Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2157

As the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and the heir of the Lloyd family, Andrew stood on a level far above Carlos. To Andrew, Carlos was nothing.

"Cassie, you're all looking at Andrew with tinted glasses," Chantelle said firmly. "It's only because you don't know him, and you don't understand him. Just wait. You'll see for yourselves soon enough."

She left it at that and returned to Andrew's side, peeling fruit for him affectionately while ignoring Carlos' dark scowl and Sofia's growing irritation.

Meanwhile, Patrick sat wearing his reading glasses, looking at the newspaper, and staying completely silent. He appeared quite mysterious.

Just then, Carlos' phone rang. Seeing the caller, he immediately put on a fawning smile and answered obsequiously. "Mr. Carney, what an honor for you to call me personally!"

On the other end was Elliot Carney, secretary to the president of the Somaeth Chamber of Commerce.

"Mr. Watts, I'm calling to inform you of something. Someone has offered to acquire your Prime Trading Group for five billion. As a member of the Chamber, and for the sake of maximizing interests, your company will be sold. Do you have any objections to that?"

Carlos's eyes widened, then he nearly jumped in joy. "Five billion for my company? No objections at all, Mr. Carney! Without the Chamber's support, I wouldn't be where I am today. Whatever the Chamber decides, I fully agree!"

Elliot gave a dismissive grunt. "Then wait for the official notice. And congratulations, Mr. Watts. Who would've thought even you would get this lucky?"

The line went dead, leaving Carlos grinning like a fool, his mouth unable to close.

He embellished and added his own flourishes to the story.

Sofia gasped. "Five billion? That's no small number! Carlos, you've really made something of yourself. For a young man to succeed so quickly, that's impressive."

Cassandra squealed with delight and kissed Carlos twice on the cheek before turning her eyes toward Andrew.

Holding back her gloating, she said, "See? This is the kind of strength it takes to be a son-in-law in our family. Andrew, maybe you're capable, but you're still far from meeting our standards. Compared to Carlos, the gap between you two is enormous!"