Chapter 544: Sad and bad

"How is it deception if it’s true?"

Despite all the voices heard tonight, that particular voice somehow caught everyone’s attention. The crowd instinctively turned their heads toward its owner.

Approaching the scene in a navy blue fitted suit, the man’s appearance made several guests widen their eyes. Even Theo and Sven gasped, almost choking in surprise as their eyes fell on him. Mr. Ito furrowed his brows before surprise crept across his face.

Perhaps the only person who didn’t show any shock—but rather irritation—was Atlas.

"Isn’t that...?"

"Don’t tell me... it’s true that the Bennets are now friends with the Piersons?"

"Isn’t it obvious? He wouldn’t be here otherwise. I mean, why else would thisman come?"

"Who is that? Is he the important person?" the naive woman hummed, clueless as usual. The man beside her quickly leaned over and whispered, "That’s Dean Pierson."

"Dean Pierson?" she blinked. "But didn’t you say it was Zoren Pierson, not Dean Pierson, who was friends with the Bennets?"

The man sighed, shaking his head. "It doesn’t matter. Dean Pierson being here is practically the same as Zoren Pierson being here."

Unlike Zoren, who kept himself out of the public eye, Dean Pierson was well-known. He had been the face of the Pierson Family for some time, attending major events on their behalf. However, even though he was more public, Dean only appeared at the most exclusive and important gatherings, which few in attendance tonight had ever witnessed.

In other words, having Dean Pierson here was almost like having Zoren himself.

"How have you been, Mr. Bennet?" Dean stopped a few steps away from Atlas, holding his wine glass elegantly. He glanced at the group, smiling. "I was curious about the commotion over here, but it seems there’s been a terrible misunderstanding involving our family."

"Ha..." Sven let out an awkward laugh, nervously taking a step back. ’Don’t tell me Atlas really invited the Piersons? Even though it’s not Zoren, Dean Pierson being here is just as significant.’

Sven quickly replayed everything he had said, sighing in relief when he realized he had been careful with his words. He wouldn’t be in trouble unless they found out he was the one who had spread the rumors to Mr. Ito.

His smile faltered as he glanced at the group. "See?! My cousin was telling the truth!" he stammered, forcing himself to raise his chin.

"M-Mr. Dean Pierson! I mean, Director Pierson!" Mr. Ito stammered, clearing his throat as he regained composure. His eyes darted between Atlas and Dean, his face reddening as it became clear they knew each other. "I-I see! Hah! So, it’s true that the Piersons and Bennets are in the middle of a deal!"

Dean tilted his head. "What’s it to you if we are?"

"..."

For a moment, the room fell silent, stunned by Dean’s quiet yet direct response. Mr. Ito was the chairman of Ito Motors—a family that had remained part of the elite for generations. They were respected by big corporations and billionaires alike.

Yet Dean’s short, sharp reply publicly humiliated him in an instant.

Meanwhile, Allen breathed a sigh of relief now that Dean had intervened to defuse the situation. He knew his boss well and feared Atlas would verbally crush these people. Atlas could be brutal with words, but if someone of higher standing took charge, it would preserve his image.

’My boss really knows how to use his connections,’Allen thought, smiling with pride. ’I’m glad he came prepared and invited the Piersons.’

Dean, still smiling humbly despite having just silenced Mr. Ito, turned back to Atlas. "Mr. Bennet, it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. I’m glad to see you here."

Atlas glanced at the onlookers and then back to Dean. He stepped closer, leaning in slightly to hide the murderous look on his face. "There’s a door thirty steps from here. Turn around and leave, or you’ll embarrass yourself."

Atlas pulled back and smiled before adding quietly, "I don’t need your help."

"But it seems to me like you do."

"I’m not Penny," Atlas replied. "I don’t owe anyone, even if they save my life."

To the bystanders, the two appeared to be having a friendly chat, completely ignoring the troublemakers from earlier. What they didn’t know was that Atlas was seriously considering calling his lawyer to file harassment charges against Dean.

"I must have upset her," Dean chuckled. "She wouldn’t have mentioned our conversation if it hadn’t struck a nerve."

Atlas didn’t respond, maintaining a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His expression, however, told Dean he wasn’t joking. Yet, Dean smiled.

"Don’t worry, Mr. Atlas Bennet," he reassured. "I didn’t come here for you to owe me."

And even if he did, Atlas wouldn’t.

"Hah!" Mr. Ito sneered as he recovered, catching both Atlas and Dean’s attention. How could a seventy-year-old man take this disrespect and remain silent? "Young businessmen these days are... different from what they used to be."

"And how are they different?" Someone asked very closely to Mr. Ito, but the latter didn’t seem to notice.

"They don’t respect those who paved the way for them."

"I see," the same person answered. "That’s bad and sad."

"Director Pierson, Atlas Bennet, I understand why you are such bold people! But I’ve been in this business longer than either of you, back when you were still drinking from milk bottles!" Mr. Ito proclaimed. "I see now that no one values loyalty anymore! The Ito Family had helped the Bennet when they were just starting. You are who you are today because of us! Yet, you couldn’t show the slightest gratitude and loyalty!"

"Ahh, loyalty? You seem to like that word that much. Then should I ask Uncle Wild to come here? He’s been eager to teach the Ito Family a lesson on loyalty."

At that moment, Mr. Ito froze. He hadn’t even noticed the woman he was now speaking to. Slowly, he turned his head, and his eyes widened as they landed on the stunning woman standing beside him, smiling.