Gary didn't know Laura, but Steven and Rex were tight, having been partners and friends for years. So naturally, he knew Steven.
But Steven had no clue who Gary was.
Gary was just a relative from a branch of the Armstrong Family. Sure, his family was in business and pretty well-off by normal standards, but they were nothing compared to folks like Steven and Rex.
What Gary thought was impressive in his family business was probably just pocket change to Rex.
And that was enough to let them live the high life.
"Mr. Bailey!" Gary rushed over, hands outstretched. "Didn't expect to see you here!"
Steven didn't shake his hand and asked, "Who are you?"
Gary replied, "Rex is my uncle."
Steven gave him a once-over. "I don't remember him having a nephew like you."
"I'm from a branch of the Armstrong Family," Gary admitted. "So you might not remember me, but I've seen you around."
Steven snorted lightly and then asked, "So, are you bullying my people now?"
"Your, your people?" Gary stammered.
Arnold was also taken aback. He knew Steven and had always hoped someone would introduce him.
He didn't expect to run into him here today.
He hurried forward. "You must be Mr. Bailey? I've heard so much about you. We didn't keep Maria in check, and she offended your friend. I'll have her apologize right now!"
He then dragged Maria over. "Apologize!"
Laura, standing nearby, said, "No wonder you're older than us. When you see someone more powerful, you change your tune so fast. But why are you apologizing to Steven? The person who really deserves an apology is right here!"
Maria's eyes were filled with resentment as she glared at Claudia.
She had heard of Steven and knew he was a big deal.
She was willing to apologize to Steven. Maybe she could get to know him, and he might even notice her.
She had heard he was still single.
But apologizing to Claudia? No way!
Who was Claudia anyway? Just someone who had gone bankrupt!
"Is this your attitude when apologizing?" Josephine spoke up, "If this is your apology, we don't accept it."
"Miss." Arnold quickly pulled Maria and forced a smile. "Are you also a friend of Mr. Bailey?"
Josephine said, "Not really a friend, just met a few times."
Arnold, trying to be smooth, said, "I see. In this matter, Maria did mess up. I'll have her apologize."
He gave Maria a look, and Maria reluctantly said, "I'm sorry."
"I hope you learn to respect others in the future," Laura said, "Otherwise, next time, it won't be orange juice poured on your head."
Maria, unable to hold back her anger, pointed at Laura. "I apologized. Shouldn't she apologize to me? The orange juice on my head was poured by her!"
Josephine coldly said, "Well deserved!"
Maria made a face she thought would most evoke a man's protective instincts and looked at Steven. "Mr. Bailey, you're fair. You judge."
Steven said, "I can't judge this."
Maria's eyes were filled with admiration, thinking everything he said was particularly charming.
She asked, "Why?"
Steven put his arm around Laura's shoulder. "Because she's my girlfriend. I stand by her."
Maria's eyes widened in disbelief. "How could you be with such a rude woman?"
Laura, fuming, almost poured juice on her again. "Do you think you're something special? If you hadn't poured drink on Claudia, would I have poured juice on you? Before calling others rude, look at yourself first!"
Maria's hair was wet, and her eyes were filled with tears, looking particularly pitiful as she gazed at Steven.
Laura sneered at Steven.
Steven felt a chill down his spine and immediately looked at Maria with a stern face, his voice cold. "How could my girlfriend be rude? She's incredibly gentle! The most tender, kind, and intelligent girl in the world!"
Laura raised an eyebrow at him. "Really?"
"Of course!" Steven almost swore to God.
"Since the apology has been made," Jair said, "let's leave it at that for now. Let Claudia go wash up and change clothes; it's too uncomfortable like this."
Before leaving, Laura said, "By the way, that man is Stuart, the CEO of the Haustia Group. Maria, I have to admire you for offending so many people all by yourself."
Arnold's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "What? Stuart, the CEO of the Haustia Group?"
Gary quickly said, "This is all a misunderstanding. How about I call Rex and have him mediate? We can have a meal together?"
Stuart coldly replied, "No need."
With that, he turned and followed Josephine.
Jair quickly followed.
Seeing Steven about to leave, Gary hurriedly said, "Mr. Bailey! You and Rex are so close, you can't just watch us..."
"Stop!" Steven said, "It's because I'm close to him that I'm watching. Otherwise, I would have poured the juice myself instead of Laura!"
With that, he took Laura's hand and left.
Arnold and the others were stunned.
Maria asked, "What should we do? Will they retaliate against us?"
"Who knows!" Arnold had lost his momentum and cursed, "It's all your fault! Always causing trouble!"
Gary said, "Now's not the time to blame her. Maybe I should call Rex."
He could stay out of it and might even use Rex to connect with Steven and Stuart.
This was an opportunity for him.
But when he explained the situation, Rex scolded him and hung up.
Rex immediately called Steven and said, "Why didn't you tell me about this?"
Steven said, "What's there to tell? It's all resolved."
"This was my chance to get close to Josephine!" Rex was angry. "You didn't even try for me!"
Steven said, "I almost got dragged into it myself. How could I think of you!"
"Anyway, you and Laura are just like that. I still have plenty of opportunities to pursue Josephine!"
Steven was furious. "What do you mean 'just like that'? Watch your mouth!"
At this time, Steven, Stuart, and Jair were all in the lobby of a hotel.
Josephine and Laura had taken Claudia upstairs to wash up.
While Claudia was showering, Laura said to Josephine, "What did you learn from this incident?"
Josephine was taken aback. "What should I have learned? What should I have noticed?"
Laura replied, "That's why you deserved to be bullied by Stuart! Men should be kept in check. Look at Steven's attitude with just one look from me."
Josephine laughed. "I can't compare to you in this."
"You don't need to compare, but at least don't let yourself be wronged, okay?"
Josephine obediently nodded. "Got it."