novelxo Chapter 28
Chapter 28 Someone Behind
“Ms. Shelley, the chairman of the chamber of commerce would like to invite you to dinner,” Marcus said as he handed over the documents to Francesca.
In the past two days, Francesca had been staying in the company to deal with work, which allowed the other employees to learn that she was an assertive woman despite her gentle appearance.
Hearing Marcus, Francesca furrowed her brows. She had never been fond of attending such events, so she said, “Let Mr. Doyle go instead.”
“Mr. Doyle went to the hospital today because of discomfort in his heart, and Mr. Banks mentioned that he has an important matter to discuss with you,” Marcus explained softly.
Although Francesca didn’t want to reveal her identity, it wouldn’t be good for her to refuse any further since Marcus said that.
After pondering for a moment, she finally agreed.
She called Yoel to inform him that she would be attending the dinner and declined his offer to accompany her before asking Marcus to go with her.
She glanced down at her outfit–it was a light–colored suit that looked very professional, perfect for a business event.
When the two arrived at the hotel, there were already quite a few people sitting in the private room. The air was filled with a strong smell of smoke and alcohol, causing Francesca to frown.
The round table in the private room was already filled with some members of the chamber of commerce. The moment Francesca entered, everyone’s eyes lit up.
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Chapter 28 Somer
Marcus subtly blocked Francesca and pulled out a chair for her.
“So you’re Ms. Shelley?”
The chairman of the chamber of commerce narrowed his eyes, revealing a hint of satisfaction in his gaze.
As Francesca was wearing a completely different attire compared to the banquet that day and had even changed her name, the man didn’t realize that the woman in front of him was the same woman from the Zeller family’s birthday banquet.
“Hello, everyone.”
Francesca spoke with a polite smile, nodding and greeting everyone.
“Not only is Ms. Shelley young and talented, but she’s also unexpectedly a beauty!” People started joking around, but Francesca remained calm and composed as if she didn’t hear anything.
“Since it’s our first meeting today, Ms. Shelley, we should definitely have a toast,” Stephen said while pouring a full glass of strong liquor.
“Mr. Banks, thank you. It’s just that I can’t hold my liquor, so I can’t drink,” Francesca replied with a light smile, not even touching the glass.
A hint of surprise flashed in Stephen’s eyes, but he didn’t let go of the wine glass. “Ms. Shelley, I’m toasting you for the first time. Are you going to embarrass me like this?”
Seeing the situation, Marcus quickly stepped in to mediate. “Ms. Shelley doesn’t drink alcohol. How about I take her place instead?”
Stephen’s face suddenly darkened. “If Ms. Shelley won’t drink, it means she’s looking down on us. In that case, there’s no need for any interactions. in the future.”
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Chapter 20 JULLI
Over the years, he had grown accustomed to being praised by others, and he firmly believed that without him, these people would never be able to succeed in business. Now that Francesca publicly rejected him and caused him to lose face, he was naturally unhappy.
Francesca remained unmoved, so Marcus stepped forward, picked up the glass, and drained it in one gulp. “I’ve finished it; you may drink as your please. Please just know that we attach great importance to the chamber of
commerce.”
Stephen gave a cold snort.
Before Francesca arrived, he had deliberately looked into her background.
In his view, if a woman like Francesca was running a business, there must be someone secretly supporting her. He thought she was merely being indulged by a wealthy man, so his attitude toward her inevitably carried a hint of disdain.
But since Marcus had finished the glass, Stephen didn’t persist in pursuing the matter.
After three rounds of drinks, Stephen’s gaze gradually became hazy, and he casually brushed his hand against Francesca’s thigh. “Ms. Shelley…”
Francesca stiffened and shook off Stephen’s hand, her expression cold and stern. “Please show some respect.”
Her actions were quite noticeable, drawing the attention of those around her. Everyone chuckled softly, clearly no longer surprised by such situations.
Stephen was so irritated and embarrassed that he grabbed Francesca’s hand. “What are you pretending to be so innocent for? A young woman like you, in charge of Fashn Group? I bet you slept your way to the top, didn’t you?”
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He pulled Francesca forcefully into his embrace and leaned in to kiss her, his breath reeking of alcohol.
Slap!
Francesca gave him a hard slap and snapped, “Get lost!”
Marcus was taken aback, not expecting Stephen to suddenly act like this. He stepped forward and landed a punch on Stephen’s face.
Stephen gritted his teeth in pain and let out a sharp roar of anger as he lunged toward Marcus.
The people around lent a hand in panic, but many of them were secretly helping Stephen. It seemed that Marcus was about to be defeated.
In the midst of the chaos, Francesca grabbed a wine bottle from the table and fiercely smashed it onto Stephen’s head.
Immediately, Stephen fell down.
Blood streamed down his head, and he glared menacingly at Francesca, threatening, “I’ll make you pay!”
Francesca stood still and casually tossed the wine bottle on the ground. “I’ll be waiting with bated breath. I’m curious to see how you’ll make me pay.”
Originally, everyone had planned to support Stephen, but upon seeing Francesca fearlessly using a wine bottle to hit him, they immediately withdrew their intentions to help.
Ms. Shelley seems to be no ordinary person; it’s probably better not to get involved.
Bang!
At that moment, the door was suddenly kicked open, and a tall, handsome
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figure walked in.
His gaze swept across the chaotic private room, finally settling on the disheveled figure of Francesca.
“Francesca Beckman, come here.”
His words made everyone stop in their tracks.
Just as Stephen was about to curse out loud, he stopped upon seeing the other person’s face clearly. “Mr. Zeller?”
Colton didn’t bother to look at Stephen as his gaze remained fixed on Francesca.
When he saw that she didn’t move, his frown deepened. “Aren’t you. coming over?”
Francesca stared at him coldly.
Colton really wanted to make a sarcastic remark, but at the sight of the scratches on Francesca’s hand, he held himself back.
He walked step by step toward Stephen, looking down at him. “What do you want to do?”
Stephen was flustered. When that person asked him to teach Francesca a lesson, they never mentioned that she was related to Colton.
He shook his head frantically, stuttering, “This is a misunderstanding. It’s all a misunderstanding!”
“I guess this is the end for you, Mr. Chairman of the chamber of commerce,” Colton sneered, ruthlessly stepping on the back of Stephen’s hand with the heel of his leather shoe.
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Chapter 28 Sunnun
Stephen cried out in pain.
Then, Colton looked at the disheveled Francesca and snorted coldly. He casually draped his coat over her body and said, “Let’s go.”
Francesca turned her head and glanced at Stephen, who was on the ground.
She didn’t believe that he would suddenly go mad and attack her; there must be someone else behind this incident.
While Francesca helped Marcus up, the latter quickly shook his head. “Thank you… I’m fine.”
All this time, the other people who acted arrogantly just now didn’t say a word.
Meanwhile, Francesca and the others walked to the entrance of the hotel. She handed her suit jacket to Colton and said, “Thank you. We’ll be leaving first.”
“Can he still drive, considering his condition?”
Colton gave Marcus a cold glance. He remembered that the last time they went to the Zeller family’s banquet, it was also Marcus who accompanied Francesca.
What is their relationship?