At the Grand Crest Hotel, everyone took their seats as fine wine and exquisite dishes were served—marking the official start of a banquet that had gathered nearly half of New Haven City's wealth and influence under one roof.
Jason goal in hosting this banquet was clear: to finalize partnerships for the Bay Project and integrate resources efficiently.
The Mayor's Office had already paved the way for him in terms of administrative approval, infrastructure planning, and investor introductions.
The next step—actual construction—would rely on him. Building from scratch would be inefficient. Only through collaboration with leading construction firms like PanTech Group, building material suppliers like Jazura Group, property management teams, and marketing agencies could the Project achieve both quality and speed.
Ordinary developers couldn't coordinate this many high-level resources—but Jason Carter wasn't ordinary.
Everyone in the room was eager to participate and claim their share. Jason was willing to open some of the project's profits to expand his network—strategic generosity that always paid dividends later.
This moment marked the completion of the second stage of his wealth-to-power transition. He couldn't rely on the Mayor's influence for every little detail. The people before him—were enough to open doors throughout New Haven.
Building relationships with them would make every move that followed far easier.
Besides business, this banquet was also a gesture of gratitude. Jason had invited the club members who helped him. He didn't need to hand out rewards—just allowing them to invest was already returning the favor.
The Project was heavily backed by the city government, so there was virtually no risk of failure. Investing here meant guaranteed profits. Many had tried to join but couldn't even get a meeting.
Now, with Jason personally offering them a chance, they could barely contain their excitement. Even a small share meant millions in return.
The banquet unfolded smoothly. Major deals were struck amid laughter and clinking glasses, with only final details and contract signings left for later.
As the night wound down, a small stir arose at the entrance.
The General hurried over and whispered something into Jason Carter's ear.
Jason nodded calmly. A moment later, the manager led in George and his son, Rick.
Upon seeing them, Mia's expression stiffened. And when she recognized George, her face went pale.
It wasn't surprising—Mia was just a streamer with no background, while Rick was the son of a District Commissioner. In terms of status and power, she couldn't possibly compete.
Even worse, George himself had come. A senior city official—someone whose authority stretched over multiple districts. He could make or break anyone's future.
Mia's heart pounded. Why were they here?
But when she turned to Jason, he was calm as ever—offering her a small, reassuring smile. Somehow, that alone made her chest tighten and her fear fade away.
Moments later, George approached, his tone polite—almost deferential.
"Mr. Carter, I heard you were hosting a banquet nearby and wanted to stop by to offer my congratulations. Please forgive our unexpected arrival."
Mia froze. Her eyes went wide.
The District Commissioner himself was being humble—toward Jason Carter?
She glanced at Rick and found him standing stiffly behind his father, not daring to meet anyone's eyes, especially hers. The arrogance he once showed was gone completely.
The others at the table didn't look surprised. They already knew Jason Carter's identity was far from simple. A mere District Commissioner treating him with respect was perfectly natural.
Still, out of etiquette, Lewis, Ivan, and Mike stood up to acknowledge the Commissioner's presence.
As for others—they didn't even move. Their family status alone was equal, if not greater, and they certainly didn't need to show deference.
Jason Carter also remained seated and said calmly,
"Commissioner, what are you saying? Your presence here is already an honor. The surrounding construction work will still require your department's help."
Then he turned to the General Manager and added,
"Bring a chair and another place setting for Commissioner. We can make some room."
George quickly waved his hand.
"No need, no need. We still have other matters to attend to, so we won't sit. Mr. Carter, I'd just like to offer you a toast."
He picked up the wine bottle himself, leaned forward, and poured Jason a glass. Then he took two more glasses for himself and his son, filling both.
Rick lifted his cup, bowed slightly, and said with forced respect,
"Mr. Carter, I'd also like to toast you."
Jason didn't drink right away. Instead, he gently tapped the rim of Mia's glass beside him.
Rick froze.
Inwardly, he despised streamers—no matter how beautiful Mia was, he had always seen women like her as disposable, never worthy of being on his level.
Pouring wine for Jason Carter was one thing—but for her? That was humiliating.
Still, after just a brief hesitation, he forced himself to pick up the wine bottle and pour Mia a full glass, his movements stiff but careful.
Humiliating as it was, he had no other choice. One wrong move here, and Jason Carter's word alone could destroy his father's career—and his own future with it.
Mia watched in stunned silence as Rick, the arrogant son of a city commissioner, poured her wine with trembling hands.
The suffocating pressure that had haunted her for weeks—the kind of power she could never hope to fight—was suddenly gone.
Jason hadn't even lifted a finger. The father and son who had tormented her were now standing before him, apologizing.
Her father's problems had already been taken care of by Jason, and with Rick subdued, no one could threaten her anymore.
For the first time since her early teens—since the years of her father's gambling and abuse—Mia felt like she could breathe.
Her chest tightened with emotion, eyes glistening as she blinked back tears.
At that moment, she didn't care about promises or appearances anymore. Jason Carter wasn't just someone who had helped her—he was her protector.
She felt safe beside him. Even if he had other women, she didn't care. She'd follow him regardless.
Mia: Favorability +8.
"Mia's favorability has exceeded 80. The status bar has been updated. Please check promptly."
Name: Mia
Age: 20
Appearance: 8.9/10
Height: 5′6″
Weight: 110 lbs
Favorability: 0 → 87
Ex-boyfriends: None
Health status: Clean
She hadn't lied—she truly never had a boyfriend. For a streamer, that was rare. Perhaps growing up with her father's violence had drained her of any interest in love—until now.
Mia lifted her glass, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she whispered,
"Mr. Carter, I'd like to toast you too."
Her gaze was no longer uncertain or fearful, only soft and full of affection.
Her delicate figure seemed even more fragile under the light, as though she might melt into Jason's arms at any moment.
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