CHAPTER 9: CHAPTER 9: DRINKING COMPANION

As the other person finished speaking, Silas Sutton lazily and slightly tugged at the corner of his mouth, about to speak when his gaze caught sight of Stella Grant standing not far away.

Silas Sutton slightly raised his eyebrows, and Stella Grant nodded slightly, "President Sutton."

Silas Sutton glanced at Flynn Shepherd beside her, coldly, "Hmm."

Though they exchanged no more than a couple of sentences, it made the people following behind Silas Sutton take a few extra glances at Stella Grant.

Stella Grant stood confidently, smiling back.

After the crowd had walked away, Howard Wright, who had just spoken with Stella Grant, asked her quietly, "Manager Grant, do you know President Sutton?"

Stella Grant replied, "We just had a work-related interaction today."

Howard Wright nodded, remembering that Omni and Sutton Group indeed had a collaboration project recently.

With Silas Sutton seated, they naturally did not dare neglect those of lesser status.

Silas Sutton took the main seat at the head table, while Stella Grant sat at a side table with Flynn Shepherd.

The full range of dishes was served; someone at the head table casually mentioned Stella Grant’s name, and Flynn Shepherd’s direct superior got up to invite her, "Grant, come over to this table."

Having been spoken to by his superior, Flynn Shepherd affectionately patted Stella Grant’s shoulder, generously letting her go.

Someone took the opportunity to tease, "President Wright, you’re putting Vice President Shepherd in an awkward position."

President Wright slapped the table and laughed, "I have a favor to ask Grant today. When she marries Flynn Shepherd, I’ll definitely give a generous gift."

Flynn Shepherd, being adept at flattery, immediately put his hands together to express gratitude, "Then I’ll thank President Wright in advance."

After the formal pleasantries, Stella Grant was arranged to sit next to Silas Sutton.

President Wright personally poured Stella Grant a drink, saying with a brotherly air, "Grant, I’ll trouble you to look after President Sutton today. He’s not familiar with my people, but President Adler said you know him."

Stella Grant got up to accept the drink poured by President Wright, gracefully saving face for him, responding with a smile, "You’re too kind, President Wright. I’ll do my best."

Everyone on the business scene is cunning; their words sound pleasing, yet half are lies.

The dinner began, with people frequently getting up to toast Silas Sutton.

Perhaps out of respect for Stella Grant, Silas Sutton eased back on his chair, accepting all comers.

With a few drinks down, President Wright started to set a trap for Silas Sutton.

"President Sutton, the project I mentioned to you earlier, the profits are absolutely substantial."

"How about, if you have no objections, we sign the contract today?"

"I’ve brought the contract with me."

As President Wright finished speaking, he stared unwaveringly at Silas Sutton.

Silas Sutton looked back at him, half-smiling with an air of mischief, extended his long arm naturally on the seat back behind Stella Grant, "Is President Wright trying to make me sign the contract while I’m drunk?"

President Wright hadn’t expected Silas Sutton to speak so directly, paused awkwardly before laughing in response, "Of course not!"

Though Silas Sutton seemed drunk, his eyes were sharp, "The project President Wright mentioned, it’s not that I’m unwilling to consider it."

Silas Sutton’s tone rising and falling, lifted and then dropped President Wright’s emotions, "President Sutton, feel free to state any requirements."

The conversation reached a point where the rest was essentially about trade secrets.

Stella Grant quietly and silently got up to leave, not wanting to invite trouble.

Exiting the corridor, she stood for a moment, fearing someone might come out of the box, and headed to the stairwell.

Stella Grant had just pushed the door open and hadn’t steadied herself when she heard some ambiguous water sounds from downstairs.

A woman’s soft moan and panting, "Gentler."

A man’s voice deliberately hushed, "Gentler, will you feel comfortable?"

The woman’s voice grew more coquettish, "Annoying."

The man, breathing heavily, asked, "Tell me, has that old stuff been touching you at home?"

Their voices changed due to passion; Stella Grant frowned slightly, not having the habit of eavesdropping, and turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, as she opened the door, she bumped into Silas Sutton, reeking of alcohol and holding a cigarette.

Their eyes met, and before either could speak, a coquettish moan shattered the awkward silence.

——"Didn’t you say you broke up with that Stella Grant?"

——"Why is she here today?"