Chapter 696: Exchange Venus
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“Alright, stop arguing.” Frederick stood up to smooth things over.
“Mr. Watson, Mr. Gray is indeed part of our Orange County alliance. Please show him due respect as well. If you have really decided to work together with us, let’s officially settle on it and unite together at tonight’s exchange. Anyone who dares to betray the agreement or an ally will be our enemy!”
Reynold bit his lower lip before finally saying, “Okay, the Watsons have decided to join forces with you!”
Phil raised his eyebrows. “The Harolds as well.”
The four great families of Orange County and Lucas agreed to let the Watsons and the Harolds join the alliance.
Thus, the small alliance was officially established.
But when Reynold and Phil looked at Lucas, they had disdain in their eyes.
Because Lucas was too young and had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, they simply didn’t believe that he was capable in any way.
Regarding this, Lucas naturally didn’t bother to say much to them.
——
At the same time, in the Kingstons’ reception room…
Because the Kingstons were one of the top three wealthy families of San Francisco, they didn’t have to share a reception room with other families, unlike the families of other cities. Instead, they had a s.p.a.cious and luxurious reception room all to themselves.
At this moment, Vince and Wendy Smith were also in the reception room.
Vince took a sip of top-quality tea and asked slowly, “How are the preparations going?”
Lance hurriedly replied, “Mr. Smith, rest a.s.sured! I’ve already united most of the families in California. If anyone dares to disobey and cause trouble, my people are prepared to deal with them. There won’t be any problems at the exchange tonight!”
Vince acknowledged without saying anything.
But in his heart, there was always a hidden worry that he couldn’t erase.
Vince knew very well what was causing his worry.
It was the young man Lucas Gray.
For some reason, the thought of Lucas’s domineering appearance at the entrance of the Walton Hotel just now made Vince extremely worried.
Lucas was a man he couldn’t figure out.
But today’s Elite Business Exchange was extremely important for Vince, and he couldn’t afford any failure at all!
As long as he could successfully take the profitable pie that was California, he would definitely become the successor of the Smiths with this merit and no longer just a candidate!
At the same time, if he failed, he would definitely face the retaliation of many powerful families in California. At that time, he would probably also be attacked by the other members of the Smith family. He might even lose the position of helmsman from then on.
After all, because of the fierce and cruel compet.i.tion going on in the Smith family, there were many eligible people for the position of family head, and they would never let go of such a good opportunity.
Moreover, he wasn’t the only one who had come out. He came to California with the intention to dominate the market here, but other Smiths also went to other states to do something similar.
Once Vince failed, or succeeded later than someone else, he would be at great risk!
Thus, his plan at the Elite Business Exchange tonight had to succeed!
——
Time pa.s.sed quickly, and soon, it was 8 p.m.
Since the Elite Business Exchange would officially begin at 8:30 p.m., the venue, which was on the top floor of the Walton Hotel, was open for admission.
This time, a total of 69 top-tier families and forces from numerous cities in California were invited to the Elite Business Exchange. It could be said that all the top giants of California were present.
Some cities had more forces representing it, such as Orange County, which had five invitees representing it in total.
In some cities, there were very few invitees due to various reasons. For example, the Parkers were the only family from LA because the Brookes and Owens had been annihilated.
Of course, the helmsman of each family was allowed to bring a few family members and bodyguards with them. Thus, there were hundreds of people, and it was extremely lively.
Of course, the venue of the Elite Business Exchange was extremely s.p.a.cious so that all the guests could enjoy the best treatment.
But even then, the venue became extraordinarily noisy and lively as people from various forces arrived one after another when the Elite Business Exchange was about to begin. It was extremely boisterous.
“Quick, look. That’s Damon Parker, the helmsman of the Parkers from LA!”
All of a sudden, a commotion sparked in the crowd. It turned out that Damon and his grandson Kenneth had arrived at the exchange venue.
Since the Parkers had taken over many of the Owens’ businesses with Lucas’s permission, they had become much stronger than before. Not only had they become the great hegemon of LA, but they had also become almost on par with the Coles, the Kingstons, and the Walkers of LA.
Thus, the Parkers’ appearance at the exchange immediately attracted the attention of countless people.
“Look over there. Edmund Cole, the helmsman of the Cole family, is here too!”
“And there, it’s Herman Walker, the helmsman of the Walkers!”
“Look! Lance Kingston, the helmsman of the Kingstons!”
When the helmsmen of the three top families of San Francisco showed up almost at the same time, the atmosphere in the venue reached its peak.
But many sharp-eyed people immediately noticed something different.
“Hey, look at the middle-aged man standing in front of the Kingstons’ helmsman! He seems to have a domineering aura, but he’s a new face. I’ve never seen him before!”
“He isn’t only standing in front of the Kingstons’ helmsman. Do you notice that Lance Kingston seems to be extremely respectful to this person, and he’s even bending over slightly!”
“Oh my G.o.d! Even Lance Kingston has to be so polite and respectful toward him. Just who is he?”
“Even Lance Kingston has to be so deferential. I’m guessing that the middle-aged man might be from one of the big families in DC!”
Suddenly, the already boisterous venue was full of countless speculative voices.
Lucas sat down on his seat and saw Vince, who was standing in front of Lance.
And at the same time, Vince seemed to sense Lucas’s gaze and turned around.
Their gazes collided in their air.
The stare-down lasted less than a second because Lucas had already turned his head away composedly, as if he had only taken a random glance at an insignificant person.
On the other hand, Vince narrowed his eyes and stared at Lucas as a murderous intent gradually appeared in his eyes.