Chapter 289 The Weight of a Legacy
“What are you looking at? Suddenly mesmerized by your husband?” Zev smirked, winking at Kelly.
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Kelly smiled helplessly and lowered her voice. “Your goal today is to build connections, but look around- no one here knows you because you weren’t on the guest list. They don’t even know who you are.”
Zev raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry. Someone will come over to help soon.”
Kelly propped her chin on her hand, glancing around, waiting for this so–called ‘help‘ Zev mentioned. Compared to Zev, who was being treated as a nobody, Shawn was surrounded by a sea of people.
As the rising star of the business world, he was naturally the center of attention. Everyone wanted to establish connections with him, hoping to secure future collaborations.
After all, betting on the right person early on was key to success.
“Shawn is a very smart person. On top of his capabilities, he has also deliberately built himself a ‘genius‘ persona. That alone has helped him tremendously on his road to success. At the very least, those trying to curry favor with him will do everything they can to support his career,” Kelly whispered.
So far, it was unclear whether Shawn was friend or foe.
At least for now, he hadn’t fallen for Clarissa’s schemes or shown any intention of getting involved with her.
But as for the future? That remained uncertain.
“So, it’s thirty percent ability, seventy percent self–promotion?” Zev rolled his eyes.
Kelly knew that Zev wasn’t fond of Shawn, especially since everyone said Shawn was the only one who could surpass his father as a business prodigy.
“Don’t underestimate him. He’s definitely not simple.”
Shawn stepped out from the crowd as Kelly finished speaking and walked toward them.
He still carried that gentle and refined smile, wearing a tailored suit and gold–rimmed glasses, looking every bit like a sophisticated schemer.
The people who had been following him, eager to make connections, also trailed behind him.
“Zion, come meet some people. This is Adrian Mercer from Hallowick, and this is Dave Kilmer from Prospera in Stoneville,” Shawn introduced with a friendly smile.
Zev politely extended his hand but didn’t introduce himself.
To Shawn, this was both childish and outright rude.
But Zev had his reasons–he wanted Shawn to do the introductions for him.
The business world was no playground. Respect couldn’t be earned through politeness alone; it was a battlefield of survival, where strength dictated influence.
“And this gentleman is?” Feeling slightly disrespected, Dave asked Shawn warily. After all, if Shawn had brought him over, they had to be cautious.
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Chapter 289 The Weight of a Legacy
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“This is Zion Lockhart, grandson of Wade Lockhart and future heir of the Lockhart Group, Shawn quickly explained, patting Zev’s shoulder before turning to Kelly with a smile. “And this is Kelly Yeager, Zion and I were born on the same day. My father always said he was born a few minutes earlier than me
Kelly nodded politely with a smile.
Dave and Adrian exchanged glances. Though displeased with Zev’s arronce, they still forced a polite smile. “Ah, so you’re Mr. Lockhart’s grandson. But didn’t you join the military? You’ve never been involved in this field before. Are you planning to take over the company?”
“I’ve already joined the company and am preparing for a full takeover, Zev replied confidently.
Dave and Adrian’s smiles grew more subtle, clearly not taking a former soldier–turned–businessman seriously.
“If you’ll excuse us, I’ll take Zion and Kelly to meet more people, Shawn said cordially, leading them away.
Zev saw right through Shawn’s intentions. The more arrogant and out of place he appeared, the more others would be disappointed in him. And the more Shawn introduced him to people, the more they would see him as unworthy.
But Zev welcomed this strategy.
He wanted to establish a presence, to let everyone know that he had returned and would be taking over the Lockhart Group.
Whether he was capable or not–that would be proven in time.
For now, his goal was to make sure everyone remembered his name.
“Back in the day, everyone envied Mr. Lockhart. He built the Lockhart Group from the ground up, secured its place in Seaville, and then Sylvester cemented his legacy. Their family was unstoppable back then.”
As they walked away, Dave and Adrian watched with thinly veiled disappointment.
“Now, it’s all going downhill,” Dave sighed.
“They say wealth doesn’t last three generations. I don’t see Zion surpassing his father and grandfather.
Adrian shook his head.
Dave was even more disdainful. “Military service must have dulled his business instincts. Even if he had potential, without the right training, he’s useless.”
This was also the reason Wade adamantly opposed Zev’s joining the military back then. First, Zev had enlisted behind his back, bringing shame. Second, his expertise was completely unrelated to business, and his skills didn’t align with corporate management. Even if Zev were to take over the company, he wouldn’t be able to win over the people quickly.
Now, even within the company, few people respected him. If even a low–ranking project manager like Dave dared to give him attitude, it showed just how little faith the company had in him.
Not far away, Clarissa’s face darkened as she watched Shawn and Zev together.
Shawn was always around Zev and Kelly, making it impossible for her to approach. She didn’t want to risk provoking Zev–after all, he had a reputation for being unpredictable.
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Chapter 289 The Weight of a Legacy
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“Shawn seems to be quite fond of Zion. They’re cousins, right? Their relationship must be really good if Shawn is introducing him to so many people,” a friend whispered.
She knew Clarissa hoped to use Shawn as a backup plan, a safety net in case things didn’t work out with Zev.
But now that Shawn seemed to be on good terms with Zev, was that plan even viable?
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