From the moment Casper entered here, he knew everyone was talking about him. Now, after hearing Nia's words, he immediately understood why. He didn't pay attention to Nia's tricks and instead raised his glass towards her side and said,
"Mr. Bolton, do you still like the wine I sent as an apology after I recklessly barged into your hotel last time?"
Adam also attended the banquet and saw Casper pointing at himself. Although he didn't want to bother with him, Adam still replied,
"The wine is good. Mr. Wood, you have a good taste."
When everyone saw Casper randomly say this to Adam, the curious ones couldn't help but ask,
"Did Mr. Bolton and Mr. Wood have any conflicts before?"
"We have no conflicts," Casper said with a gentle smile, explaining to everyone.
"It was just a little misunderstanding with Mr. Bolton last time. You should know about my relationship with Nia before, but some time ago I found out that she had an affair with Kevin, the vice president of Stable Growth, and they went to the Dekee hotel to have an affair. I took someone to catch them, but they escaped, so there was a little friction with the hotel staff."
As soon as Casper spoke, the crowd was in an uproar and there was a continuous stream of discussion.
"I wondered why she attended the banquet with the vice president today. Turns out she's having an affair with him."
"I estimate that her leg was broken because of this!"
"Just now, Miss Davidson didn't seem to say that... Wasn't she saying that Casper wanted to take over Stable Growth and then target Nia?"
"Do you only believe the person who speaks the truth?"
Although this kind of talk could be considered as whispering, it would be strange not to hear it in this situation. Nia felt her blood boiling and anger burning in her heart as she listened to these words.
"Casper, don't slander me!" she shouted at Casper, pointing her finger.
"Do I?" Casper responded to Nia with ease, still smiling gently.
"Do you dare to say that you and Kevin don't have an affair?"
"You!" Nia's face turned red with anger, but Kevin remained calm and immediately stopped her, afraid that she might say something wrong in the heat of the moment.
"Mr. Wood, you and Nia have never disclosed your relationship to the public. To say that you are a couple is more like taking advantage of the relationship? I feel sorry for her being used by you. Everyone here does know that StandHill is based on Stable Growth. In the beginning, you were only helping Stable Growth in the name of an internship. After Nia brought you into the circle, you established it. You even wanted to take Stable Growth under your umbrella. If Ms. Webb didn't come forward to help, I'm afraid Stable Growth has long been swallowed up by you!"
While Kevin was criticizing Casper, he didn't forget to use Lucia as a shield. Hearing Kevin's logical argument, the crowd's opinion shifted towards them. They were like a group of onlookers, just watching from the sidelines.
To be honest, Casper was surprised by Kevin's performance. He used to be respectful and careful in front of him and never dared to disobey him. Casper thought he was just a loyal dog, but now that he had taken charge and showed such courage and eloquence, it caught him off guard.
Casper smirked and said sarcastically, "You have quite the gift of gab when it comes to making an affair sound so noble."
Kevin no longer showed any respect in his eyes towards Casper nor did he show any fear. He sneered back at him with equal composure; no longer considering him as someone worth his attention.
The two sides were evenly matched in their momentum while people around them watched excitedly. They occasionally commented on what they saw.
"Lucia," looking at the tense situation between Kevin and Casper with innocent eyes, Eduard asked Lucia, "I remember today's party theme is celebrating Webbex Group's acquisition of Stable Growth? How did it turn into a vendetta meeting?"
As soon as Eduard spoke up, everyone stopped discussing their argumentative topic and stared at Lucia, waiting for her decision; since she acquired Stable Growth, they assumed she would side with Nia.
Lucia replied innocently, "Indeed I only invited Mr. Wood and Miss Davidson because I noticed that they had good relations before this incident occurred, but I never expected things would escalate this far out of hand. It seems that I didn't think things through carefully enough. Miss Davidson, if there are any issues, you should have informed me beforehand."
Nia apologized repeatedly saying, "It's my own fault for not realizing how persistent Casper can be even after all these years. Stable Growth now belongs solely to you without any association or connection whatsoever with him anymore. But seeing his attitude today makes me even more afraid."
Arthur gently pinched Lucia's waist causing her to look up at him; noticing his subtle change in expression, she smiled lightly asking Nia, "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid that he still hasn't given up on Stable Growth which may lead to hurting you just like what happened between us!" Nia finally said what she wanted all along while showing fear, "I regret doing this now because I don't know if it will cause trouble for you."
Lucia remained silent while Casper coldly laughed out loud first,
"Nia, sometimes it feels good to say certain things out loud, but you still have to take responsibility for what you say. You slandered me in front of so many people without any evidence, be careful because I can sue you for defamation."
"Sue me of defamation?" Nia refused to back down and glared at him, saying, "Do you dare? When it's discovered who caused the injuries on my body, someone will be exposed and embarrassed."
"Enough!" Lucia glared at Casper and then glanced at Nia before shouting in a cold voice,
"I am not interested in the grievances between you two, but today I am the host of this banquet. I hope that both of you will not quarrel again and spoil everyone's mood."
After Lucia finished speaking, Arthur lifted his gaze and scanned the crowd with seemingly calm eyes. However, those who knew Arthur' temper couldn't help but shift their gaze away and scatter in a seemingly composed manner. The play was entertaining, but it wasn't worth angering Arthur just to watch it.
As the people around dispersed, Casper no longer held back and said to Nia,
"Nia, don't think that you and Kevin's matter can be easily dismissed!"
"Huh, revealing your true colors?" Nia showed no fear and sneered,
"To tell you the truth, I have already told others about your kidnapping of me today. If I have any problems in the future, you are the number one suspect, Casper. If you are not afraid of getting involved and exposing yourself, you can continue to pester me."
Casper's face instantly darkened when he heard these words, and his eyes became as dark as a bottomless trench. Just now, he could maintain a calm appearance, but now he couldn't stay calm anymore.
Nia hit him where it hurt, and Casper was determined to get rid of her and Kevin.
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