Only after all the guests had arrived did the annual company gala officially begin. The flow was like most corporate events—executive speeches, prize drawings, live performances, and interactive activities. But since it was a media company, the performances took center stage, filled with music, dance, and energy.
As the night went on and the event neared its end, Josh leaned toward Jason and whispered, "Hey, Jason, there's going to be a University District alumni gathering soon. You got time? Wanna go?"
Josh had naturally started calling him "Jason," but with a touch of respect.
Jason smiled faintly. "A University District alumni gathering? That's the first I'm hearing about it. Didn't even get an invite, so why would I show up?"
Josh chuckled. "Well, you barely go to your UCLA alumni events, and you haven't even joined the University District group. Even if they wanted to invite you, they couldn't. But hey, I'm inviting you now."
Jason thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Honestly, not really interested. You should go without me."
Josh sighed dramatically. "Come on, man. It's a prime chance to meet girls! I'm not like you—women don't just throw themselves at me. I've got to make my own luck."
Jason raised an eyebrow, half amused.
Josh continued, "The only downside is, those gatherings always turn into flexing contests. Some of those guys have real money, and it's annoying—but if you come, that changes everything. Who's gonna outshine you? If you're there, let's see who dares to show off in front of me!"
Jason gave him a look that said, Seriously? "What's that supposed to mean—'who can outshine me'? You make it sound like I'm some sort of celebrity."
Josh smirked. "Well, after tonight's event, you kinda are."
Jason chuckled quietly. "I've heard alumni reunions turn into show-off parties after graduation, but we haven't even graduated yet."
Josh pouted. "Oh, it starts way before graduation, bro. The show-off trend hit right after high school for some people. Everyone's doing internships now, getting cars, flaunting brands—the money-worship bug's already spreading."
"Anyway, just come along," Josh urged. "Our high school's campus queen, Tanya, will be there too."
The name did catch Jason's attention. There wasn't an official "campus queen" title back in high school, but Tanya was definitely well-known. Jason had seen her from a distance a few times—beautiful, confident, unforgettable.
Back then, she'd been seventeen or eighteen—young, bright, with a smile that left an impression on a studious Jason who barely had time for romance.
Seeing her again wouldn't hurt. Maybe it'd even be fun.
Besides, Josh was one of the few people Jason actually respected.
Jason nodded. "Alright. I'll go with you."
Josh's face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. He immediately messaged the alumni coordinator to add Jason's name to the list. The participation fee was covered in seconds—Josh had already decided he'd pay for Jason himself.
When the gala wrapped up, Jason rose to leave. But before he stepped away, he called out casually, "I'll need a few people to help with the driving. Who's available?"
Grace and Julia were already by his side—they never left him alone at events, and of course, they'd be going with him.
Angela stood up at once. "I'll go, Mr. Carter. I can drive for you."
She had missed her chance at the last auto show appearance with him, and now she saw another opportunity—one she wouldn't miss again.
Why Jason needed a driver didn't matter to her. What mattered was being close enough to him to prove herself.
Some of them had agreed earlier to have dinner with him, and now they both hesitated.
Seeing so many women already surrounding Jason, also found herself wavering.
Even if Jason Carter was powerful and impressive, could one man really have enough attention to go around when so many women were already drawn to him?
At that moment, Grace stood up with a gentle smile. "Mr. Carter, if you don't mind, I can drive one of the cars for you."
Right after her, Alice also rose to her feet. "Mr. Carter, I can help too. I'll drive one."
Even though Jason seemed to dislike her for reasons she couldn't figure out, she still wanted to make an effort—maybe she could change his impression of her.
But Jason shook his head slightly. "With Angela and Grace, that's enough. You don't need to."
Alice froze mid-step, her face turning red. That one sentence confirmed it—Jason truly didn't like her.
Without saying another word, Jason turned and left with Grace, Julia, Angela, and Megan.
Josh watched Jason's back as he walked away, flanked by four stunning women, and muttered under his breath, "Man… that guy's just too cool." His tone was a mix of admiration, envy, and resentment.
The other male streamers nearby were already green with jealousy, but this was their boss—they couldn't do anything about it.
Emma stood in the corner, a swirl of emotions in her chest—regret being the strongest one.
"Mr. Carter, I'll come along," Lewis called out, quickly jogging after him.
Jason turned slightly. "You go ahead and take care of the company, Lewis. I've already troubled you enough tonight."
Lewis grinned. "Mr. Carter, you're too polite. Managing the company is my job. I just want to tag along—not only to make sure everything's fine but also to check out those divine cars I've been hearing about."
Grace, Julia, Angela, and Megan all exchanged curious glances. Divine cars? Lewis was a CEO himself and drove high-end cars—so why was he suddenly acting like a fanboy?
Jason smiled lightly. "Alright, then. Come along."
The group headed downstairs, where Jason's chauffeur had already pulled up two vehicles: a sleek Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Grace, Julia, Angela, and Megan got into Jason's Cullinan, while Lewis followed behind in his own car.
Within half an hour, they arrived at a private exhibition hall. Waiting at the entrance were several middle-aged men in sharp suits. The moment they spotted Jason, they straightened up and respectfully greeted, "Mr. Carter."
Lewis seemed to know them too and went around shaking hands with each one.
When they stepped inside, everyone stopped in awe.
Two long rows of luxury vehicles lined the floor—Bentleys, Ferraris, McLarens, Maseratis, Porsches, Lamborghinis, even a rare Pagani. The polished bodies gleamed under the soft exhibition lights, the air filled with the scent of new leather and money.
Grace, Julia, Angela, and Megan all gasped softly, their eyes wide.
"What… is this?" Grace asked under her breath. "A private car show?"
Lewis chuckled. "You could say that. But this isn't a public show. This event was arranged exclusively by the Alliance—specifically for Mr. Carter."
Their jaws dropped.
A private luxury car exhibition—just for one person?
Even without knowing the details, they could feel the weight of Jason's influence. This wasn't just about wealth—it was power, reputation, and prestige.
Angela: Favorability +3.Grace: Favorability +5.
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