The small-eyed middle-aged man closest to me stood up, squinting with a smile. "You really carry the charm of your mother, Sarah, from her younger days!"
I recognized his face, vaguely recalling him from the Anderson family events, though back then, Daniel was the one towering over everyone.
Others chimed in. "Truly, the student has become the teacher!"
After those brief compliments came the blatant probing. "You and James really are a united sibling front today, aren't you?"
The man's shifty eyes darted between James and me, trying to read our expressions.
After all, the tension between James and my mom was no secret in Azureville. Everyone knew the likelihood of us standing together was slim.
I glanced at James, who was already looking at me with rare gentleness.
He knew me well enough to trust that I wouldn't let the Anderson family's assets fall into the wrong hands.
But I also knew him well enough to understand he wouldn't accept my goodwill, nor could I allow him to. Though I craved his softer gaze, I couldn't take a single step towards him.
I had consulted trustworthy businessmen Sarah had known. Apart from aligning with James, the only other option was to consolidate our shareholders to weaken any third-party influence.
I had to protect the Anderson Group this way.
I lowered my gaze and replied calmly, "I came here today for myself."
A brief silence followed by endless murmurs ensued.
"I told you, there's deep-seated hatred between them..."
The man beside me chuckled and casually draped an arm over my shoulder. "Doing it for yourself is great! But let's see if your business skills match Sarah's."
Though I was mentally prepared, the stench of alcohol and food on him still made me instinctively struggle a bit.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw James stand up. When I looked over, Emily had already grabbed his sleeve.
Steadying myself, I plastered a smile on my face and said to the man beside me, "I'm new to the Anderson Group and hope to learn a lot from you all."
He smiled again. "Then have a drink with me first."
He pulled me onto the sofa and handed me a bottle of beer.
I glanced at James, who had sat back down and lit a cigarette. I couldn't see his expression.
Emily was looking at me, her eyes full of resentment.
I took it all in, grabbed the beer, and took a sip, the strong taste making me choke.
So bitter.