Chapter 787
Seeing Quinn get reprimanded by Lawrence, Seraphina’s lips curled into a victorious smirk. She gently touched Lawrence’s arm. “Don’t be angry, Lawrence. They’re just putting on a brave face for the crowd. It’s all an act p>
“Exactly. He’s just faking it to look composed. Don’t think for a second he’s some untouchable mastermind,” Lawrence said, glaring at Quinn. His bruised ego was instantly soothed by Seraphina’s validation.
Luna leaned in and whispered to Quinn, “Cousin, wake up. If you want to keep Lawrence’s favor, you’d better watch what you say. No matter how great Owen is, he’s never going to want you p>
Quinn was Lawrence’s mistress. Luna knew it, and Seraphina knew it too. At this point, Seraphina had simply grown accustomed to it.
Quinn had chased after Owen relentlessly back in the day, using every trick in the book, only to be entirely ignored. Now, she had settled for the next best thing— Lawrence.
However, Quinn’s family was only a third-tier power in Aethelgard. They couldn’t hold a candle to Seraphina’s Quinn family. Because of that, Seraphina’s position as the future lady of the Lance family remained perfectly secure.
Returning to the stage.
Jude Vance completely shared Seraphina’s assessment-he was convinced Mira and Owen were merely pretending to be calm.
He desperately wanted to see their composed masks shatter, to watch them descend into pure panic.
But as the seconds ticked by, Owen remained chillingly unfazed. It was deeply disappointing for Jude.
Mira’s group was still chatting and laughing casually, even snacking on fruit and sipping red wine.
Jude gritted his teeth. “Boss Mercer, Mr. Lance. As heavyweights of the financial sector, surely you have some thoughts regarding the new regulations I’ve just proposed p>
*Let’s see you act smug now. Let’s see how you talk your way out of this p>
Jude had laid all his cards on the table: the Association, its authority, and his position as President.
From this day forward, any financial product they tried to launch would require his personal approval. Without his nod, they were entirely paralyzed.
Even their existing money-makers-their funds, wealth management accounts, and futures-would be violently restricted.
The entire banquet hall held its breath, staring unblinking at Mira and Owen.
The rival bosses, in particular, respected their track record, but the market share was only so big. Envy and resentment were practica prerequisites in their line of work.
Now that the foreign tycoon and Lawrence were officially gunning for the top dog,
they couldn’t wait to see the carnage.
*Let the storm rage! Hahaha p>
If Solflare Capital refused to submit, the moment this banquet ended, the Association would launch a full-scale assault. They were salivating at the thought.
“Owen, if you have objections, speak up. We’re all friends here, let’s discuss it openly,” Lawrence added, intentionally fanning the flames.
“Since everyone is so incredibly eager to hear from us, it would be terribly rude of me to stay silent p>
A deep, magnetic voice cut through the tension.
A tall, imposing figure in a tailored black suit stepped away from the table, walking slowly toward the center stage.
Owen’s predatory gaze swept over the audience, exuding an aura of absolute, effortless dominance.
His sheer presence was so suffocating that the whispering socialites in the crowd instantly fell dead silent.
“First, let’s address this ‘financial market’ you’ve described.
According to Mr. Vance, Lawrence, and the esteemed elites gathered here today, our domestic market is not only hopelessly backward but utterly chaotic. You practically painted
& the entire industry asa den of thieves and con artists.
Did I summarize that correctly p>
Owen stared down at the crowd, his eyes sharp as blades. “Don’t bother denying it. I have everything you just said recorded p>
One of the financial bosses boldly stood up. “The domestic market *is* lagging and chaotic. It makes it far
too easy
for fraud to run rampant.
That is a documented fact
Owen nodded slightly. “Mr. Whitaker, isn’t it? Your firm manages quite a substantial portfolio.
Tell me, exactly how many people has your company defrauded this past year p>