Mark, the Professional

Chapter 21 Tony Jones’ Insult

Though Mark didn’t look bad in his previous outfit, to Kate, it was still embarrassing to see her partner wearing something cheap.

In his new tailored suit, Mark looked much more charming and he carried an air of authority and confidence. Yet such charm only lasted a few seconds.

“I look great, don’t I? But it’s not very comfortable...” He pulled the tie loose and grinned cheekily at Kate.

The amazed look on Kate’s face disappeared instantly. She gave him a stern look. “Do not talk from now on. Just look smart through the party. You hear me?”

“Yes, I…” He spoke and then stopped, remembering what Kate just said, and nodded at Kate with a grin. Seeing his silly smile, Kate heaved a sigh helplessly. He will never change, will he? She thought.

“I will go and get changed now. Wait for me.” She said and went into the dressing room in her office. It was about an hour later when Mark heard the door open and he turned around to see the most stunning-looking woman he had ever seen.

He gazed at Kate, his eyes were wide open. Kate had her hair up, wearing a simple yet elegant navy blue dress, displaying her beautiful neck, fair shoulders and slim figure. The delicate turquoise diamond earrings went perfectly with the ocean blue crystal necklace.

When her personal stylist was paying her compliments, she didn’t think much of it, but now that she saw the look on Mark’s face, somehow she felt much better. “Shall we?” She smiled at Mark and gave Mark her hand.

The two walked down to the garage, arm in arm, looking rather intimate, where the driver had been waiting. They drove through the bustling city center and arrived at a quiet area where there were private villas and expensive houses. It was where most of the rich families lived.

The car pulled over outside the Baker Villa, where the party was. It was George Baker’s birthday party, the younger son of the Baker family. All the wealthy families in town were invited, including the Jones.

Before they got out of the car, Kate reminded Mark again. “Keep your back straight. Don’t smile. Remember not to talk. Nod if you understand.”

Mark nodded.

“Good. Now go and open the door for me.” Kate said, feeling a bit relieved to know that Mark was being cooperative today. She knew that it would not be just an easy night tonight, but as long as Mark did not cause troubles, she would be able to handle it herself.

Mark held the door open for Kate. She took a deep breath, stepped out of the car with a confident smile, held Mark’s arm and they walked into the Baker Mansion together.

“Aha, it’s the newlyweds. I didn’t expect to see you in town. I thought you would be honeymooning somewhere.” A woman in an exaggerating-looking evening dress came up to them and said ironically.

Kate held Mark’s arm tighter to remind him not to talk. She managed to suppress her anger and with a calm smile, she said, “Unlike you who live on others, I have work to do. It’s not easy to take time off when one is successful. I’m sure you understand.”

Enraged, the woman pointed a finger at Kate and retorted, “Kate Lawrence, don’t you be so arrogant! Without the Jones, you won’t last long.”

“Hey, please watch your manners. We are at a party after all. I don’t want you to embarrass yourself.” Kate said, still smiling.

Mark had to admit that he was very impressed with Kate’s response, seeing the woman walking off furiously and Kate remaining calm the whole time.

“Stay here. I will go say hello to a few seniors.” Kate said to Mark and left him at the buffet area.

The food looked very inviting, especially to Mark who had hardly eaten anything yet. He might as well get something to eat while eating, he thought.

He grabbed a plate, walked around the table and filled it up. Then, he looked around the place and headed towards a quiet corner. Just then, the crowd in front of him suddenly moved sideways to form a path and he saw Tony Jones walking right towards him.

Tony glanced at the plate full of food and said with a sneer, “It looks like the Lawrence has got a hungry son-in-law. Without the Jones, they can’t even afford to feed the family. Haha.”

The crowd heard, looked Mark up and down started murmuring and judging. As usual, Mark didn’t mind Tony’s remark or the crowd’s reaction. He knew that there was no point arguing at all. Also, the most important reason was that he remembered clearly what Kate had asked him to do. “Remember not to talk.” Her words still echoed in his head.

Mark glanced at Tony casually and walked past him, which angered Tony even more. It’s this f*****g asshole that married Kate Lawrence, the girl that I wanted! He thought.

“Wait!” Tony stopped Mark. “You know what, I will give you the chance to apologize to me now. If you get down on your knees right now and apologize sincerely, I will reconsider investing in the Lawrence Corporation.” He said with a mocking smile, and then added, “I doubt if you would do that for Kate Lawrence though.”

Tony held his chin up, looking at Mark with contempt. Though Tony didn’t really have the complete authority to decide on the company’s investment, he didn’t care. He was just making use of the chance to mock Mark.

The commotion got Kate’s attention. She came over just to hear Tony asking Mark to kneel down to apologize to him. When she saw that Mark was quiet, she felt a sudden anger brewing inside her. i***t! Why is he so quiet now? He could talk when he was at grandpa’s home, making big promises.

She wished that he could now be more manly and fight back, completely forgetting that she had asked him to keep silent.