Chapter 736

He didn’t show up early, didn’t show up late, but arrived exactly at this moment, which was a real buzzkill.

Facing the surprised gazes of the crowd and even the bewildered look of his own mother, Latham didn’t feel embarrassed in the slightest.

As long as he didn’t feel awkward, it was everyone else’s problem.

That was exactly the mindset he was in right now.

“Sorry, I had too much going on at the company. I’m late.”

Latham was still carrying a gift box in his hand, meant for Claire.

“Claire, congratulations on becoming the city’s valedictorian and getting accepted into The Cabinda University.”

Latham smiled and handed the gift box to Claire, looking incredibly sincere.

Claire wanted to slap her forehead; she had been careless!

She thought no one else was coming, so she let the host at the door go inside to eat.

Who knew that in just that brief window, Latham would slip right through.

She had no idea where he got the news.

Where else could it be?

Patti knew Shirley was attending Claire’s party today, and she had mentioned it to her husband.

Her husband went to the company and accidentally let it slip in front of Latham, right?

Originally uninvited, Latham had a terrible expression, but then he found out Dane had come to Apex.

He suddenly had an epiphany and guessed Dane’s itinerary.

He was probably here to inspect a project and dropped by Claire’s celebration while he was at it.

Therefore, he absolutely had to attend this celebration today!

Even if the two of them couldn’t finalize a partnership at the celebration, he still had to leave a good impression on Dane.

Otherwise, why would the man do Claire a favor and collaborate with him?

Partnerships required sincerity, and Latham felt that showing up uninvited proved just how much he had.

It was Claire who was in the wrong in the first place.

Back when he first found out Claire

was the science valedictorian, Lathan had personally called her to ask when she was hosting her

celebration.

He had fully intended to throw one for her, but Claire refused to give him the chance.

This girl was too stubborn.

No why she was switched

into his family, they had raised

her,

yet the moment the truth came out

she cut ties without any mercy.

It was only because he didn’t want to stoop to her level, otherwise, Claire wouldn’t

be able to escape the label of being ungrateful.

Even as the valedictorian, her reputation would take a massive hit.

When she entered the real world later on, any company looking to hire someone like her would have to think twice.

The little girl still had a long way to go when it came to navigating social nuances.

Claire was also stunned by Latham’s audacious move.

“Latham, aren’t you too busy at the company to step away?”

“How did you find the time in your packed schedule to attend my graduation celebration?”

“Actually, this celebration isn’t a big deal. I feel so bad that you made a special trip just for me.”

Claire appeared incredibly polite on the surface.

But anyone paying attention could tell instantly that she didn’t want Latham involved

at all.

Latham, of course, understood

Claire’s underlying meaning, cursing her as an ingrate in his head while keeping a perfectly neutral

expression.

A seasoned veteran was exactly that; even when getting pushed out, he had the

thick skin to act like nothing happened.

Mary, on the other hand, was not pleased to see her son walk in.

She remarked casually, “If you have business at the company, why make this trip?”

“Just find a random seat.”

“Claire is very happy today, so don’t stir up any trouble.” Mary added the last part as a low-voiced warning.

Latham offered a bitter smile. Even his own mother was siding with an outsider, so what could he do?

This Claire really had a way of wrapping her elders completely around her finger.

“Then I’ll just pull up a chair and sit right next to Mr. Green.” Latham boldly declared, trying to cozy up to Dane.