Chapter 7

While Sherry took a call and retreated to the high hedges on the side, James carried his business conversations with the shareholders.

“James, you’ve taken after your late father so much. Makes me miss him very much. I have high hopes that you’ll be as comparable as him about leading our group.”

James gave a reassuring smile and raised his glass, “Thank you, Mr. Wu, for your compliment and confidence. I know my father couldn’t have done it without all of your guidance. So please, don’t reserve that from me either.”

“Ah, you speak so eloquently. I like it very much. Handsome face and likable personality.”

On the other hand, Phillip, who was wearing a silver suit, was busy entertaining some of the bachelorettes by the bar. Henry rolled his eyes hopelessly. Phillip saw this and finally made his way to join James with the businessmen.

Just as the music started, at the top of the long stairs entered Hannah. Her make up enhanced her features, big eyes, warm smile, and her long hair curled in beach waves. The laced mauve dress magnify her pale skin and yet, her blushed cheeks made her more lively and admirable. Suddenly, while James was still discussing business with his back turned, the atmosphere fell quiet astounded by the radiant figure making her way down the stairs. Seeing the men’s no longer paying attention to the conversation, James turned around to where their gazes landed on. He looked and was even moved by the woman the world stopped to admire. This woman looked so familiar. Sherry finally walked over and noticed the scene. James felt his heart fluttered like the rest of the men. He felt half ashamed for feeling this way with Sherry present but only he knew. He whispered Phillip quietly, “Who is she?”

Phillip shook his head at him, smiled and pat his shoulders disappointingly, “That…is your wife, dude.”

No one else heard what Phillip whispered and kept asking each other who the beautiful woman was.

Phillip proudly made his way towards Hannah at the bottom of the stairs, bumped shoulders and asked, “What did you do to my hideous cousin?!”

Henry batted an eye of death to Phillip and scolded him, “Can’t you pretend to be normal today? That’s not how you treat a lady.”

Phillip chuckled and responded, “Dad, the whole garden has fallen in love from Hannah’s entrance. I just wanted to make light of it. I don’t want them to take their eyes off of me. Ha-ha.”

Hannah poked Phillip’s side.

“Come, cousin. Let me show you my favorite spot, the appetizer table.” Hannah took his arm and they strode towards the food.

After some time, a young business approached Hannah who was standing alone in the corner of the garden. He was tall, stocky, and looked arrogant.

“Did you lose your way, Miss….?” His beady eyes looked up and down at Hannah.

“Er, No. I just needed some quiet time so I came over her.” Hannah politely smiled. Feeling a negative vibe from the man, Hannah asked to be excused and walked away. Suddenly, the man grabbed her by the waist and pulled her in hard holding her. Hannah became startled and scanned the area for someone who was close enough to come save her from the situation. She would surely tell Uncle Henry! “What’s the rush? Talk to me. Tell me a little more about yourself. You must be single. I don’t see a ring on your finger.” Hannah tried to shake off his grasp on her waist but it was impossible and she began to tremble.

“Sir, please. Let me go.”

His smile went away roughing up his voice, “You know, it’s always the innocent looking ones who are the dirtiest and best at acting.”

Hannah’s heart raced and she couldn’t find the words to say.

“James..” Hannah pushed the man off and retreated behind James’s broad back quickly.

“Wife?” Michael raised his eyebrows. “Never knew you got married. Was I not invited, James?”

“Whatever the reason may be, I better not see you lay a finger on her again. Consider this your own misunderstanding. You should probably get back and join the others.” James calmly suggested.

After Michael reluctantly left, James finally turned towards Hannah, grabbed her hand, and asked softly, “Are you okay?” Hannah’s pale face nodded quickly but her heart was flustered.

“What were you thinking hiding in a dark spot like this? Tip for the future. Men are like vultures ready to devour once you’re alone,” James suddenly reproached her with a cold face.

Hannah was thankful but she was blind-sighted by James tone. Impulsively, she refuted back, “Then why are you over here too?”

James chuckled with a disgusted face. “I just saved you now. Maybe Michael’s right. It’s the innocent one’s who are the most deceiving.”

Hannah felt a lump in throat from shock. You jerk. I’ve never done anything to you to insult me. “I don’t need your pathetic saving. You probably should return to your girlfriend’s side and stop announcing me as your wife.” She teared up and quickly ran back to the front of the garden.

Martha had some beef soup when she inquired, “Oh, elder sister. You have to tell your chef to give me this beef soup recipe. It’s delicious.”

Esther simply responded, “Hannah made it.” She observed Martha choke on the soup and saw Hannah running in the distance back into the house tearfully. Shortly after her appeared James from where she ran from. Esther frowned at Henry who noticed as well.

During dinner, the Chen’s were seated together. Hannah sat beside Phillip naturally. James and Sherry together as well. Hannah had her make up touched up from tearing up earlier and avoided further contact with James. She felt his deep gazes a few times but only engaged with Phillip to lighten the mood. Sherry caught James glaring at Hannah, too. This made her a bit jealous as she kept massaging his hand to remind him of her presence. Even then, he looked like an unbothered lion with his full attention on his prey: Hannah. He was now annoyed of how close Phillip and Hannah have gotten.

Clink, clink, clink!

Henry stood up from his chair and raised his glass. “I just want to make a toast quickly, and then a very important announcement.” Everyone quieted down and paid close attention to Henry.

“Thank you to every single one of you who’s here tonight. Every one of your presence is important to me and especially the company. So, thank you for joining my wife, son, an I welcoming us back to Beijing.” The crowd raised their glasses and drank with the family.

“Now, onto my important announcement. Governing board, I know we’ve been meeting tirelessly about this for the past three weeks that I’ve been back. About the predicament of installing a successor president for our company, I’ve shared both the good and bad about my son Phillip and my nephew James.”

The family looked a little nervous suspecting where Henry was going with this. Martha whispered to Esther, “Has he decided? Is he announcing it now?!” She arrogantly inquired certain that James must’ve won Henry’s favor since he had higher education and experience.

He continued, “I decided that I will remain in Beijing for a while longer for the sake of the company. As for Phillip and James, I’ve observed that you two have much more capabilities to prove to me. I will give the company to…..

Time stood still when Henry paused to deliver the rest carefully and clearly. Everyone held on to their seats.

“To whomever gives me a grandchild first.”

GASP!

Martha said out loud, “How’s that possible?! Phillip doesn’t even have a wife yet. James hasn’t solved his issue.” While Esther just gave a winning grim.

No. I must. We must get the divorce done quickly. I don’t want anything to do with that man. Hannah thought in heart. It should be an easy way out since James already had a girlfriend lined up to accomplish that with.

Phillip fell back defeated in his chair and Sherry tightened her grip on James happily.

“So gentlemen, shareholders, choose your contestant to spur them onto success,” Henry concluded.