Chapter 225 - Cheers

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The news of Lucy Lawrence’s death shook the whole city of San Diego.

She wasn’t a prominent figure. In fact, this was the first time many in San Diego were even hearing of her name. However, her death unsettled countless prominent figures in San Diego.

In the past, these very same people would simply watch on by the sidelines. Yet, Finn Taylor’s appearance warned them of a brewing storm in the city.

However, nobody dared to do anything without Jerry Wood first doing so. But it was clear that Jerry Wood had lost from the very beginning.

That day, Jerry Wood had kneeled down before Finn Taylor as soon as the latter commanded him to do so. The very next day after Lucy Lawrence’s death, the Jensen family organized a grand and extravagant welcome ceremony for 500 people to welcome the new HR manager that Arthur Jensen had hired.

Yet, he hadn’t sent out a single invitation.

The people of San Diego couldn’t help but make fun of him when news of this got out.

The Jensen family wasn’t a particularly well-known family in San Diego. Even at Arthur Jensen’s birthday celebrations, the family had never invited more than 50 people, yet they were holding a party for 500 people this time!

What was even more ridiculous was that they hadn’t even sent out any invitations!

‘Do you really think that people will attend your party and congratulate you if you don’t send out any invitations just because you’re Jerry Wood?’ Everything was seen as a joke in the public’s eyes.

Just then, a Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived at the entrance of the Jensen Corporation, and out walked a man and a woman.

That woman happened to be the new HR manager of the Jensen Corporation. When the other respected figures of San Diego saw that she was nothing but a fresh face, they couldn’t help but snigger.

But the moment they caught sight of that man, everyone fell silent. ‘Finn Taylor! Yes, that’s Finn Taylor!’ 

Finn Taylor had been the talk of the town over the past few days. Everyone couldn’t help but be curious about this young man—who had the entire San Diego under his control.

Finally, someone could no longer sit still. “Hurry up and get the car ready. I’m going to the Jensen Corporation.”

“Where’s the car? I’m going to attend the Jensen Corporation’s welcome party.”

“I should’ve known. Why didn’t you prepare a gift in advance?”

With that, one prominent figure after another rushed down to the Jensen Corporation.

“I’m Henry Ware, the chairman of San Diego’s Liberty Manufacturing.”

“I’m Lisa Kleine, the chairman of Sense Electronics of San Diego.”

“I’m Sebastian Hoffman, the chairman of SH Entertainment of San Diego.”

One by one, the respected figures from all over San Diego were fighting to make their presence known. It seemed as though their lives would be in grave danger if they were even a second late.

In less than half an hour’s time, more than 300 people had arrived to fill the tables.

Earlier on, everyone had even mocked Arthur Jensen, saying that nobody would turn up at his party. Yet, this was a slap in their faces.

It was humiliating.

Just then, another two cars arrived, and Malcolm Landon and Victor Smith walked out of the cars.

Hiss!

Everyone knew full well what statuses these two men held in the city. Who would’ve expected them to show up too?

Behind them were numerous more cars that were ferrying even more prominent figures to the Jensen Corporation. It seemed like more than 500 people were going to turn up!

As such, those present didn’t try to give way to others and simply squeezed their way in to reserve a seat for themselves. ‘Nonsense! There are so many people here today. I must get myself a seat! If I have to remain standing, people might think that I’m of a lower class!’

At the very same time, everyone was curious about the same question: Whether Jerry Wood would show up.

After all, he was the richest man in San Diego. If he were to show up today, that would be no different from admitting defeat to Finn Taylor and handing over the top position in the city to the latter.

However, it would be even worse if he didn’t show up—that would be declaring war on Finn Taylor!

That would be disastrous!

Just like that, all the guests waited with bated breath, wondering if Jerry Wood would show up.

Time ticked by.

At last, it was 10 minutes to noon.

If Jerry Wood didn’t show up by noon, he’d definitely not be coming today.

Everyone stood on their tippy-toes, trying to peer into the distance. Yet, nobody could see anything.

Ten minutes.

Nine minutes.

Eight minutes.

…

There were three minutes remaining.

The guests shook their heads. ‘It seems like Jerry Wood isn’t coming, but that’s no wonder. He’s the top man of San Diego after all. If he wages a war against Finn Taylor, he might have a chance of winning. If he attends this party today, he’ll be no different from a slave from now on. Why would he come?’

That was what many people thought, and they couldn’t be blamed for thinking in that way.

At the very last minute—just as everyone had concluded that he wouldn’t show up—a Porsche rolled to a stop in front of the office building.

The car door opened, and Jerry Wood strolled out.

“I’m sorry for being late, Mr. Taylor.” As he said so, Jerry Wood bowed respectfully to express his sincere apology.

Yet, Finn Taylor sat there, his eyes narrowed but unmoving.

It felt like time had stopped right then and there.

Countless eyes were fixated on Finn Taylor as they waited to see how he would respond.

However, the latter remained silent as Jerry Wood remained bowed.

To be honest, it was terribly uncomfortable for Jerry Wood to remain in that position, yet he had no other choice.

He had thought long and hard about attending this party. If he were to show up, it would be relegating his position as the top man in San Diego. Yet, he couldn’t afford to offend Master Peregrine of Peregrine Hall!

After thinking long and hard about it, Jerry Wood eventually turned up at the party. He had already imagined how Finn Taylor would butcher him in front of everyone just to let them know that he called the shots in the future.

However, he had never expected Finn Taylor to put him on the spot like this!

Seconds ticked by, and Jerry Wood’s forehead was drenched with sweat now.

Finally, Finn Taylor looked up after what seemed like an eternity but was only ten minutes in reality.

“Fine,” he replied simply.

Jerry Wood was finally allowed to stand back up.

“Since you were late, down these shots as your punishment.” With that, Finn Taylor personally poured out three shots.

However, his shot glasses were even larger than typical bottles, and he had poured out vodka no less.

Jerry Wood would probably collapse immediately if he were to down those shots.

It was this very act that stunned everyone present. ‘Jerry Wood can choose not to drink it, but that means that he’ll have to leave San Diego. He has no choice but to down the shots if he wants to stay here.’ 

The beads of sweat on Jerry Wood’s forehead grew larger, but he chose to step forward.

He picked up a shot glass.

He downed the first.

The second.

The third…

Finn Taylor grabbed hold of his hand. “You’ll have to be hospitalized if you down this shot. You’d better think it through.”

Jerry Wood chuckled as he continued raising the glass.

Finn Taylor snatched the shot glass over, raising it high up in the air as he shouted, “Cheers!”