Chapter 320
The banquet was held in a hotel owned by the Ferguson Group, a striking structure towering brightly with over a dozen stories.
A plush red carpet unfurled from the entrance all the way to the curb where cars lined up to drop off a glittering array of business celebrities for the event.
On the surface, it was a welcome banquet for Eileen, but in fact, it was to trumpet the resurgence of the Ferguson Group.
The grand hall shone under intense, ornate lighting, predominantly occupied by men in sharp suits and crisp ties.
Here and there, a few women in sleek business outfits blended in, enhancing the strictly professional tone of the evening.
Eileen stood out in her elegant black suit, her shoulder-length hair neatly styled behind her ears.
The waves in her hair lent her a hint of allure and playfulness, while her bright, piercing eyes radiated intelligence and acumen.
That evening marked Eileen’s encounter with Julio after a long time, and he seemed to have adopted a more businesslike air.
Gone was his former gentle charm, now replaced by a shrewd and calculating presence.
This wasn’t just Eileen’s impression. Others noticed this too.
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As Eileen moved through the room flanked by Benjamin and Julio, all eyes were on her.
Whispers spread as people recognized her—Eileen, nearly married to Bryan and his former diligent assistant.
Now, as Eileen stood confidently beside Julio, there was no mistaking her role.
She was not just a subordinate, but his equal, his partner in the venture.
Many had recognized her exceptional work skills and keen insights.
Back when she had worked for Bryan, numerous competitors had attempted to lure her away.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the new General Manager of the Ferguson Group, Eileen Curtis. Her achievements speak for themselves,” Julio declared from the stage, presenting Eileen to the crowd while subtly suggesting her pivotal role in elevating the Ferguson Group’s status.
His remarks insinuated that Eileen was the brains behind his success, though he left it unsaid.
He managed to commend Eileen without giving the Ferguson family any direct reason to target her.
This tactful play further painted Julio as crafty and astute in Eileen’s view. And Julio had remained true to his promise.
Julio then gave a brief introduction of Benjamin, and following that, the banquet officially commenced.
Just as Eileen was about to leave the stage, Benjamin signaled her toward the corner.
There stood Bryan, impeccably dressed in a suit, his short hair highlighting his sharp features.
His dark eyes swept over the room, and those who passed by acknowledged him with nods.
Though they didn’t greet him as warmly as they had before, his presence was undeniable.
Bryan’s intense gaze cut through the crowd, finally meeting Eileen’s.
“Have you and Mr. Dawson truly ended things?”
Benjamin couldn’t shake off his doubts.
He felt that both Eileen and Bryan still had feelings for each other.
Eileen averted her gaze, then glanced at Benjamin and said, “Stop sounding so skeptical.”
Benjamin chuckled, his eyes momentarily dimming before flaring up again.
He composed himself quickly. “Let’s head downstairs. Tonight’s discussions about the Walsh Group’s project could be extensive.”
“Okay,” Eileen agreed, stepping down from the stage only to be immediately engulfed by a crowd.
Brandon and his companions, who had arrived fashionably late, feared being turned away and embarrassed if they showed up too early.
They entered just after the banquet began, their invitation checked smoothly at the door, allowing them easy access.
The hall buzzed with activity. The trio scanned the crowd from a corner but failed to spot the General Manager of the Ferguson Group.
Instead, they noticed Bryan, who was seated in a corner, sipping a glass of wine.
They joined him, sitting nearby.
Bryan had been watching Eileen, but he scowled at their interruption.
“Why didn’t you say you were invited to this event? You’re here for the Walsh Group’s project as well, aren’t you?” Brandon whispered, his tone low. He assumed that Bryan had come for similar reasons related to the Walsh Group’s project and was pleased with his decision.
Bryan leaned back in his chair with a scoff. “Looking for the General Manager of the Ferguson Group? Over there, go ahead.”
Eileen, although not particularly short, blended into the crowd, hidden among the taller men.
As she mingled, Brandon and his associates couldn’t quite catch her face, only noting the slender silhouette of a woman.
“A woman?” Lydia murmured in surprise, turning to Zola. “If it’s a woman, she might be easier to talk to. Why don’t you go over and chat? You can discuss the project later, in private.”
Zola, feeling reassured, nodded and made her way through the crowd.
“The Walsh Group’s project has been on the Ferguson Group’s agenda for a while. For details, we’ll wait until we conclude our discussions with Mr. Walsh. He’ll then provide everyone with an update,” Eileen said, careful not to overshadow Leland.
The group maintained their decorum, lightly touching on the project details without delving too deeply.
“The Walsh Group’s project will significantly bolster the Ferguson Group’s growth over the coming years. Congratulations to Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Curtis, and Mr. Nash. You three have really pulled off a business miracle!” someone commented, skillfully bringing the conversation back to the influential trio.
