Chapter 915
Wayne immediately stood up to greet him, being on his best attitude to get on Howard’s good side.
“Mr. Howard, you’re finally here. Please, have a seat.”
Howard furrowed his brow.
He was blunt and unapologetic as he confronted Wayne, “Are you implying I’m late?”
“Oh, no, not at all! Your presence alone has already brought glory to my restaurant. I’m absolutely thrilled and could never be displeased by your arrival.”
Wayne lightly tapped his own mouth, trying to smooth things over with a sheepish grin.
“I misspoke, Mr. Howard. Please forgive me.”
Howard eyed him, somewhat begrudgingly satisfied with Wayne’s demeanor.
Wayne was not naive. He quickly sensed Howard’s hostility toward him.
power, a deliberate
Starting off by confronting him upon arrival was clearly a display of power, attempt to test him.
Nevertheless, Wayne plastered on a smile, graciously ushering Howard to his seat and pouring him a drink.
“Mr. Howard, allow me to offer you a toast as a gesture of my apology.”
Howard glanced at the glass of red wine on the table but made no move to take it, his voice cold as he asked, “Get to the point. I’m busy and don’t have time for beating around the bush.”
Wayne felt a twinge of embarrassment as he was snubbed once again.
He reluctantly set down the wine glass and awkwardly explained why he visited, “I wonder if you’ve been following the trending topic about my company, the Santos Group?
Howard remained silent, his gaze piercing and unfriendly.
Wayne could only lower his head and continue, “A couple of days ago, there was suddenly news online about food safety issues in my company, the Santos Group. Although the reports were exaggerated, unfortunately, many netizens believed them. As a result, the
Chapter 015
businesses under the Santos Group have been struggling these past few days, and the stock prices are still in decline. I’ve spent a lot of money and tried various methods, but I haven’t been able to quell the controversy. I have no idea who we’ve offended to receive such a severe backlash.”
Wayne wore a pained expression, his posture extremely humble as he appealed to Howard, “Mr. Howard, as someone with immense influence in the entertainment industry, all you need to do is make a phone call, and you can quell the controversy. Whatever you desire, I will spare no effort to obtain it for you!”
Howard was waiting for this exact statement.
“I can help the Santos Group remove the trending topic and even clarify that the food safety issues are false rumors, restoring the reputation of the Santos Group.”
Wayne was absolutely ecstatic, feeling like he’d hit the jackpot.
“Mr. Howard, you’re amazing! You’re like a living saint. Whatever you need, I’ll spare no effort to get it for you!”
Howard smiled slightly, raising his wine glass in a dignified manner toward Wayne.
Wayne was overwhelmed with gratitude, quickly raising his own glass and earnestly clinking it against Howard’s before downing the entire contents.
Howard took just a small sip.
“My request is quite simple. I need you to call off the engagement with Phoebe.”
Wayne almost choked on his drink.
Wayne had known about Howard’s past relationship with Phoebe, but he had not realized just how much Howard cared about her.
“What’s the matter? Unwilling to do so?” Howard raised an eyebrow when Wayne did not respond.
Wayne was truly conflicted about this. “Mr. Howard, besides this condition, is there anything else you need?”
Howard’s lips tightened, his expression darkening, refusing to speak.
Wayne could tell Howard was displeased, so he pressed on, “Mr. Howard, you see, I proposed the engagement to Romello myself. If I cancel it now, Romello probably won’t return the engagement gift…”
Chapter 915
Not only that, but he would also offend Romello.
Moreover, given Howard’s high regard for Phoebe, he would not allow Wayne to blame the breakup on her, leaving the Santos family to bear the brunt of the consequences.
Wayne felt trapped from all sides.
Ignoring Wayne’s complaints, Howard remained uncompromising.
“Mr. Santos, you have one day to think it over. The request to end the engagement is non -negotiable.”
Straightening his expensive suit pants, Howard stood up, looking down at Wayne.
“Ending the engagement means offending Romello, but the Santos Group’s brief stock. market dip will recover in two days. Refusing means offending the entire Lawson family, and the s
Group will collapse, facing bankruptcy and liquidation!”
