Nancy and Lacey turned to look at Mance curiously.
Given that Hero had helped her resolve the problems her business faced, he should know she was an entrepreneur.
In fact, he even gifted her the project at Whiteridge.
Meanwhile, Mance panicked and silently cursed Zeke for being a busybody.
Forcing a smile, he explained, “It was just a slip of tongue. Of course, I know that you’re a businesswoman. I would like to invite you and Lacey to the banquet tonight. Only the elite entrepreneurs are invited. With more networking, it would definitely be helpful in the course of your business.”
Nancy replied eagerly, “I would love to go.”
Smiling, Lacey nodded too. “Thanks for inviting us along.”
Given that the Linton Group had reached a plateau in their development, it would be helpful to expand their network and hopefully secure more projects along the way. Perhaps they could break through their plateau that way.
Meanwhile, John introduced himself. “My dear ladies, I will be in charge of tonight’s dinner. I’m John. If there are any problems at the banquet, you can look for me.”
Looking at Nancy, he asked, “May I know your name, please? You look awfully familiar.”
Nancy replied, “I’m a member of the Hintons in Riverdale.”
John immediately realized who she was. “The Riverdale Hintons! It’s my honor to meet you.”
He offered his hand to shake Nancy’s.
Zeke was shocked and quickly blocked John’s arm.
The warlock had poisonous worms everywhere in his body.
If he shook Nancy’s hand, he could plant the worms on her.
Zeke sniggered, “Dear Sir, forgive me for being direct. Your hands looked like they haven’t been washed in days. You shouldn’t go around offering your hand when you would end up dirtying someone else’s hands. Don’t you think so?”
John became visibly awkward.
Meanwhile, Lacey and Nancy were dumbfounded as they were shocked at Zeke’s response.
John was trying to be courteous, but Zeke criticized him for having dirty hands instead.
It was undoubtedly rude of Zeke.
What if John became upset and rescinded their invitation to the banquet, it would be a great loss to them.
Nancy panicked and pushed Zeke aside. “What gives you the right to meddle in my business? John, please forgive him for his boorishness.”
Meanwhile, she extended her hand to John.
Zeke noticed that when John shook her hand, he had flicked his fingers.
It was a move warlocks typically used when they wanted to plant poisonous worms on their victims.
At that moment, Nancy had been poisoned.
John reminded them, “By the way, Jeffrey, the mayor of Oakheart City, will also be attending. It would be a glamorous event. I suggest that you attend the banquet in gowns to make a good impression on Jeffrey.”
Nancy was elated. “Did I hear correctly? Jeffrey is gracing the occasion too? Mance, you’re really something!”
Lacey was equally excited. “It’s wonderful that Jeffrey himself would be there. Coincidentally, the Linton Group is preparing to get itself listed. However, there’s a bunch of applications that are stuck with the mayor’s office. If we could meet Jeffrey tonight, perhaps we could get the matter sorted. Mance, you did me a great favor. Thank you.”
Mance proudly replied, “Oh, it’s nothing. No thanks needed. Everything’s settled then. I’m heading home to get prepared. Later, I’ll send someone to pick both of you up.”
Once Mance left, Nancy’s face darkened instantly. “Zeke, I know you’re jealous that I found my hero, but that doesn’t give you the right to cause so much trouble. How could you accuse John of having dirty hands? If he became upset, would you be able to bear the consequences? Luckily, Mance was being kind to me. Otherwise, I would have made you suffer.”
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