"Mr. Knight, I did not expect you to be invited. I assumed you wouldn't have to show up given your rank," Ferry Mason stated with a charming smile as he sat next to Ethan. Ferry did not expect that Ethan would show up on this simple occasion.
Ethan agreed and leaned back against his chair. "I did not anticipate someone from another city, like you, to receive an invitation from the Carrolls. It appears like you're on good terms with them, huh? Am I right to assume?"
Ferry smiled. "No, owing to you, the Masons have only recently acquired a strong presence in Emerald Coast County. The Carrolls are one of Emerald Coast County's four prominent families; therefore, we naturally need to get along with them. I will not lie to you. I've recently become close friends with Bobby Carroll." To Ethan, Ferry sounded proud of his achievements.
Ferry appeared modest, but he only used his social skills while attempting to demonstrate the Masons' authority to Ethan. He tried to convey to Ethan that they had become familiar with the Carrolls. It would likely be complicated even if Ethan wanted others to boycott them in Emerald Coast County later. This is the Mason's strategy even though they agreed to be allegiance to Ethan.
The Masons had previously claimed to be loyal to Ethan, but they detested him. They thought Ethan was crazy for thinking of going against the Quinns instead of fully embracing his Quinn identity. They could not comprehend his true plan fully, so they devised their own plan.
Of course, on the surface, Ferry would not aggressively exhibit such emotions, and he remained friendly and respectful to Ethan.
Unfortunately, his acting abilities were lacking, and Ethan had long been aware of the Masons' objectives. Ethan, with a gift of foresight, already knows their scheme.
Ethan looked at Ferry with an odd gaze. If Ferry knew why he was at the Carrolls' banquet tonight, would he still sit beside him and brag about the Mason-Carroll friendship? What an idiot.
At the time, Ferry would regret it and wish he could pretend he didn't know Ethan!
"If you don't want to regret it later, you should avoid me. Otherwise, don't blame me for not warning you," Ethan remarked casually.
"What?" Ferry scowled, not understanding what Ethan meant.
Brendan approached Ethan with a spiteful look before smiling and asking Ferry, "Mr. Mason, how have you been lately? That cousin of mine is young and ignorant, so she provoked you. I'll apologize to you on her behalf. Whether or not your relationship with Luisa works out, we can still work together happily."
Brendan raised the wine glass in his palm, toasting Ferry to atone for Luisa's mistakes.
Ferry frowned.
Previously, he had traveled to Emerald Coast County to find a business partner. The Reeds were exceedingly enthusiastic and contacted him multiple times. They even made several concessions in the deal. At the time, the Masons had problems finding a company ready to deal with them, so Ferry allowed the Reeds to work with them. Only because Ferry had a hard time finding partners.
After that, Thaddeus took the initiative to invite his granddaughter Luisa to accompany Ferry on a tour of Emerald Coast County. However, Ferry knew what they were up to right away. He is not an idiot after all.
Of course, he didn't refuse because Luisa had given herself to him willingly, and it would be a waste not to take the chance. In the end, he is still a man. However, the foolish Luisa believed she could marry him and even angered Ethan multiple times, nearly driving him to offend Ethan. He understandably kicked such a brainless, status-less woman out. She deserves to be beaten.
Luisa then wept, had tantrums, and called him repeatedly. Ferry barred her from all communication channels and refused to see her. Only then did he finally experience a day of tranquility.
Brendan approached him again and mentioned Luisa, which made Ferry exceedingly upset. He doesn't want to hear her name. She has nothing to do with her anymore.
The Masons were no longer subject to a boycott, and Ethan had let them go because they 'pledged loyalty' to him. The Masons could now readily find bright business partners in Emerald Coast County, and they were highly likely to collaborate with the Carrolls. Naturally, Ferry no longer valued the Reeds. There is no sense talking to this small family.
Ferry had also asked around and learned of the Reeds' disputes with Ethan. He knew Brendan, whom he had loathed for a long time, had constantly provoked Ethan.
When Ferry saw Brendan stoop to toast him, he snorted and remained still.
Brendan stood still, embarrassed. Fortunately, he had thick skin, so he smiled oddly and said, "I'll toast."
Then he drained the glass of wine and showed Ferry his empty glass as if Ferry had agreed to drink with him.
After watching Brendan's one-person act, Ferry scoffed, "How can some people be so thick-skinned? You aren't welcome here. If I were you, I would have left long ago."
Ferry's voice was rather loud, so the people around them took notice. They turned their heads and looked to the person Ferry was talking to.
Brendan's face tensed and flamed hot as he realized everyone was looking at him. He was ashamed because of Ferry.
But when Brendan spotted Ethan near Ferry, a notion occurred to him!
He assumed Ferry was referring to the good-for-nothing Ethan, not himself!
Brendan felt much better after thinking about this and pointed to Ethan. "Ethan Knight, have you heard that? You are merely a loser that the Reeds kicked out. I trust you can swagger your way to the Carrolls' banquet. Have you heard what Mr. Mason said? Mr. Mason is correct. Your skin is excessively thick. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry and get out!" Brendan's voice was loud, catching the guests' attention around the table. He intentionally did this to get attention.
Many people began to talk among themselves. Not knowing what exactly happened and who the person sitting beside Ferry Mason was.
"That young man who spoke is a Reed, right?"
"Yes, he is Thaddeus Reed's sole grandson, and I've heard that the Reeds' enterprises will be passed down to him. He admonished the young man seated before him, who appears to be his live-in son-in-law. Indeed, he is dressed quite shabbily. I wonder why he was not dressed based on the occasion or what is the purpose of him being here."
"Haha, I've heard about this too. This live-in son-in-law is a slacker. He even disappeared for around seven years before returning recently. Then he did something that enraged Thaddeus Reed, who resolved to kick him and his wife's family out of the Reeds! That's why they are not in good terms."
"Tsk! There must be an issue with his character! I've heard he was involved in a scandal with Anastasia Reed, correct?"
"Yes, that's him! I didn't imagine he'd dare to attend the Carrolls' banquet. He has extremely thick skin! He should have left hours ago."
Instead of responding, Ethan scowled at Brendan's words and the noise around him.
Meanwhile, Ferry's face became melancholy. He had focused the insult on Brendan, but that fool diverted the focus to Ethan instead. Now, it wasn't easy to explain. It's not his intention to do that but what can he do now?.