Chapter 153

Chapter 0153

“Wow!”

The Braine family’s less fortunate relatives caught sight of the approaching men and jumped to their feet, their faces lighting up

with excitement. “Is that Mister Garrie? What brings you to our neck of the woods?”

“And there’s Mister Reamy, Mister Kaley!”

“Look, the deputy mayor’s with them...”

Overwhelmed by the honored guest, the relatives spilled out of the courtyard, hurrying to meet the distinguished guests.

Gavin, on the other hand, rose from the couch with a relaxed air, waving off the fanfare with a chuckle. “Let’s not make a big

fuss, folks! It’s just a family birthday party. We've got to keep it low-key! Ha!” His eyes twinkled with mischief as they briefly met

Alexander’s, a silent message of triumph.

‘See that, kid? That’s the power I wield! One phone call and I’ve got the town’s VIPs lining up to pay their respects. This isn’t

about money. It’s about influence, about authority!

“Just so you know, this isn’t setting a precedent. I don’t take gifts!”

Carmela looked delighted, her smile as wide as a blooming flower as she gloated over Alexander and Amber. She waved her

arms, directing the hustle and bustle. “Someone get to the kitchen, will you? And set up another table, quick!”

The relatives were all smiles, bustling into the kitchen to whip up new dishes and dialing for takeout with a buzz of excitement.

Missus Thompson even managed to stand, her hands trembling as she warmly greeted the town’s officials.

“Sis, are you ready to throw in the towel?”

Carmela was basking in her moment of triumph, a smug satisfaction she could not quite put into words. She sneered at

Susanne, “Just so you know, no matter how loaded your family is, you’re not stealing my thunder!”

“And your son-in-law? Pfft, a loser’s a loser, and all the cash in the world won't change that!”

Susanne’s face tensed, and she was on the verge of retorting.

“Mom.”

Alexander flashed a reassuring smile. He tapped out a quick text on his phone and waved Susanne off. “Dig into the food, let the

rest slide. We’re not chummy with these big shots, so sitting pretty will do.”

“Sitting there? What an act!”

Carmela’s words dripped with scorn, but she quickly switched gears. She was all smiles as she ushered the town leaders to their

seats.” Come on, everyone, have a seat!”

“With everyone gathered, let’s dive into the town’s upcoming plans.”

Gavin cleared his throat, relishing the jealous stares from the relatives. He launched into his spiel, wine glass’in hand, “I’m set on

turbocharging our economy later this year, pulling in foreign investors! And local businesses? Old Chesire, New Chesire, they're

not even on my radar...”

After a good ten minutes of his rant, he shot Alexander a challenging glance.

‘Alexander, you see how tough I am now, don’t you? No matter how deep your pockets are, you'll kneel before my power!"

“Why not consider New Chesire Group?!”

A deep voice suddenly cut through the quiet, small courtyard.

It was the mayor of Ol’ Mare, Mister Christian!

The old Habergam neighborhood's narrow streets meant Lewis’s sleek cars had to be parked just beyond the gates. Then, he

emerged in a smart casual suit, leading a sweaty entourage of middle-aged men with determined strides.

“Mister... Mister Christian?!”

+15 BONUS

Inside the courtyard, Gavin and his workmates went from stunned to springing up from the couch in an instant!

Not just the imposing Lewis that caught their attention, but also the entourage of influential men behind him, each a heavyweight

in Gr Mare, including the big shot from their own little town.

“Miss Chesire, Mister Kane!”

Lewis, all smiles, bypassed Gavin’s group without a second look, carefully following Alexander’s strict instructions not to use the

formal title ‘palace Lord’. He shook hands with the pair, oozing charm and politeness. “I hear today marks the eightieth birthday

of Miss Chesire’s grandmother?”

“I was in the middle of planning the year’s second half with my team when I got wind of the celebration. I couldn’t resist coming

straight over. Might I have the honor of offering my congratulations to the lady of the hour?”

Boom!

The words had barely left Lewis’s lips when the Braine family’s less fortunate kin, Gavin, Carmela, Susanne, Patrick... even

Amber, were visibly floored. Their minds raced to keep up.

The top dog of Ol‘ Mare, the esteemed Mister Christian himself, had come to wish their grandma a happy birthday.

Why on earth?

It was beyond belief, utterly baffling!

“Is that the birthday girl over there?”

Lewis did exactly as Alexander’s text had instructed: he beamed at the old lady, who looked utterly bewildered, and gave a

respectful bow. “Happy birthday to you, dear Missus Thompson! May you be blessed with a lifetime of good health and

happiness!”

Right behind him, a group of VIPs joined in with a mighty cheer that could shake the heavens, saying, “Here’s to Missus

Thompson. May your day be as bright and beautiful as your smile. Happy birthday!”

“Oh, bless you, bless you all!”

Missus Thompson, clearly overwhelmed by the grandeur, nodded and gestured frantically. “Everyone, please have a seat... Oh

dear, this yard is just too tiny. There’s hardly room to breathe!”

No room?

“Mister Wagar!”

Lewis’s eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a serious edge. “If I’m not mistaken, this neighborhood is slated for redevelopment,

right? You better make sure the relocation goes smoothly. Have you got a new place lined up for our dear Missus Thompson?”

Montez Wagar, the man in charge of the old town, felt a jolt of panic and quickly assured him, “Yes, yes, it’s all taken care of!

Missus Thompson will get a ground-floor home, her very own entrance, and the best compensation package we offer.”

“Um... well, we’ve got this standalone villa at Valenders Pavilion, over 4,000 square feet. How about we offer that to Missus

Thompson as compensation?”

Just 4,000 square feet?

Lewis could not just call the shots and blow Alexander’s cover. He glanced over at Amber, probing, “Miss Chesire, what do you

think? Is Montez’s offer alright with you?”