Chapter 31
A wave of irritation washed over Benjamin. He glanced at the onlookers and let
out a cold snort. “Mr. Griffin, your father also invited me as an honored guest. Are you really going to throw me out on the word of this pretty boy? How will you explain that to your father p>
Besides, he’d heard that someone from the Powell family was supposed to be here tonight. He couldn’t leave before he’d had a chance to meet them.
Mr. Griffin looked conflicted. The Forresters were new money, upstarts that the old, established families like his typically looked down upon. But they had cornered the market in their industry and were incredibly powerful. Any company that partnered with them struck gold. They had to give him face. If he really threw him out, his old man would have his head.
But… He cast a nervous glance at Jensen. This man’s face was even more important. This man was capable of anything.
“I’ll explain it to Old Mr. Griffin myself p>
A new voice, cool and steady, cut in. Everyone turned to see a man with gold- rimmed glasses, his expression calm and detached.
Benjamin frowned. “And you are p>
The man tilted his chin slightly. “James Chandler p>
Everyone except Rebekah and Jensen visibly stiffened.
“Oh my god, I think he’s from the Powell Group!” someone in the crowd whispered. The argument had drawn a small audience, and upon hearing the name, a ripple of excitement went through them.
“The Powell Group? As in, *the* Powell family’s Powell Group p>
“Is there any other? They’re one of the richest families in the world! Who’d be stupid enough to pretend to be them p>
“Especially the four heads of the family-they’re all legends in their own right p>
for a second. Her
Rebekah froze fo
biological family’s name was also Powell. She quickly dismissed the thought with a self-deprecating smile it was surely just a coincidence. All she wanted loving family; wealth didn’t matter.
Benjamin’s face darkened. He had done his research on the Powell family. This was the connection he had been hoping to make.
“A pleasure to meet you,” Benjamin said, masking his shock and extending a hand. “I’m the CEO of the Forrester Group. I have a project I’d love to discuss with the Powell Group p>
James merely glanced at him, making no move to shake his hand. “The Powell Group doesn’t partner with troublemakers p>
Benjamin’s smile froze on his face. Before he could say anything else, James turned to Rebekah, his expression softening. “Are you all right, miss?” he asked gently.
Someone from the Powell Group was defending Rebekah? Benjamin’s fury intensified. When had she gotten involved with them?
His glare deepened.
It was all her fault. She had ruined his chance at a partnership. He clenched his jaw, silently seething He couldn’t make a scene in front of the Powell Group, but he watched her from the shadows, his eyes, burning with a rage so intense it felt like he could devour her whole. This time, she had gone too far.
Unaware of his venomous gaze, Rebekah answered James with quiet dignity. “I’m fine.” She was flattered but confused by his kindness. Why was he being so nice
to her? Did powerful families just enjoy righting wrongs?
She glanced at Jensen, only to find him watching her with a thoughtful, unreadable smile.
“Alright, let’s get some dessert and relax,” Jensen said, gently guiding Rebeka toward the buffet. Halfway there he paused and looked back. As expected, James was watching them. Their eyes met, and Jensen’s gaze turned cold.
Jensen recognized James from a run-in they’d had abroad years ago. He was the
right-hand man of the eldest Powell sibling.