CHAPTER 176: JAMES AND JENNIFER’S MARRIAGE CEREMONY

The news of James and Jennifer’s wedding had already gone viral across the internet. Although it didn’t ripple globally, it had certainly reached every corner of the local upper circles. While the Whitmore family remained a second-rate name among Manchester’s elite, the Clifford family was undeniably part of the first tier.

Because the wedding had been arranged shortly after William Whitmore’s removal from EverBuild, it remained under the radar until now. At Eleanor’s request, the company had yet to publish any official announcement regarding the leadership change. The shareholders, now aware of this insider shift, were increasingly alert... watching the company’s rising stock price with hungry anticipation.

The venue was none other than Hotel Hyatt’s largest convention hall. The programme had been finalised in advance, with the schedule printed on each guest’s invitation. Attendees were strictly instructed to bring their invitation cards for entry.

William spared no expense in ensuring his daughter’s marriage was as grand as possible. Having sold his shares of the company, he now had ample funds to spare. He believed that this union between the Whitmore and Clifford families would eventually repay him manifold.

That evening, most of the city’s upper echelon began gathering at the Hyatt... though some of the most prominent families were absent, as William could not reach them in his status. Still, even those who declined the invite often sent a representative from the second generation.

It was common knowledge that wealthy families encouraged their heirs to form alliances through marriage. Love had little space in such unions. Wives remained at home while lovers existed freely outside. Only a rare few valued love above wealth... and they could be counted on one hand.

Events like this were a hunting ground for the second generation of the elite. Many sought potential partners, evaluating them through a lens not of affection, but of advantage.

The unspoken rule, however, still held strong: marry equal or higher. Status came first, looks second. What value were beauty and charm without power or profit? In the end, money was god.

At 7PM, both James and Jennifer were ready. But for the moment, they waited inside the presidential suites booked especially for them. Guests were still arriving, and a few important names had yet to appear.

Earlier that day, they had already officially registered their marriage... the ceremony now just a formality.

James wore a sharp white suit that highlighted his tanned skin and athletic build. He was in high spirits, laughing and gossiping with his friends.

Jennifer wore a custom Vivienne Westwood wedding gown... commissioned specially for the event. William had paid a small fortune for it. With her make-up perfected by a professional team, she looked ethereal... elegant, radiant, and graceful. Several of her friends were in the suite, acting as bridesmaids and showering her with praise.

Downstairs, William and Jeanne stood at the entrance, personally receiving each guest.

The hall was quickly filling with an eclectic mix of business magnates, entertainers, political aides, and wealthy heirs... all mingling with practiced poise, seeking connections and advantage.

Some single men and women were already striking up conversations with their targets, navigating the social waters carefully.

Throughout the grand hall, voices murmured with gossip:

"Look, that’s Ross Taylor. His father is a senior official in government, and his mother is from the Norwood family."

"Is he important? I saw some of the wealthy girls checking him out."

"Very important. The Norwoods were a second-rate family until his father’s influence boosted their position."

"That’s Dan Martin. Thirty-one this year. I heard he just broke up with his girlfriend. He runs a company worth over a billion. He’s technically single, you know."

"A good catch. But it will be hard to get. Look at the annoying Norman sisters around him."

"There’s Robin Greystone. Thirty-five years old. He is dating a middle-class girl, but his family doesn’t approve. He also doesn’t marry others."

"Poor girl. No way the Greystones will allow that marriage."

"That’s Miss Thompson, just back from the US a few months ago. She’s now a director at her family firm."

"Don’t get excited. She’s a lesbian."

"Tsk. A loss to mankind. Just look at those curves."

"You pervert. Look at Young Master Davis. He never stares at any woman’s bosom, always composed. Everyone knows him as a true gentleman."

"Blah blah. Don’t shame a man for admiring protruding mountains when they’re in front of him."

Amid the murmuring and flirtations, business conversations hummed just as fiercely:

"Mr Holland, what a pleasure. I was just thinking of visiting you next week. My firm applied for the stadium reconstruction contract. I believe yours did too. If you let us have the contract, I will be grateful to you."

