?Chapter 637:


    The staff member’s eyshes quivered subtly as she responded, “Mr. Johnson, the seating was arranged as per instructions from the deputy mayor’s office. There’s no error. Mr. Harper is supposed to be over there.”


    Malcolm’s disapproval was palpable. “Take another look. It makes no sense for Jeffry to be arranged to sit there.”


    The staff member remained firm, asserting the correctness of the arrangement.


    As Malcolm was gearing up to scold her, Jeffry intervened calmly. “Let her go.”


    Malcolm looked at him, bewildered. “This is a clear slight against you. Why dismiss it so easily?”


    A sharp glint crossed Jeffry’s eyes, yet his face stayed serene. “She’s not the one calling the shots.”


    Clearly, this was an attempt to demean Jeffry, but the culprit wasn’t the nervous staff member before them.


    Malcolm’s expression grew grave. “You’re suggesting…”


    Their eyes met, silentlymunicating the unspoken truth they both recognized.


    When the meeting wrapped up, invitations to the banquet were handed out—everyone got one. Everyone except Jeffry.


    Malcolm noticed right away. This wasn’t just some oversight. A one-time slip-up might be a coincidence. But this? This was deliberate. They wanted Jeffry humiliated. Not just anyone would have the guts to pull something this bold.


    While the others made their way to the restaurant, Malcolm threw an arm around Jeffry’s shoulder. “So, where’s dinner tonight? Mind if I tag along?”


    Jeffry gave Malcolm a sideways nce, his tone t. “You sure you want to get caught up in my mess?”


    Malcolm chuckled. “What mess? Please.” His grin was friendly, but his sharp eyes told a different story.


    For a split second, something dark flickered in Jeffry’s eyes—then, just like that, he was back to his usual, unreadable self.


    Ignoring the others, they turned and walked out, moving against the tide of people.


    Just as they reached the exit, someone stepped right in their way. Keith leanedzily against the doorway, one hand in his pocket, the other wrapped possessively around Elyse. His smirk was cocky, almost bored.


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    Elyse had clearly put in the effort tonight. She looked polished, styled, glowing like she was walking a red carpet.


    Elyse tilted her head, her voice sickly sweet. “Jeffry, where you off to? It’s been a while.”


    Her gaze flickered between Malcolm and Jeffry, waiting for a reaction. She got none. Jeffry didn’t even spare her a nce. The cold shoulder hit hard. Her smile faltered, and her grip on Keith tightened, knuckles turning white.


    Keith scoffed, “Hey. My girlfriend’s talking to you. Try showing some respect.”


    Keith had always been arrogant, but now? Now he had backup. Graham’s shiny new deputy mayor position had gone straight to his head.


    Jeffry’s expression turned to ice. He said just one word, voicepletely t, “Leave.”


    Keith’s temper shot up like a spark to gasoline. He opened his mouth—then snapped it shut, speechless. His hand flew out of his pocket, shoulders tensed as if he was about to charge—but Elyse grabbed him, holding him back.


    Elyse turned to Jeffry, her voice honeyed, her words carefully chosen. “Jeffry, you should apologize to Keith. Keith’s only angry because he hates seeing me upset. He’s not trying to cause trouble. Besides…” Her lips curved slightly. “You’re not in the same position anymore. Maybe you should swallow your pride and apologize.”


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