Jason's words made the bosses present noticeably more restrained.
Of course, this dampened some of their fun—but so what?
This gathering wasn't meant for Jason to entertain them.It was for them to entertain him.
Jason had always disliked the crude culture of forcing people to drink, and he especially detested using power to pressure women into doing things against their will.
He couldn't control what happened elsewhere, nor did he care to.But since he was here, he would not allow female employees of his own company to be treated that way.
The formal dinner gradually came to an end, transitioning into free activities.
Some bosses led willing models onto the dance floor.Others went off to enjoy swimming pools, private hot springs, spa massages, or even guest rooms.
This club was top-tier—every form of entertainment was available.
Wendy leaned closer to Jason, her lips near his ear, her voice soft and suggestive.
She subtly hinted that if Jason was interested, they could go to the private hot spring together.
Jason felt a brief flicker of temptation.
Wendy's gentle yet alluring mature charm was undeniably attractive.
But he restrained himself.
First, Wendy's favorability hadn't yet crossed 80, meaning he couldn't fully assess her background or physical condition—taking unnecessary risks wasn't his style.
Second, there were still many models present tonight.This was an opportunity to raise favorability across the board, not to focus on one person prematurely.
Just then, the general manager of Starlight Fashion Group approached and lowered his voice.
"Mr. Carter," he said seriously,"Mr. Ethan, the CEO of CloudMode International, and Mr. Collins, the North America representative of LUNEVA, would like to speak with you privately."
Jason's gaze sharpened slightly.
LUNEVA was a top-tier international luxury brand headquartered in Paris, while CloudMode International was its U.S. subsidiary—positioned slightly more accessibly for the North American market.
Starlight Fashion Group's primary revenue came from its model agency operations—supplying models to luxury brands for shows, campaigns, and endorsements.
Among their most frequent and important partners was CloudMode International.
Strictly speaking, CloudMode was one of Starlight Fashion's major clients.
Losing them wouldn't destroy Starlight Fashion overnight—but it would absolutely cause serious short-term damage and disrupt future growth.
That was why the general manager's expression was unusually solemn.
Jason nodded calmly.
"Alright," he said."I'll meet them."
The general manager immediately waved his hand, tactfully dismissing Wendy and the other models nearby.
Grace also withdrew with perfect timing, while Olivia stepped forward to stand beside Jason.
Soon after, Ethan and Edward took seats nearby.
Ethan smiled warmly."Mr. Carter, I used to discuss cooperation with Mr. Cloud. Now that you've acquired Starlight Fashion Group, it seems we'll be the closest partners going forward."
Jason nodded with a faint smile."I heard the cooperation between the two companies was very smooth in the past. I hope that continues."
"Hahaha, of course, of course," Ethan laughed. Then he gestured."This is Edward Collins, North America's representative for LUNEVA."
Jason inclined his head politely."Mr. Collins."
Edward's expression was noticeably colder. He replied stiffly,"Hello."
Jason remembered him.
Earlier, Edward had tried to call Snowe over to drink with him—and Jason had stopped it directly. That incident had clearly left Edward displeased.
Ethan leaned closer to Jason's ear, lowering his voice with a suggestive smile."Mr. Carter, let me tell you something. Edward has taken an interest in Yvette Snow from your company. Could you help make an introduction?"
Jason replied calmly,"As I said earlier—anything is fine as long as it's consensual. If you want someone's favor, rely on your own abilities."
Ethan chuckled."Edward doesn't speak much English fluently, and Yvette barely speaks it either. Communication is difficult. Plus, her personality is cold. I can't even get close to her."
He paused, then continued with a smirk."Now that she thinks she has your backing, she's even harder to approach. She probably misunderstood your words earlier, thinking you'd really protect her."
"She's under your company. With just one word from you, how would she dare refuse? Just call her over for a few drinks. Once it's done, we'll thank you properly—banquet, connections, whatever you want."
The implication was obvious.
Jason looked at Ethan silently.
Only after Ethan's smile slowly faded did Jason speak.
"She didn't misunderstand anything," Jason said flatly."You did."
"What I said earlier wasn't polite talk. It was the truth. If you want someone, use your own abilities."
Ethan froze.
He clearly hadn't expected Jason to genuinely reject the unspoken rules of their circle.
His expression darkened."At dinner earlier, Edward asked Yvette Snow to come over. You stopped it. Edward is very unhappy."
"If he's unhappy, cooperation becomes difficult. Our contract is about to expire—don't forget that."
"Help with a small favor, and everyone benefits. Edward represents LUNEVA in North America. You know how high his status is."
"But if we lose this partner, have you considered the consequences?"
The threat was no longer subtle.
Jason's voice turned cold.
"I don't want to repeat myself a third time."
"He's just a regional representative of a luxury brand. I don't see anything noble about that."
"If you like kneeling, do it yourself. Don't drag me into it."
"And don't expect me to pressure women from my own company to be handed over."
"If you want to cooperate, we'll cooperate."
"If not—leave."
Ethan's face turned ugly.
Edward didn't fully understand English, but he clearly caught one word.
Leave.
He immediately demanded an explanation from Ethan.
After hearing it, Edward's face flushed red with anger.
He switched to Spanish and snapped,"Mr. Carter, don't be so arrogant. Without LUNEVA, would your company even exist at this level?"
"I have strong relationships with representatives from Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton."
"Offending me is the same as offending the entire luxury industry."
"I'll give you one last chance," Edward said coldly."Apologize to me—and bring Yvette Snow over to drink with me."
"Otherwise, I will make sure you are shut out of the fashion world."
Jason understood every word clearly.
He looked at Edward indifferently and replied, his tone mocking.
"Heh."
"Who do you think you are?"
"If we don't cooperate, then we don't. Who cares?"
"One moment it's the luxury industry, the next it's the fashion world."
"You're just a brand representative. Do you really think you matter?"
He paused, then added calmly,
"If you don't understand, go learn properly."
"Didn't your mother teach you—when in Rome, do as the Romans do?"
"You sound like a complete idiot."
Edward understood just enough to know he was being insulted.
He was furious—but completely unable to retort.
Nearby, Olivia couldn't help but smile faintly.
From a distance, Yvette Snow, who had been watching nervously, relaxed slightly—then unconsciously curved her lips upward.
Yvette Snow: Favorability +10
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