Harold smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he said, “Charlie, go ahead and put on your show. I bet your so-called friends are nothing but low-life gangsters and nobodies. Do you really think you hold any influence or power? I doubt you could even manage to invite any notable figures!”

Wendy jumped in, adding to the mockery. “A loser like Charlie excels at bragging. If no one shows up for your opening ceremony, you and this office will become the laughing stocks of Aurous Hill. Just imagine how you’ll land jobs or projects then!”

Claire listened to the insults without revealing her emotions, but inside, anxiety began to bubble up.

Opening ceremonies are crucial events that highlight a company’s network connections and resources.

A strong turnout, especially with VIP guests in attendance, signals a robust business network and foundation. This kind of news travels fast within their circles, painting the company as reliable and trustworthy.

On the contrary, a lack of guests would be like broadcasting to the world that the company has no connections or resources, deterring anyone from seeking their services, even for the smallest projects.

It would truly be a boon if someone from Emgrand Group could attend the ceremony, but Claire was unsure if they would even consider it.

Just then, Lady Wilson interjected, “Claire, take a look around. It’s almost ten, and we’re the only ones here. I doubt you’ll gain anything from this tiny office. Why not come back to Wilson Group and assist us? You’d have job security, and it beats enduring the cold stares from others.”

Upon learning about Claire’s company opening, the Wilson family reached out to some former partners with whom they had good ties, asking them not to attend. They readily agreed upon discovering Claire’s connection to the Wilson family and declared they would not work with her again.

This was why Lady Wilson was so sure there would be no distinguished guests today. It would not only humiliate Claire but also give Lady Wilson more control over her going forward!

Claire was indeed feeling anxious and restless; she bit her lips and shifted nervously.

Charlie took her hand gently and said earnestly, “Dear, so what if there aren’t any guests today? I’m here with you, and that’s what really matters!”

Claire turned to him and nodded, a smile breaking through her anxiety as warmth enveloped her heart.

Lady Wilson, however, scoffed, “Charlie, you’re way too confident, aren’t you? What good are you here for? Can you really attract any big shots? How will you help her secure projects and jobs? Without Wilson Group’s backing, you’re just leading yourselves into a dead end!”

Charlie replied with arrogance, “Claire’s company is destined to thrive! Wilson Group during its prime is nothing compared to what Claire will achieve, especially now that it’s teetering on the edge of bankruptcy! Outperforming you guys will be a walk in the park for her!”

“Hmph, what a cocky brat!”

Lady Wilson felt deeply insulted by Charlie’s claim that Wilson Group was on the brink of bankruptcy and that Claire could surpass them even at their best. She angrily slammed her cane on the floor and snapped, “You’re just a loser who married into our family—how dare you raise your voice here!”

Charlie grinned slyly. “Raise my voice? Haha, I’m just speaking the truth. If you don’t believe me, let’s wait and see!”

Harold sneered, “Alright, Charlie, we’ll see whether you can actually grow this company.”

As time ticked by, the opening ceremony drew closer.

Claire felt increasingly flustered, her eyes darting between her watch and the main door.

Charlie attempted to comfort her, but his efforts fell flat.