Outside President's Office of Mercer Group, Xavier knocked on the door and walked in, holding a solemn invitation.
He approached the desk and respectfully handed over the invitation, explaining, "Mr. Mercer, tonight is Mr. Wright's seventieth birthday. The Wright family just sent an invitation, hoping you can attend."
"I understand. Inform them that I will be there on time."
Lance nodded and accepted the invitation.
The Mercer family and the Wright family had been friends for generations, and their companies had business dealings. On such an important day, it was natural for the Wright family to invite the Mercers.
Xavier nodded in acknowledgment and then asked, "What kind of birthday gift should we prepare?"
Hearing this, Lance squinted his eyes in thought for a moment.
"Go to Hencard Villa and choose a fine painting from my collection for Old Wright. Also, bring my suit."
"Understood."
Xavier nodded and left to carry out the task.
That evening, after work, Lance changed into his suit in the office.
Just as he was about to head to the Wright family estate, he received a call from Old Hughes.
"Lance, are you on your way to the Wright family estate?"
"Not yet. Is there something you need?"
Lance glanced at his watch and asked.
Old Hughes didn't hold back and said directly, "I need you to pick up Miss Jones."
"You mean Dr. Deanna?"
Lance's voice rose slightly in surprise.
Was she also going to the Wright family event?
Old Hughes seemed not to notice Lance's surprise and smiled, "Yes, can you pick her up for me?"
"Of course, I'll head over now."
Lance didn't refuse.
After hanging up, he instructed Xavier to pick up Deanna first.
Xavier was also surprised, "Is Dr. Deanna attending Old Wright's birthday banquet?"
"Seems like it."
Lance responded briefly and leaned back in his chair to rest.
Seeing this, Xavier drove quietly.
Soon, they arrived at Deanna's apartment complex.
Lance took out his phone and called Deanna.
Shortly, Deanna's surprised voice came through the phone, "Mr. Mercer, why are you calling me at this hour? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. Old Hughes asked me to pick you up for Old Wright's birthday banquet. I'm downstairs now; you can come down."
Lance explained briefly.
Deanna hurried downstairs after hearing this.
She was quite surprised as well.
Although Old Hughes mentioned sending someone to pick her up, she never expected that person to be Lance.
Downstairs, Deanna immediately spotted the low-key yet luxurious black car parked by the street.
Lance saw the petite woman standing not far away and was momentarily stunned.
Dressed for the banquet, Deanna wore a silver off-shoulder gown that revealed her beautiful collarbones and smooth, fair shoulders.
Her long black hair was styled in loose waves cascading down her back, adorned only with a crystal hairpin. Despite its simplicity, it exuded an elegant charm befitting a noblewoman.
As Deanna approached, she noticed Lance staring at her intently. Feeling nervous, she looked down to check herself.
Finding nothing amiss, she looked back at him in confusion, "Is it not good? I haven't dressed up in a long time and wasn't sure if this was appropriate."
Lance snapped out of his daze upon hearing her words.
He cleared his throat to mask his discomfort and said slowly, "No, it's perfect. You look great."
"That's good to hear. Let's go then."
Deanna sighed in relief and got into the car.
She then noticed that Lance was also wearing a formal suit. Though she couldn't identify the brand, the exquisite design and diamond buttons indicated its high value.
The suit made Lance look even more distinguished, like a noble from a bygone era.
Deanna snapped out of her brief daze and remembered that tonight's banquet was in a social circle she had never encountered before. She couldn't help but ask Lance about it.
"Mr. Mercer, can you tell me about Old Wright? Are you familiar with him?"
"I'm quite familiar with him. Our companies have business dealings and our families have been friends for generations."
Lance began introducing the Wright family and Old Wright. "The Wright family made their fortune in pharmaceuticals. Unlike the Hughes family, they specialize in Western medicine. However, they also value traditional medicine."
Deanna nodded.
She had already noticed this from their medicinal cuisine restaurant.
Lance's deep, magnetic voice continued, "Old Wright is particularly fond of traditional medicine. After his health declined, he started using herbal remedies to maintain his health and developed an interest in medicinal cuisine. If you meet him, you should have plenty to talk about."
Hearing this eased much of Deanna's anxiety.
Overall, it seemed that Old Wright would be an easygoing person.