Chapter 174: Chapter 174

Chapter 174 Nathan Cross grinned and replied, “It was because of you that the mayor showed up, not me.”

“How is that possible?” Penny Smith widened her eyes, feeling perplexed.

Nathan beamed as he answered, “Why isn’t possible? The Asiatic Shopping Mall project which you are currently overseeing is a key construction project of the city. As the economy is not doing well this year, Channing can only rely on the major infrastructure projects to increase the country’s GDP. As such, the mayor is paying a lot of attention to that project of yours. Do you understand why I said it’s because of you that the mayor appeared at dad’s banquet now?”

After listening to Nathan’s explanation, the woman was confounded. Still trying to wrap her head around it, she asked, “Then, what about the rest of the leaders?”

“They all came to butter up the mayor, obviously,” Nathan Cross replied with a twinkle in his eye.

Penny Smith was utterly dumbfounded. She was not entirely convinced that things were as simple as it seemed.

However, her husband’s rationale was indeed plausible. As she could not think of a better justification, Penny accepted it for the time being.

After Sean Smith returned to the Smith family’s mansion, he was still immersed in the lingering blissful feeling, which he had a while back when he was drinking with the leaders.

Animatedly, the elder Mr. Smith said, “I can’t believe Benson has been hiding his light under a bushel! Even the mayor graced his birthday celebration. Looks like I’ll have to rethink my decision to remove Benson as the general manager of Diva Limited. His influence among the politicians will be greatly beneficial to the prosperity of the Smith family.”

Right after Sean Smith made that statement, Samuel entered the house with Miles and May.

Refuting his dad in a poised manner, Samuel said, “Dad, you’re overthinking. Truth to be told, Benson isn’t acquainted with them at all.”

Sean Smith was completely mystified by what his eldest son said. In a daze, he asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Son, tell grandpa what you know,” Samuel said to Miles.

With a wry smile, Miles said to Sean Smith, “Grandpa, I made a call to Mr. Torres to find out the reason the mayor and the leaders appeared at Uncle Benson’s birthday celebration just now.”

“Carry on.” Feeling curious, Sean Smith urged his grandson to continue.

Miles went on saying, “According to Mr. Torres, the mayor went to survey the construction site with the leaders today. While trying to get Penny over to answer some questions regarding the progress of the works, he got to know about Uncle Benson’s birthday celebration. That was the reason he dropped by this afternoon.”

“What do you mean?” Sean Smith looked completely nonplussed.

Samuel replied with a smirk, “Dad, it was a complete coincidence that the mayor was at Benson’s birthday banquet today. Do you really think that a good-for-nothing like him would be able to associate himself with the mayor or anyone else of a similar caliber?”

Sean Smith’s hopes dashed. Feeling frustrated, he said, “I knew that a waste like Benson would never be capable enough to rub shoulders with all those leaders. So, in reality, Mr. Crow merely popped by to have a free lunch out of convenience.”

Samuel’s lips suddenly twisted in a mirthless smile before he said, “Dad, Benson’s family has always resented us for not treating them fairly. If they manage to gain power, we would be the ones falling on hard times!”

Sean Smith nodded and replied, “You’re right. But since the Asiatic Shopping Mall project has already been awarded to Penny, it’s just a matter of time for Benson’s family to rise.”

“I’ve already thought of a way. Dad, you should talk to Penny tomorrow and let her know that you’re interested in investing in her company. This way, even if we can’t take over the project from her, we can still benefit from it,” Samuel suggested.

“That’s a fantastic idea!” Seeing a ray of light, Sean Smith applauded his eldest son’s proposition.

The crescent moon was hanging high in the night sky and the moonlight seemed elegant and clear in the quiet night.

Jerry Zabinski, in his patient gown, was standing alone on the rooftop of the Alberesque Hospital. He had a cigarette in between his lips.

The night breeze was blowing through his hair, which had not been trimmed for the past three months. Paired with his uncommonly pale and smooth complexion, the man exuded an effete charm.

From his side view, it was easy to mistake Jerry Zabinski for a woman.

His doctors and family had forbidden him to smoke, as it wasn’t favorable for his recovery.

However, Jerry Zabinski never failed to appear at the rooftop every night for a smoke.

Recovery no longer meant anything to him, especially when his manhood had already been chopped off by Nathan Cross. In the man’s own opinion, he would never completely recover back to the person he once was.

A baleful glint appeared in Jerry Zabinski’s eyes.

Just as he was getting absorbed in his strong thirst for revenge, another man crept up to the rooftop.

That person was also wearing a patient gown, and it wasn’t difficult to deduce that he was another patient in the hospital. The man was in his forties and had a tall and slim built.

When the patient saw he had company on the rooftop, his eyes brightened and he muttered to himself, “I knew I saw someone entering the stairwell just now. I guessed it was a fellow patient who was secretly smoking either in the stairwell or the rooftop.”

It was evident that the male patient was also a smoker who was having a craving for tobacco.

He approached Jerry Zabinski eagerly. Smiling subserviently, he said, “Babe, could you spare me a cigarette? I’ve been hospitalized for quite a while and I’m dying to have a joint.”

Jerry Zabinski turned around. With a malicious look in his eyes, he said sharply, “Do I look like a babe to you? Are you mocking me and implying that I’m not a man?”