Chapter 7 Besides , he and Lauren had grown up together , and she had given him two beautiful children . If he went out of his way to make it up to her , Rhea should be able to understand . " Don't cry . Your makeup will get ruined . " Lauren gave a gentle smile before saying , " Carter , I knew you were the best . " D At the cocktail party , there were plenty of representatives from outside companies . Ever since Colburn's pharmaceutical sector was revived , they had been keeping a close eye on it . Carter's Jamison Group held the top spot across the southern tri - state area . As long as he didn't enter Draventh , he was undeniably one of the few major players . But if he wanted to break into Draventh , he still fell short . That was why he was in serious need of investors to help him expand his reach . Just then , a few attendees walked by . The host , Benson Lindsey , stepped up . " Mr. Snider , Mr. Ravelle , this is Mr. Carter Jamison , CEO of Jamison Group . He landed three top - tier hospital contracts in just a few months . " The two men he introduced were magnetic , turning heads everywhere they went . According to Benson's introduction , the man on the left was George Snider , owner of one of the country's largest medical equipment export companies . At 29 , he was the heir to his family's business . He carried an exceptional presence , poised and sharp . His own company was nearly twice the size of Jamison Group . Standing next to him was Nathan Ravelle , the heir to Draventh's most powerful family and the chairman of the city's top venture capital firm . He was also Rhea's older brother . When Nathan heard Carter's name , he looked up and fixed his gaze on him . He had seen Carter in photos of Rhea's life sent by his people . Now that he was seeing the man in person , he had to admit that the guy looked decent . But who was the woman beside him ? Carter's demeanor didn't falter . Calm and poised , he extended a hand and said , " Mr. Snider , Mr. Ravelle , it's an honor . " George nodded . " Nice to meet you , Mr. Jamison . " Nathan gave him a firm handshake as he watched closely . " I heard your company recently went public . Congratulations . " Carter offered a modest smile . " It's nothing compared to what you and Mr. Snider have achieved . " " Oh , that's not true . Your life seems much happier than mine . " Nathan's expression turned pointed . " You have a good wife and two adorable kids . " Chapter 7 +25 BONUS George stood off to the side , looking like a spectator . He knew that Nathan was studying his brother - in - law . Then , Nathan deliberately turned to Lauren and asked , " This must be your wife , Mrs. Jamison , right ? " Lauren's face flushed . She looked at Carter with uncertainty . Carter hadn't intended to mention it , but he hadn't expected Nathan to ask so directly . Worried that Nathan might think it was disrespectful to attend an event like this without bringing his wife , Carter had no choice but to reply , "Yes . " Upon hearing that , Lauren quickly stepped forward and said , " Nice to meet you , Mr. Ravelle , Mr. Snider . " She had no idea that the moment Carter gave that answer , Nathan's expression changed completely . He simply replied with a hum of acknowledgment . Without saying another word , Nathan turned and walked off with George . However , Carter didn't think much of it . He simply assumed that if Nathan was saying this much and showing such interest in Jamison Group , it probably meant that he had already set his sights on it . When the cocktail party came to an end , Benson happily saw George and Nathan off . Suddenly , George said , " After further review , Snider Group has decided not to move forward with Jamison Group . " Nathan chimed in immediately , " Take them off the list of investment prospects . " His beloved sister had married Carter at such a young age and taken on the role of stepmother to his children . Not only did Carter fail to appreciate her , but he even brought another woman to such an important event and had the nerve to introduce her as his wife . Benson's smile froze as he asked , " May I ask why ? " Suppressing his anger , Nathan replied , " Integrity matters in business . Mr. Jamison brought another woman to this event and claimed that she was his wife . " A person with that kind of character is not someone I trust with my money . Mr. Snider doesn't believe that a leader like that is someone he can build a successful partnership with either . "