Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 173

How could Benson Smith say no? He thanked the mayor profusely, showing immense appreciation. Hethen instructed his daughter to safe keep it, as the man intended to have it framed up in his living room the minute he got home.

The other political leaders also presented Benson Smith with the gifts they had brought for him.

They were not expensive but were either exclusive or meaningful gifts.

Sean Smith and his other two sons watched as the mayor and the other political leaders showered Benson Smith with attention and presented him with all those precious gifts.

Apart from feeling envious and jealous, there was nothing much they could do. The crestfallen family escaped back to the Lotus Hall in a discreet manner.

However, a greater shock awaited Sean Smith and Samuel Smith when they returned. Their friends and relatives had gotten wind of the mayor and the other leaders' attendance at Benson Smith's birthday celebration, and almost all of them had already gone over to the Peony Hall.

As people streamed out of the hall, Samuel Smith started to panic and said anxiously, "Hey, please don't leave yet, everyone, please stay a while more, let's at least have a drink together..."

In a heartbeat, the 50 tables in the Lotus Hall were devoid of guests. Everyone had scurried off to Benson Smith's birthday celebration.

All of them wanted to curry favor with the mayor. In fact, just being at the same lunch with the man himself was enough for them to boast about for years to come!

Feeling flustered and exasperated, Samuel Smith exclaimed, "These people are such suck-ups!"

Paul, Miles and May were all looking dejected as well.

Just a while ago, they were boasting about the fantastic turnout at Samuel's banquet and were poking fun at Benson's pathetic situation.

Never did they expect the tides to turn within such a short span of time.

Feeling at a loss, Samuel Smith turned to his dad and asked, "Dad, what should we do now? The banquet is supposed to start. Should we get random people to fill the tables? How about the employees from our Grande Group Companies? Or would it be faster to get some people from the streets?"

Sean Smith blinked his eyes and said, "Samuel, it's up to you. Paul, accompany me to Benson's party. I want to have a few drinks with the leaders.”

In the evening, Nathan Cross drove his family home. He supported his intoxicated father-in-law through the door, while Leah, Penny and Queenie followed behind.

Despite being drunk, the man was still clear-headed. With his breath smelling like alcohol, Benson said, "Nathan, you've made me so proud! Today is truly the happiest day of my life.”

As Nathan helped Benson into the house, he smiled and replied, "Dad, that's not right. The happiest day of your life should be your wedding day. Today should only rank second."

Benson Smith chuckled and looked at his wife. With slurred speech, he said to Leah, "Darling, Nathan's right. The happiest day of my life was the day I married you."

A blush spread across Leah's face as she nagged at Benson, embarrassed, "We're already so old! Why are you being so mushy!"

Although Leah was grumbling, she took over her husband's arm and accompanied him back to the bedroom, personally tending to the inebriated man.

When it was only Nathan, Penny and Queenie left in the living room, Penny decided that it was a good time to talk to her husband. "Nathan, how did you manage to get the mayor and the leaders to attend dad's birthday celebration?"