Chapter 5 Want To Cooperate With The Howard Family

Benjamin looked at Declan with a polite expression. "If we're speaking of family matters, the relevant family here is the Holden family. Unfortunately, your last name isn't Holden."

Declan's face shifted instantly, and he gave Kimberly a sharp look.

He then addressed the butler sternly, "Mr. Thorpe, she does not have the authority to decide on these matters. I am the head of our family. If this necklace is to be donated, it should be under my direction, and I wish to donate it on behalf of the Walsh family!"

Benjamin, however, showed no signs of intimidation. Instead, he gave Declan a cold glance.

"The ownership and intentions of the donor are what we respect here. Since this is a Howard family event, we adhere to the Howard family's guidelines."

His tone was even, but his words carried a firm will that left Declan at a loss for words.

"And furthermore..." Benjamin continued, looking towards Kimberly, "Mrs. Howard, who prioritizes peace and order above all, has noticed that ever since you and your sister arrived at the banquet, there has been nothing but trouble. You even tried to have the security guards detain guests at will. If you don't calm down, you may not be welcome here anymore."

Declan was immediately panicked. Was the butler suggesting they might be expelled from the event?

He had worked hard to secure an invitation to this prestigious gathering. Being ejected would not only be embarrassing but would ruin his reputation across Javille.

He quickly mustered a calming smile and said, "I apologize, Mr. Thorpe. I acted without thinking. Please, let's not trouble Mrs. Howard with this. I assure you, there will be no further issues..."

"Mrs. Walsh, please follow me."

Benjamin seemed to dismiss Declan's hurried apology and gestured for Kimberly to accompany him deeper into the banquet area.

Kimberly looked back to see Declan standing still, stunned, while Valerie's expression was one of deep irritation. A smile played on Kimberly's lips.

In her previous life, during this event, Valerie had dramatically taken the stage during the climax of the auction to bid on the necklace herself.

It was a ridiculous act, but since Renee liked the necklace, Valerie not only escaped blame for her attention-seeking behavior but also helped create a partnership between the Howard and Walsh families.

Kimberly realized the necklace must have an extraordinary value for Renee.

But she hadn't anticipated that it would even lead Benjamin to support her, almost getting Declan kicked out.

The gilded doors swung open, revealing an interior with classic and elegant decor.

Upon entering, Kimberly's gaze was immediately drawn to an elderly woman resting on a sofa at the center of the room-clearly the renowned Renee Howard.

Beside her sat a man dressed in a sharp black suit, exuding a relaxed confidence that did little to conceal his remarkably handsome and distinguished appearance.

This was...

Kimberly's eyes briefly sparkled. It was Chris, the Howard family's exceptionally talented heir, known for his influence in both legal and illegal matters abroad.

Why had he suddenly come back to the country?

"Mrs. Walsh."

Renee stood and personally guided Kimberly to sit next to her on the sofa, her gaze full of affection.

"I've been looking for this necklace for years, and I never thought it would end up with your grandmother. I'm so thankful you're willing to let it go." As she spoke, she began to stand and bow to Kimberly, which startled Kimberly into quickly getting up to stop Renee.

"Mrs. Howard, please, there's no need for that," Kimberly said gently. "My parents died when I was young, and it was my grandmother who raised me. This necklace was her wedding gift to me. Now that she has passed and the Holden family has diminished..." She held the necklace tightly, making a firm decision in her heart. "I hope this necklace can lead to a partnership with the Howard family!"