Chapter 10 James Mester, the Riches Man

Chris was well aware of the upcoming banquet. Since his return, he had kept a low profile and had no intention of attending such an event. However, Alfred's words made him reconsider. He couldn't bear to let Esther suffer any further humiliation in front of the Collins family.

A smile appeared on Chris's face as he responded, "Alright, I'll go."

Alfred shook his head, refusing to engage in conversation with Chris. In Alfred's eyes, Chris was nothing more than a madman.

As the wealthiest man in town, James Mester only extended invitations to the most esteemed individuals. Ordinary people had no chance of even stepping foot inside the venue. Chris, however, was considered even lower than ordinary.

Michael expressed surprise as he asked Alfred, "Do you have an invitation?"

Given their family's status, the Collins family was not influential enough to receive such an invitation.

Alfred proudly replied, "Of course, Grandpa. I'm here to deliver your invitation."

With that, he took out an exquisite invitation card.

Michael accepted the card with a joyful smile, causing the rest of the Collins family to feel envious. It was indeed a great honor to attend a banquet hosted by Mr. Mester.

Loretta approached Esther, wearing a smile on her face. "Alfred and I will be attending the banquet in seven days. I hope to see you there," she taunted.

Esther remained silent, well aware that Loretta's words were meant to provoke her.

Suddenly, the sound of car engines rumbled from the villa's gate. About thirty black Benzs appeared, with the first one being a limited edition worth millions of dollars.

The car doors opened, and approximately one hundred men in black suits stepped out.

The first car's door was opened, revealing a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He exuded an air of dominance, and as he stepped out, all the bodyguards immediately bowed to him.

"It's Mr. Mester!"

Alfred stood in shock as he recognized the man.

"What? Is that James Mester, the richest man on the East Coast?"

"Oh my! Is this a dream? Mr. James Mester is actually here?"

The arrival of James Mester, the wealthiest man, left the entire Collins family astonished. James Mester was a prominent figure who rarely made public appearances, yet here he was visiting the Collins family.

Excitement filled the air among the family members. James Mester's presence held significant weight.

Michael hurriedly rushed out, bowing respectfully to James. "Mr. Mester, it's an honor to have you here. How may I assist you?"

James didn't spare Michael a glance. Instead, he went straight to Chris and bowed before him.

"Mr. Shelby, please accept my apologies. I should have been at the airport to welcome you."

Upon Chris's arrival, James had attempted to greet him at the airport but was stopped by soldiers. Upon learning that Chris was at Collins Manor, he hurriedly made his way over to meet him.

James, the richest man on the East Coast, displayed a highly respectful attitude toward Chris.

Confusion and disbelief filled the room. The Collins family members couldn't comprehend why James, a powerful figure, would show such deference to Chris.

Chris waved his hand dismissively and asked, "What brings you here?"

James retrieved a pure-gold invitation and handed it to Chris with great respect. "Mr. Shelby, I will be hosting a banquet in seven days. I would be honored if you could join us."

Chris accepted the card and nodded. "Alright, I'll be there."

James had expected Chris to decline. After all, from Chris's perspective, James was insignificant. He had come in person to express his respect.

To his surprise, Chris agreed, filling him with immense joy.

"It's truly an honor, Mr. Shelby. I won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye!"

With that, James and his bodyguards respectfully stepped back, their heads bowed to Chris, and left.

James hadn't even exchanged words with any other member of the Collins family. In his eyes, they were not worth his attention. If it weren't for Chris, he wouldn't have even considered coming.

After James departed, the Collins family remained in a daze, their gazes fixed on Chris as they struggled to comprehend what had just happened.

Alfred felt deeply embarrassed. He had bragged about receiving an invitation from James, but here was Chris, receiving a pure-gold invitation. Alfred had even mocked Chris moments ago, regretting his hasty decision.

James's banquet featured three types of invitations: a pure gold token, VIP invitations, and ordinary invitations. For years, nobody had received a pure-gold invitation, and yet Chris had received one today.

Susan and John were equally stunned. Was this truly their seemingly useless son-in-law? Mr. Mester had come in person to deliver the invitation, even bowing to Chris. It felt like a dream.

Michael found himself in the most awkward position. He had looked down on Chris and flattered Alfred, but now he couldn't fathom the situation. He glanced at Chris, hoping for an explanation.

Esther, too, was bewildered. "Chris, what's happening?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Chris smiled and reassured her, "Nothing to worry about. James knows I'm here, and he's afraid I won't attend the banquet. That's why he came to deliver the invitation. Take it and let's go, along with Mom and Dad."

With those words, Chris handed the pure-gold invitation to Esther.

Esther accepted it in a daze, still struggling to believe what had transpired.

Susan couldn't contain her excitement and eagerly requested, "Esther, let me see the card!"

Esther handed the card to Susan, who examined it carefully.

"Wow, is this really Mr. Mester's invitation? I've heard that the pure-gold invitation is the most prestigious!"

Susan glanced at Alfred provocatively and asked, "Alfred, what kind of invitation did you receive?"

Alfred was left embarrassed and speechless. Compared to the pure-gold invitation, what he possessed was utterly insignificant.

His silence only fueled Susan's smugness.