As Claire entered the hall amidst gasps of admiration from the crowd, Joe Savage's attitude changed abruptly. His menacing aura dropped, and his attack stance changed to one of respect. The hulking gangster turned from a raging beast to an obedient pup. "Madam Holt… You didn't tell me you'd come in person to meet your honored guest. I escorted Victor Damone to the Executive floor following your orders."
Claire raised an eyebrow. "It didn't look like you were honoring him when I entered." Her glare burned through him like a hot knife through butter. Joe broke into a cold sweat and hung his head.
Deep down, his hatred for Victor doubled. Was he being scolded because of that ordinary man? He'd never forget the insult and nurture the grudge forever. He won't think twice before acting if he ever saw an opportunity to kill him.
Claire turned to Victor's group. Lara and Daphne eyed the beauty from head to toe. When Lara had first walked into the Executive floor, only a few people had looked up, considering she had the looks of a model. However, when Claire entered, she captured the entire hall's attention. Her attire, attitude, beauty, and grace were so perfectly blended that one could not help but be captivated. Lara was incredibly jealous and wished she could trade places with the billionaire.
Claire seemed indifferent to the envy and awe she inspired from all the women in the room. Her eyes were fixated on one particular guy.
"Victor…" she said, enunciating his name longer than necessary. "I want to thank you personally for your help earlier…"
Dave, who had only seen Claire on television and was a dedicated fan, was star-struck. She was popular in Springfield because of her wealth, influence, and humanitarian contributions. Dave stood in attention and was utterly tongue-tied.
Roger flashed Claire a smile hoping to start a conversation. He expected his charm to do the trick. "Miss Holt… I-"
However, the billionaire beauty turned away before he could slip in a sentence.
"Can we talk in private?" she asked Victor, stepping closer and touching him lightly on the arm. This gesture seemed to infuriate both Joe and Roger. Joe was shattered to see her mistress touching a random guy so affectionately. Roger was emasculated when she snubbed him but cozied up to Victor.
Victor was about to refuse Claire's invitation when she patted him meaningfully on the arm. His main objective in being there was to get Dave his commission. However, he could tell that the billionaire had something important on her mind. "Alright," he said. "Let's go."
Claire led him away while onlookers stared longingly at her retreating figure. The entire hall let out a collective sigh when she exited. Some of them expressed displeasure that an ordinary man had captured her attention.
Claire Holt's appearances were like trailers of a big-budget movie normal people could not afford to watch. Who was this stranger who she invited into her private chamber? Even most members of the Grizzly Kings gang could not set foot inside.
"Victor is so full of himself!" Roger exclaimed. "Just because Claire owes him a favor, he's acting as if he's actually a big shot!"
"Exactly," Lara chimed in, "If you ask me, he's a peasant dreaming of riches and glamor. But he's truly delusional to think he'd gain something by being associated with Claire Holt momentarily. If you bring a pebble near a diamond, its value does not increase."
"Never mind him," Daphne consoled her. "Let's focus on you, gurl. Didn't you apply for an audition for a big movie here in Springfield? I heard a successful production house is about to carry out its casting?"
Lara's mood improved, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Tristar entertainment will run auditions for its upcoming movie, and the lead actress will have a signing fee of ten million dollars!"
"Who is the owner of Tristar?" Daphne asked.
"Don't you know? It is one of the biggest production houses in Hollywood, set up by the international diva Haley B. I'm lucky that they've given me a date for the audition. All those years of grooming and dieting have finally borne fruit for me. This may be my big break, Daphne!"
"Fingers crossed," her friend replied with googly eyes.
"That's great! But let's finish lunch while we talk," Roger suggested. He was uncomfortable that the prime focus had shifted from him to Victor and then to Lara. Wasn't he supposed to be the center of attention? Shouldn't he be praised for inviting his friends to Mayfair Lagoon?
"Roger," Dave murmured, interrupting his thoughts. "Will you fulfill your end of the bargain?"
"What bargain," the young man asked with irritation. He had almost forgotten that they had brought along the poor simpleton, Dave. He clearly did not belong in those classy surroundings.
"You promised that if Victor brought us to the Executive floor, you'd approve your company's purchase and help me get my commission."
Roger bit his lip and frowned. "Are you still obsessed about that? Let me tell you something, Dave. The bet was that Victor would use his influence to get us into the Executive floor. However, according to Joe Savage, he cheated. Encashing a onetime favor from Claire Holt is not the same as exerting real influence. It is more like accepting charity."
"But, you promised-"
"Shut your trap, and let us finish our lunch in silence, Dave!" Lara snapped. "We can talk about your desperate needs later." Daphne also shot him a look of disdain.
Dave lowered his head and prodded at his food quietly. If he knew Roger would betray the agreement, he would never come to Mayfair Lagoon. Did he want to purchase the Prince County land in the first place?
The humiliation Dave had been put through over the past few days was traumatic. Even his friend, Victor, was dragged into the mess. Dave felt waves of guilt and depression wash over him.