Chapter 8 Invitations

• After hanging up the phone, Cora looked curious.
• "Jayce, who called you?"
• Jayce replied, "One of my juniors."
• "Oh." Cora didn't think much of it. If she had known it was Eric, she would have been astonished.
• Soon, they arrived at the Eden Residence. James was already home, waiting for them. Seeing Jayce again, he was visibly emotional.
• Patting Jayce on the shoulder, James finally spoke after a moment.
• "Good boy, you've grown up!"
• After a decade apart, seeing a familiar face brought back a flood of memories.
• The once-mighty Howes family was now reduced to just Jayce.
• James had prepared some food and wine. The three of them sat down, eating and reminiscing.
• Noticing that James seemed troubled, Cora asked, "Dad, is Grandpa not doing well?"
• James shook his head. "Jayce's medical skills are exceptional. Grandpa is fine now; he just needs to rest and will be discharged in a few days."
• "It's business that's causing me trouble."
• "What happened with the business?"
• James sighed. "I just got the news that the Burrell Group is establishing a new company called Boleyn Group. It's a massive project they've been planning for nearly five years, with an initial investment of seven billion, focused on the pharmaceutical industry."
• Cora raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That sounds like an opportunity. A new company will need a lot of contracts; we should try to get in on that."
• James looked worried. "That's exactly the problem. Paul called me earlier, telling me that the Eden Group is also bidding for these projects and warned me not to overestimate our abilities and compete with them."
• Cora slammed the table in anger. "He thinks he can tell us not to compete? Who does he think he is?"
• "And why shouldn't I tell you what to do?"
• Paul's voice suddenly rang out from outside.
• Paul strutted in with an air of arrogance.
• "Cora, let me make it clear. The Eden Group will secure all the medical projects for the Boleyn Group. You can't compete with us in terms of brand or scale, so don't waste your efforts and resources, understand?"
• "Furthermore, I just heard something that made me furious!"
• Pointing at Jayce, Paul continued, "Do you know he went to see the Dawsons today and threw dog blood on Nigel? He's caused such a huge mess, and you still dare to associate with him?"
• The Dawsons were Jayce's mother's family.
• When the Howes fell from power, the Dawsons had distanced themselves to avoid being implicated, even going so far as to sever ties and betray them.
• This was their way of showing loyalty to The Big Three.
• Jayce had boldly offended the Dawsons, and anyone close to him would face severe consequences.
• Cora was shocked. "Jayce, did you cause a scene there?"
• Jayce sat in his chair, looking indifferent.
• "Are the Dawsons enough to scare you?"
• Paul's face darkened as he sneered, "You're so young, yet so arrogant. Do you think they'd let you off the hook if it weren't for your connection with the Edens?"
• "The Dawsons alone are beyond your capability to handle, not to mention the forces backing them."
• "Cora, I'm telling you, it's best to distance yourself from him during such times. We need to focus entirely on preparing for the bid."
• "The Boleyn Group's opening ceremony is in two days. We've only received two invitations, so you won't be going. Victor and I will attend."
• Cora's expression changed immediately. "Why? The two invitations for the Edens should go to you and my father. Why just you and Victor?"
• Cora's company was already small. If she missed the chance to attend the opening ceremony and participate in the bidding, she would have no opportunity at all.
• The success of securing a project from such a large group would determine her company's growth for the next five years.
• Paul was being utterly unreasonable!
• Paul snorted, "Of course, Victor and I will go. I represent the Edens, and Victor represents the Eden Group."
• "And who do you represent?"
• "You..." Cora was livid. With John ill, Paul was outright bullying them!
• Jayce heard this and smirked.
• "Cora, don't worry. You will go with me two days later."
• Everyone was stunned by Jayce's words.
• Go with Jayce?
• Paul laughed coldly. "Who do you think you are? The Boleyn Group is a Burrell Group enterprise. Ordinary people can't even get in. Do you think you're still the young master of the Howes? We went to great lengths to secure two invitations. Do you think you can just walk in? You're joking, right?"
• Lillian Eden also stepped forward. "Cora, you can't believe him. At the Boleyn Group's opening, many influential families will be there. If they see you with him, what will they think? It's one thing for you to be misunderstood, but don't drag down the Edens with you!"
• The Edens spoke with a mocking tone as if associating with Jayce would bring them trouble.
• Paul added, "Lillian, don't worry. They won't even get into the venue or meet those prominent families. They can only boast here."
• With that, Paul and his group left, leaving only Jayce, Cora, and James behind.
• Cora clenched her fists. "Paul is too much!"
• James's face was equally grim. "Cora, does your company have any business dealings with the Burrell Group? Maybe we can negotiate privately?"
• Cora shook her head. "The Burrell Group is too large. They wouldn't meet with us."
• The two sighed, troubled by the invitation issue.
• Jayce said, "Cora, James, I told you, don't worry about the invitations. I'll take you there."
• James and Cora looked at Jayce with a mix of skepticism and hope. It had been ten years, and Jayce seemed to have developed a habit of making grand promises.
• ...
• Two days later was a significant day for Eserith's business community.
• The opening ceremony of the Boleyn Group!
• The Boleyn Group, with an initial investment of seven billion, was Eric's brainchild.
• Once established, the group would impact not only Eserith's economy but the entire Bresa region.
• Every family business in Eserith, big or small, wanted a piece of the pie. Securing a project would ensure smooth sailing for the next five years.
• However, the competition was fierce, and standing out was no easy feat.