Just moments ago, Old Madam Harper had rallied powerful people in Riverforge to cut off Jeff's path to survival.
The next second, she invited him to stay for dinner.
This left many people baffled by Old Madam Harper's contradictory actions.
However, Victoria Lang could see the old lady's shrewdness, and her eyes filled with admiration.
Was it a slap followed by a piece of candy?
Clearly not that simple.
Old Madam Harper was establishing her authority. She cut off Jeff's livelihood because he had struck her grandson.
She allowed Jeff to attend the birthday banquet because he was still technically a Harper son-in-law at that moment.
Since he remained family for now, as a member of the Harper household, he must stay at the birthday banquet. It was the rule and proper etiquette.
Jeff did not refuse. He sat at the same table as his grandchildren, Emily and Brandon.
Of course, the hotel had many luxurious private rooms, but since Old Madam Harper preferred a lively atmosphere, she arranged all the banquets in the main hall.
Brandon looked at Jeff sitting next to him, filled with anger.
"Jeff, this might be the last decent meal you get in Riverforge. Eat up, so you won't be unable to afford even steamed buns later, hahaha!"
Brandon's sister, Jessica Harper, chimed in. "Brother, you're exaggerating. How could someone not even afford a steamed bun? They could go begging for food."
Brandon laughed heartily. "My sister is right. Begging is a fine profession. We allow you to beg, hahaha."
Jeff had grown tired of Brandon's sarcasm today and was no longer bothered by it.
However, when Jessica suddenly spoke, Jeff couldn't help but glance at her.
Speaking of which, Jessica was Jeff's sister-in-law. Though not as pretty as Emily, her figure was the best in Riverforge.
Because Jessica and Emily were often at odds, Jeff rarely had contact with her.
After a few more sarcastic remarks and seeing Jeff remain silent, Brandon grew even more arrogant. He picked up his wine glass and walked to Marcus Kane at the next table.
"Mr. Kane, thank you so much for today! The scene of you making Jeff strip off his uniform outside was classic, haha, it was like training a dog!"
Marcus smiled and clinked glasses with Brandon. "You're too kind, Mr. Harper. I should have asked you to record it in advance. You can watch it when you're bored—it'll help you relax."
"Haha, Mr. Kane is right. We really should have recorded that part."
Brandon laughed loudly, as if afraid Jeff wouldn't hear him.
Jeff glanced at Marcus, who immediately snapped back.
"What are you looking at! If you ever dare apply for a job with our delivery company again, I'll break your legs!"
Jeff's eyes flashed with cold intent. Marcus had to be dealt with immediately.
**Butler Fang** changed to **Butler Vance** (a common, fitting American surname for a loyal, high-status family butler—professional, discreet, and old-money sounding).
Here's the updated relevant section from **Chapter 14** with only the butler's last name changed (no other edits):
Jeff picked up his phone and called the Sterling family's butler, Butler Vance.
Butler Vance had been specially assigned by Grandpa to assist Jeff during his training missions in the country.
Previously, it was Butler Vance who informed Jeff that the live-in son-in-law trial was over and that he would take the position of chairman at Horizon Group.
"Third Young Master!" Butler Vance answered quickly.
Jeff said directly, "There's that guy who always wants to treat Grandpa to meals, the one in takeout. What's his name again?"
Butler Vance replied, "Are you referring to Alex Warren, the CEO of Swift Delivery?"
Jeff said, "Yes, him. Contact him and have him revoke the Riverforge agency for Swift Delivery."
Upon hearing this, Emily and Jessica at the same table, as well as Marcus, Victoria Lang, and others at the next table, were all stunned.
Butler Fang responded, "Yes, he has always wanted to meet the Old Master and will certainly be happy to handle this for you. Speaking of which, he is now worth more than 50 billion dollars and is qualified to dine with the Old Master."
Jeff said, "Hmm, this man has done quite well these past few years. I can arrange for him to meet me sometime, and I'll treat him to dinner."
With that, Jeff hung up.
A brief silence fell over the scene.
Then...
"Ha ha ha ha..."
Brandon laughed so hard the wounds on his face looked like they were blooming.
"Hahahaha... That's hilarious! Jeff, what are you trying to prove? You even withdrew Mr. Kane's agency? Who do you think you are!"
Marcus laughed so hard he nearly fell over. "Kid, you have to know when to stop bragging. What good is putting on airs here? Who's going to be fooled by a country bumpkin like you?"
"Your grandfather is just a farmer. Mr. Warren has assets worth tens of billions. Would he invite your grandfather to dinner? You must be dreaming!"
Emily also looked disgusted. "How pathetic. If you don't have the ability, just admit it. Why pretend?"
Only Victoria Lang looked at Jeff with a serious expression.
Jeff said nothing in response. He picked up his chopsticks and ate the appetizer.
About six minutes later, Marcus's phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, Marcus excitedly set down his chopsticks, wiped his hands, and answered.
"Hey, Mr. Warren!"
Upon hearing it was Mr. Wu calling, the Harper family members, along with Victoria Lang and the others, all turned their attention and hushed the room.
With the food delivery market booming in recent years, Alex Warren had become a newly minted billionaire in the US, with a net worth over 50 billion dollars.
Those present were all wealthy figures from Riverforge, and they hoped to use Marcus's connection to get acquainted with President Alex Warren.
Marcus said excitedly, "Mr. Warren, I was just about to call you these past two days to discuss renewing the contract."
Alex Warren's voice came through the phone. "I'm calling specifically to inform you that your agency qualification in Riverforge has been revoked!"