Chapter 426: Neutrality
As expected, anyone capable of seizing control of the Whitebeard Group in just six months while maintaining neutrality among competing factions was no ordinary player.
Ace picked up the microphone, skipping pleasantries and cutting straight to the point. "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence tonight at the Whitebeard Group's celebratory gala. Over the past six months, it's been your support that's enabled the company's steady growth. On behalf of the Whitebeard Group, I extend my sincere gratitude."
"Regarding the current situation in Seraphim and the upcoming presidential election, I'm well aware that each of you has your own stance and agenda."
He paused, his gaze sweeping slowly across the ballroom. His expression remained impassive, yet his eyes seemed to pierce through every attendee's carefully constructed façade. "The Whitebeard Group has always adhered to a principle of neutrality. We won't casually throw our weight behind any particular faction. As for future partnerships—those will depend on who genuinely prioritizes Seraphim's development and who can offer the Whitebeard Group true strategic value."
Throughout the hall, thoughtful expressions rippled across faces.
Gerald's complexion darkened slightly, dissatisfaction flickering in his eyes—though he didn't dare show it openly. The Rivera family desperately needed Ace's endorsement right now. They couldn't afford to antagonize the Whitebeard Group's formidable new CEO.
A faint smile played at the corner of Emily's lips. Ace was indeed a shrewd fox.
"Looks like Mr. Ace Austin is even more formidable than we anticipated," she murmured to Fiona. "When the mingling begins, I'll approach him directly. Let's see what his true attitude is toward us—and toward Mr. Borgia."
Fiona gave a slight nod. "Understood. I'll monitor your safety continuously. At the first sign of trouble, we extract immediately."
Emily nodded, lifting a glass of champagne from a passing tray and smoothing her gown. She began making her way deliberately toward the raised platform.
Meanwhile, in a shadowed corner of the ballroom, Charles sat near the window wrapped in a thin overcoat, his complexion still pallid. Yet his eyes burned with intensity as they tracked Emily's every movement, filled with tenderness and longing.
He'd arrived in Seraphim only hours ago and rushed straight to this gala for one reason only—the chance to see her.
Watching her move with such poise and confidence, observing the powerful aura she commanded, Charles couldn't suppress the gentle smile tugging at his lips.
Three years. She'd truly grown.
Now she possessed the capability to stand alone, the courage to face any danger, any challenge.
Nathan stood beside him, voice low. "Mr. Windsor, given your condition, shouldn't you rest? Ms. Johnson... she's not going anywhere just yet."
Charles shook his head, his gaze never leaving Emily's figure. His voice emerged weak but suffused with contentment. "No need. Let me watch a little longer."
On the platform, Ace had concluded his speech and was now exchanging pleasantries with several business magnates. His tone remained detached, his demeanor languid. Even as people deliberately tried to curry favor, he maintained perfect distance—that effortless composure only made him more inscrutable.
Emily approached with graceful confidence, inclining her head slightly. "Mr. Austin, I've heard much about you. I'm Natasha, here on behalf of Mr. Sebastian Borgia to extend his congratulations."
Ace's gaze settled on her, noting the mask concealing her features. Something flickered in his eyes before his tone returned to studied neutrality. "Mr. Borgia mentioned his daughter was exceptionally capable. Seeing you tonight, I'd say his assessment was accurate. A pleasure."
The surrounding guests fell silent, conversations dying as eyes swiveled toward Emily, curiosity burning.
Everyone knew Sebastian's envoy Natasha had barely arrived in Seraphim before brazenly striking Rivera holdings. Her methods were ruthless. Now, approaching Ace directly, her intention was transparent—she was attempting to secure the Whitebeard Group CEO's allegiance.
Meeting the crowd's scrutiny without flinching, Emily continued smoothly. "Mr. Austin, I understand you maintain strict neutrality and won't lightly favor any faction. However, Seraphim's current instability is undeniable. If Miguel secures the presidency, it won't just disrupt Seraphim's order—it will damage numerous stakeholders' interests, including the Whitebeard Group's."
She paused, her tone softening with calculated sincerity. "Mr. Borgia would welcome a partnership with you. We can provide the Whitebeard Group substantial support, facilitating your international expansion. In return, we'd appreciate your assistance. I believe this represents a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd again. Gerald's expression turned thunderous as he glared at Emily with barely suppressed fury—though he didn't dare intervene. He knew if Ace agreed to ally with Sebastian, the Rivera family's position would become exponentially more precarious.
However, Ace merely shook his head gently, that lazy smile still in place. "Ms. Natasha, I appreciate Mr. Borgia's generous offer. And I appreciate your candor."
He lifted his gaze, sweeping it across the entire ballroom as his voice carried clearly to every ear. "However, I have no interest in getting entangled in factional conflicts or favoring any particular camp. The Whitebeard Group's growth has always relied on our own capabilities. We don't need to attach ourselves to anyone's coattails."
Emily's body stiffened imperceptibly. She hadn't expected such a blunt refusal.
She opened her mouth to press her case further, but Ace cut her off.