Chapter <b>104 </b>
Jeffrey and Stanley stepped out of the meeting room and spotted Stephen deep in conversation with Jason from Primey Technologies.
Jeffrey pulled out his phone and made a call. Seeing this, Jason’s expression shifted just a bit. He gave Stephen a nod and said, “Sorry, gotta take this call.”
“By all means,” Stephen replied politely.
Jason walked a short distance away before answering the call. “Mr. Hanson.”
Jeffrey watched them from a distance, his voice calm and deliberate. “I’ll elevate Primey Technologies for you. How far it goes is up to you.”
Jason paused when he heard this. Almost reflexively, he nced at his surroundings, then his gaze settled thoughtfully on Jeffrey.
Stephen, noticing where Jason was looking, turned and met Jeffrey’s eyes across the room.
Jeffrey pulled the phone away from his ear and hung up, then turned his gaze and walked out of their sight with Stanley.
“Mr. Stephen Hanson,” Jason said, picking up on the hint and turning down Stephen’s earlier request. “I’m afraid I can’t agree to what you suggested.
“After all, this is Primey Technologies‘ tenth anniversary celebration. It’s only fitting that our own people
handle the awards.”
“Of course,” Stephen replied with a gentle nod.
Jason let out a small sigh of relief. “How about we arrange for you to sit in the front row?”
“No need.” Stephen declined. “I’ll just stand off to the side.” Jason hesitated.
“Just stick to your original n,” Stephen said gently. “I might have to leave early for something.”
With that, Jason didn’t press further. He knew Jeffrey was the real power behind the scenes. Whatever happened, Jeffrey’s wishes came first. Crossing him could have unpredictable consequences.
About half an hourter, the tenth–anniversary celebration was drawing to a close. Apart from the basic procedures of hosts and leaders giving speeches on stage, the remaining events included a ten–year anniversary raffle and an awards ceremony for performances by various departments.
E won a tablet. Another person from her department snagged a phone. Reba, true to form, had terrible luck. She could only pause, momentarily lost for words.
Standing in the corner, Stanley noticed Reba’s downcast look and nudged Jeffrey. “You really didn’t pull any strings to get Reba a cash bonus or at least some kind of prize?”
Jeffrey shrugged. “That wouldn’t be fair to everyone else.”
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“Come on, since when do you care about being fair, Mr. Hanson?” Stanley teased mercilessly. Jeffrey just stayed silent.
Stanley nudged him again, joking, “Hey, I just found out Reba’s act got second ce. Aren’t you gonna y the big boss and hand her the award?”
Jeffrey didn’t even think about it. “No.”
Whatever kind of arrangement Jeffrey had with Jason was strictly behind closed doors. Even if folks found out he worked at Primey Technologies, all they’d do was shrug and guess he was scouting his next big investment.
But if he actually went up and gave out awards on stage during the tenth anniversary g, that would make a huge ssh.
The old guard at the Hanson Group would go absolutely nuts. Jeffrey wasn’t scared of any of that drama. He just couldn’t be bothered to deal with their nonsense.
“Looks like Stephen’s heading for the stage,” Stanley remarked, shooting a look at Stephen, who was lingering near the award podium.
Jeffrey’s expression darkened slightly. The way Stephen usually operates, he’d never go in for something like this.
Sure, Primey Technologies couldn’t measure up to the Hanson Group, but a ten–year anniversary like this was bound to hit the financial news. If Stephen took the spotlight up there, the board and those two would nag him to no end.
If he was really aiming for power, this kind of move was a mistake.
With that thought, Jeffrey cast a confused nce at Stephen, who responded with a courteous nod and a practiced smile.
“I can’t stand how fake he is,” Stanley muttered, getting chills from that look. “He’s always plotting against you, but every time he speaks to you, he puts on that caring older brother act.”
“That’s just how he gets by,” Jeffreymented ndly.
“The lucky draw’s a wrap, and all the prizes will be handed out to the departments tomorrow,” the host announced, closing off one part and kicking off the next. “Now, time for Mr. Smith to announce the rankings for tonight’s performances.”
Just like Stanley said, Reba’s crew scored second ce. The prize was a cool 15 thousand. As the main act, Reba made her way up to collect the award.
Jason handed the trophy to her, showing noticeably more warmth and a few extrayers of emotion than he had with the first–ce winner. He even added a polite gesture. “Your concept was excellent. I hope youe
in first next time.”
“Thank you. Mr. Smith,” Reba replied, bowing with a radiant grin.
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She’d taken home trophies with far more weight and prestige before. But after all these years, it was her first time sharing a win with her coworkers, enough to make her feel a gentle stir in her heart.
“Keep up the good work,” Jason said encouragingly. “I believe Primey Technologies is headed for even greater things.”
Reba nodded with a bright smile. “Absolutely.”
After the brief exchange, Reba also moved toward the other side. Jason still had to present awards to other winners and then take a group photo, as the host had quietly reminded them before they went on stage.
Right at that moment, a steady but worried voice suddenly rang out. “Watch out.”
Reba and Jason, along with everyone on stage, were all confused.
Before anyone could even react, Stephen lunged forward and pulled Reba out of harm’s way, just in time for the chandelier overhead to crash straight down onto him.
A series of sharp, thunderous sounds exploded through the air as shards of ss rained down, covering the stage in glittering debris. Everyone on stage shrieked and stumbled backward, scrambling to get away.
Reba stumbled to the side as she was shoved away, barely catching herself. When she looked over, Stephen was crouched down, blood streaming from his head.
Her pupils shrank as panic shed in her eyes. “Stephen.”
Blood kept dripping down, but Stephen just looked up at her, concern etched on his face. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Reba said, ncing at the gash on her ankle from the broken ss. Compared to the mess of blood pouring down his head, her own injury was nothing.
Stephen forced a weak smile. “As long as you’re okay-” Before he could finish, he copsed.
Reba quickly walked over to support him, letting him lean on her. Her eyes filled with urgent concern as she said, “Mr. Smith, could you please arrange a car to take Mr. Hanson to the hospital? His injury can’t wait.”
Before Jason could respond, Jeffrey stepped forward. He stood before them, eyes as cold as midnight locked onto the bleeding, unconscious Stephen. His hands at his sides slowly clenched into fists.
Jeffrey’s mind echoed the name, a cold wave washing over him. ‘Stephen, I didn’t expect this to be your n,‘ Jeffrey thought, disbelief flickering in his heart.
“Mr. Hanson,” Jason said. With Jeffrey here, he finally felt a bit less on edge. But the thought of Stephen getting hurt at hispany’s tenth anniversary celebration twisted his stomach all over again.
“What are you all waiting for? Get your boss to the hospital.” Jeffrey’s voice was cold as ice as he looked at Bernard and the rushing bodyguards. “Or are you trying to wait until the coroner has to show up?”
Bernard was struck speechless. ‘Did I really have to be that harsh?‘ he thought.
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Without wasting a second, they quickly carried Stephen to the car and sped off toward the hospital.
Reba stood up and followed him, but she had barely taken two steps when Jeffrey grabbed her wrist. His grip was strong, and his gaze was more serious than ever before. “Where are you going?”