"I’ve heard of your financial struggles. What’s in it for me if I back off?"

"Remember my villa near the airport... you visited last year? It’ll be yours on your next birthday as a present from me."

"Not enough. Add a favour to that."

"Done. Thank you."

Deals were made behind champagne glasses and veiled smiles. This wasn’t just a wedding... it was a marketplace of privilege, power, and quiet promises.

At that moment, a sudden commotion stirred near the entrance. All eyes turned in that direction. The groom had arrived.

James Clifford was visibly basking in the attention. This was, without question, the moment of his life. From the very gates of the venue, he began greeting and exchanging words with several key figures of Manchester’s upper circles... people who ordinarily would never give him so much as a private appointment.

Though James hailed from the prestigious Clifford family, and was well-regarded socially, he remained part of the second generation. The real authority in the family rested with his uncle, and among his peers, it was his elder brothers who had long held the spotlight.

Only recently had James gained some measure of influence... largely due to his association with the Chen family, particularly Benjamin Chen, the celebrated CEO of Chen IT.

Benjamin was present today as James’s best man, but he remained tactfully in the background. He knew how to read a room. Instead of drawing attention to himself, he redirected praise and conversation toward James, ensuring his friend enjoyed the spotlight on this pivotal day.

Alongside them trailed their usual circle of young masters... all well-groomed, well-dressed, and visibly content to help give James a flawless wedding celebration.

Slowly, the group made their way towards the stage, exchanging pleasantries as they passed through clusters of guests. Many who had not yet had a chance to speak with James hurried to greet him near the stairs, eager to be seen and remembered.

A few minutes later, another wave of murmuring rippled through the hall... this time more hushed, more reverent.

Nicholas Clifford, the patriarch of the Clifford family, had arrived.

At his side walked Phoebe Baker, James’s mother. With James’s father having passed away early, Nicholas had taken his grandson’s wedding to heart. He had vowed to be present not just for the family, but as a way to honour his late son.

Behind them walked Jonathon Clifford, the current head of the family, along with his son Jacob, and several other core family members.

The crowd parted with instinctive respect as the Clifford family entered. Heads bowed in greeting, and whispered conversations paused momentarily. Very few in the hall could match the power or wealth that the Clifford name carried.

As the group approached the stage, the young masters stepped forward swiftly, offering respectful greetings. Nicholas gave them a brief nod, but he paused when he saw Benjamin. The two exchanged a few polite words... Nicholas was clearly pleased to see him present.

Then, Nicholas, Phoebe, and James stepped up onto the stage.

Just as they did, the bride made her entrance.

Jennifer Whitmore entered arm-in-arm with William and Jeanne, flanked by her beautiful bridesmaids. All heads turned again... this time with genuine admiration.

Jennifer, in her flowing Vivienne Westwood gown, looked utterly ethereal. The expert hands of the stylists had elevated her beauty to its peak. Even her harshest critics would have to admit that tonight, she was breathtaking.

As the group approached the stage, they moved at a stately pace. Most of the guests had already greeted William earlier, so the path was clear.

When they reached the steps, James stepped forward and took Jennifer’s hand, guiding her up the stairs like a perfect gentleman.

This graceful gesture caught the attention of the crowd. A quiet ripple of approval followed.

"Look at him. He is so gentle with her."

"Such a refined young man. I want my man like this."

"The Clifford family really raised him well."

Some of these compliments floated all the way up to Nicholas’s ears. Hearing them, the old man’s chest swelled with pride. His grandson was not only a partner of Chen Group, but was now praised by the city’s most elite gatherings.

Below the stage, however, Jacob Clifford watched with a restrained scowl. He muttered under his breath, irritated at the naivety of the onlookers. He knew exactly how many women James had entertained over the years.

Just as he was about to mutter louder, his father Jonathon firmly gripped his arm and gave him a warning look.

Jacob clenched his jaw and said no more.