like Mr Zed support you will open many opportunities in the future. So I decided to prepare everything in advance p>
Julia stared at him for a moment before asking another question. “But… five million dollars. Where did you even get that kind of money p>
Marcus was just about to answer when a familiar voice interrupted them.
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“So… you must be feeling very happy now p>
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Victoria had returned. Although she had already changed back to her usual expression, the resentment in her eyes couldn’t be
hidden.
She looked directly at Marcus. “You enjoyed watching me kneel, didn’t you? Fine. Enjoy your little victory while it lasts p>
She folded her arms and smirked.
“I’ve already spoken with Mr. Zed, and he accepted my apology. That means he’ll still announce his support for our partnership today p>
Julia looked at her calmly.
“Maybe next time you should learn when to stay quiet instead of embarrassing yourself. And besides, whatever happens between you and Mr. Zed has nothing to do with us p>
Victoria let out a cold laugh. “I know you’re jealous p>
Her eyes shifted toward Marcus. “You even spent five million dollars just to prepare for today. Unfortunately for you, that won’t change anything p>
She snorted coldly before turning around and walking away. Julia watched her leave before letting out a helpless sigh.
“She is annoying p>
Marcus merely smiled without saying anything.
The banquet continued peacefully for several more minutes.
Then…Mr. Zed slowly made his way toward the stage.
A staff member immediately handed him a microphone.
The chatter inside the hall gradually died down as everyone turned their attention toward him.
Standing among the crowd, Victoria’s lips slowly curled into a confident smile.
At last…The moment she had been waiting for had finally arrived. The lively atmosphere inside the banquet hall gradually faded as everyone noticed Mr. Zed standing on the stage with a microphone in his hand.
Mr. Zed smiled warmly as he looked around the hall.
“First of all,” he began, “I’d like to sincerely thank every one of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. Your presence alone is already a blessing to our family p>
He turned toward the mountain of gifts displayed nearby and nodded appreciatively.
“I also want to thank everyone for the thoughtful gifts you’ve presented today. Sweedy and I truly appreciate every single one of them p>
A round of applause echoed through the hall.
Mr. Zed waited until it died down before continuing.
“However… before we continue enjoying tonight’s celebration, I’d like to make a special announcement p>
The guests immediately became attentive.
Many businessmen unconsciously straightened their backs. They all knew that whenever someone of Mr. Zed’s status made a public announcement, it was rarely something ordinary.
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Mr. Zed smiled faintly.
“Over the past few months, I’ve been observing several young entrepreneurs. Some possess talent, some possess ambition, while others have both.
He paused briefly before continuing. “Among them, there’s one business in particular that has caught my attention. After careful consideration, I’ve decided not only to support this company personally, but also to have my own corporation establish an official collaboration with them p>
A loud murmur instantly spread across the banquet hall.
“What p>
“Mr. Zed is personally backing someone p>
“This is huge p>
“If he supports a company, investors will rush in immediately p>
Everyone understood exactly what his endorsement meant. It was a seal of approval from one of the most influential figures in the country’s financial sector.
Any company chosen by him would immediately attract enormous investments and endless business opportunities.
Standing among the crowd, Victoria could barely contain the excitement on her face. A victorious smile slowly spread across her lips.
She subtly adjusted her dress and lifted her chin proudly.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Julia with unconcealed satisfaction.
Mr. Zed looked across the hall one last time before raising the microphone again.
“So without further delay…” He smiled. “Please give a warm round of applause and welcome… Victoria Alfred, the Chief Operating Officer of Alfred Enterprises p>
The banquet hall immediately erupted into applause as countless eyes turned toward Victoria. A triumphant smile blossomed across her face as she gracefully stepped forward.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.