Behind his black-rimmed glasses, Julio’s eyes retained their calm. “You’re flattering us. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Ms. Curtis and Mr. Nash. Together, we’re aiming to expand the Ferguson Group.”
“Ms. Curtis?” Zola peered over, standing just behind Eileen. The silhouette was familiar, but she didn’t recognize it.
She said, “Ferguson, Ms. Curtis, I’m Zola Murray from the Apex Group.”
“Oh, it’s Ms. Murray.”
“Ms. Murray.”
Some in the group greeted Zola, recognizing her. A few others echoed the greeting, stepping aside to let her through.
The Ferguson Group had wrested numerous projects away from Apex Group, marking them as rivals.
Zola’s presence here suggested she was either trying to stir up trouble or seeking an alliance.
The room buzzed with curiosity.
Zola circled around to face Eileen. “Ms. Curtis…”
Zola’s eyes shot wide open. “When did you get back from overseas? You…”
A realization dawned on Zola. Could the General Manager of the Ferguson Group actually be Eileen?
That seemed unbelievable. How could someone who had just been an assistant, a mere tutor, now become the General Manager?
“Ms. Murray, may I help you with anything?” Julio inquired, his voice polite as he held a glass of red wine.
Eileen, holding a glass of juice, briefly locked eyes with Zola. A subtle smile touched her lips.
The smugness that had once radiated from Zola seemed noticeably subdued now.
Eileen understood why Zola was here today.
“Eileen, were you doing that deliberately?” Zola’s voice wavered, her composure teetering. “I’ve been to the Ferguson Group trying to see you, but you’ve refused to see me every time.”
“Ms. Murray, you’re reading too much into it,” Eileen responded calmly. “I’ve recently taken over as the General Manager at Ferguson Group, and my schedule has been hectic. I simply couldn’t find the time to meet you. You, being a general manager yourself, should understand that.”
She paused, her eyebrow arching as she shook her head subtly. “Oh, I forgot, Apex Group is pretty deserted now. Perhaps you can’t quite understand the demands of my schedule.”
Zola clenched her jaw, her body rigid as she strove to maintain her composure among so many people.
In a shadowy corner, Brandon and Lydia sensed the tension. They approached for a better look and gasped when they recognized Eileen.
Brandon hurried back to Bryan, his voice a stern whisper. “Bryan, have you known about this all along? Was it your plan to let Eileen snatch the Apex Group’s projects?”
“You’re overthinking it,” Bryan replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. “She’s only just become the General Manager of Ferguson Group.”
“I don’t believe it!” Brandon exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table. “She must have done something extraordinary at Ferguson Group to land that role. And how on earth did they manage to take all those projects from Apex Group?”
His loud voice caught the attention of attendees, including Eileen.
Brandon remained standing by the table, seething, while Bryan sat calmly, unaffected.
The two appeared more like competing business tycoons than father and son.
“Eileen knows me too well. She was privy to every detail of the projects I cherished. I have only myself to blame for being so transparent and allowing her to exploit that,” Bryan said, rising abruptly to slam his glass onto the table. “You’re the one who pushed her over the edge and tried to pull me into your mess. Now you can’t face the fallout from her backlash.”
Now, Eileen had solidly positioned herself within Ferguson Group.
Her collaboration with the Walsh Group had significantly enhanced her stature, leaving Brandon to simmer in his own vexation.
Bryan cast a sidelong glance at Eileen. His dark eyes, twinkling like stars, captured her striking visage.
Eileen, as a manager now, felt different to him.
She stood out distinctly, even among a sea of men, capturing his attention.
Yet, Bryan remained silent. Moments later, he picked up his coat, draped it casually over his shoulder, and left.
Zola, caught in the formidable presence of Eileen, found herself speechless.
Lydia, noticing Zola’s distress, swiftly whisked her away. They needed to regroup and adjust their plan.
Their exit hardly made a ripple in the ongoing festivities of the banquet, which carried on until its scheduled end.
Normally, Eileen would bid farewell to the guests and be the last to leave.
However, aware that she had a young child waiting at home, Julio gave Eileen permission to depart.
Outside the hotel, the air felt warm. Eileen removed her jacket, revealing a simple shirt tucked into her trousers that highlighted her slim waist.
As she approached her car and unlocked it, she caught sight of Bryan leaning against the hood.
Bathed in moonlight, his white shirt shimmered.
Upon hearing the sound of the unlocking car, Bryan shifted slightly and turned to face her. “Ms. Curtis, need a ride home?”
“No thanks. Besides, you’ve been drinking. How can you drive me?” Eileen responded, pausing with her hand on the car door and turning to look at him.
Bryan just shrugged. “Well, then, could you give me a ride home?”
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