CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 38: I RESPECT YOU

After stepping down, quite a few people came to talk to James Grant.

Evelyn Clayton tried to slip away quietly but was held back by him to be introduced to everyone.

Keith Donovan came over with two glasses of wine to find James Grant: "Yo, it’s rare to see you with just one female companion today. Usually, you change every half hour."

"Ahem." James Grant shot over a cold glance, carrying a hint of threat.

But Evelyn Clayton didn’t mind his playful tone at all.

After all, she and James Grant were just using each other’s connections, and she was here only to complete her task.

Keith Donovan found her reaction rather interesting.

"James Grant, you haven’t introduced her to me yet."

"This is Evelyn Clayton, my fiancée." James Grant wrapped his arm around Evelyn Clayton’s, with a smug raise of his brow.

"This is Keith Donovan, my college classmate, and the eldest son of The Donovan Family. The Shawn Donovan you met last time is his younger brother."

"Miss Clayton, hello. I didn’t expect James Grant to bring you to meet my brother. My brother is no pushover; if he’s seen you, it means everyone in the circle knows you’re James Grant’s fiancée."

Keith Donovan’s demeanor exuded gentlemanliness; even his handshake was just a gentle grasp of Evelyn Clayton’s fingertips.

Evelyn Clayton furrowed her brows in confusion; she’d heard of Keith Donovan, considered somewhat of a notable figure in the business world. How could he be friends with a playboy like James Grant?

"Hello."

James Grant suddenly patted Keith Donovan’s shoulder: "Don’t you have an art gallery under your name? Evelyn has a studio, you know what to do, right?"

"Of course, doing business with acquaintances is better than strangers."

Even if James Grant didn’t mention it, Keith Donovan knew what to do.

The Grant Family, The Donovan Family, and The Whitman Family were all top-tier in the city’s wealthy circle; raised in this environment from a young age, they naturally understood that business interests were not just direct but indirect as well.

But Evelyn Clayton furrowed her fine brows: "Thank you, Mr. Donovan, for your kind offer, but the style of Mr. Donovan’s gallery is vastly different from that of our studio. Cooperation is unlikely, but if there’s any intent to cooperate in the future, I will personally submit a resume."

She’s not relying on men.

This statement displeased James Grant: "Don’t be stubborn."

"I’m just speaking the truth."

Keith Donovan’s expression carried a nuanced meaning.

From childhood to now, everyone around them wanted to take advantage, even the daughters of the same circle approached them for family interests.

This was the first time someone refused the business he offered.

"Haha, it seems your little girlfriend has a strong personality. A failed deal doesn’t mean failed kindness; we might have other cooperation opportunities next time."

Keith Donovan did not hide his admiration for Evelyn Clayton.

James Grant slightly shifted to block his view, smiling with a raise of his chin: "There’s a girl over there who’s been watching you."

Keith Donovan looked back and waved helplessly: "No, no, I need to find a place to hide first. Such trouble!"

The girl noticed Keith Donovan wanted to run, immediately put down her drink and chased after him.

The two engaged in a game of cat and mouse, quite amusing.

Evelyn Clayton chuckled softly, suddenly feeling the hand on her waist tighten significantly.

She shot him a questioning glance.

James Grant smiled and nodded at others, his tone slightly cold.

"Be mindful of your identity."

"What did I do, please enlighten me?"

"With so many people watching, you stared at my friend without blinking; do you think that’s appropriate?"

Evelyn Clayton glared at him, only thinking this man was quite sick.

"James Grant, you just asked me to give you face and meet him."

"I introduced him to you so he could give you business, why did you so straightforwardly refuse? Do you plan to rely solely on your untainted pride to navigate the business world?"

"I can’t say about the future, but for now, yes."

"You’re too stubborn; it’s not a good thing."

Evelyn Clayton disliked when James Grant spoke in a tone that seemed to fathom everything about her.

"Don’t forget, we’re just partners. Other matters don’t require your intervention."

James Grant raised his hands in a surrender gesture, with a slight hook of his gaze: "Alright, I respect your wishes."

A faint smell of gunpowder lingered between them, and Amber Whitman again appeared from who knows where.