Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 287

As the time approached 8 pm, distinguished personages from all walks of life, who were attending the cocktail party, started streaming into the Channing Hotel.

Most of the guests only knew, when they arrived, that the organizer of the event had been changed to the Russo family, and that Dip Turner would not be present.

The Russo family was one of 'The Southern Four', and was highly regarded in the South.

As such, even though it was disappointing for most of the guests to hear that Dip Turner was not going to turn up, they chose to stay on at the party, as a sign of respect for Shannon Russo.

Among the guests were Sean Smith and his family, who had specially come to butter up Shannon Russo.

Nathan and Penny were among those who only knew of Dip Turner's absence, and the change in the main organizer to the Russo family, when they reached the hotel.

Penny had a look of distress and was feeling unsettled when she heard the news.

Not only was she not on good terms with Shannon Russo and Nathan had even slapped the woman previously.

Since it had already become Shannon Russo's party tonight, showing up at the reception would be asking for trouble.

As such, Penny wanted to leave with Nathan, without attracting anyone's attention.

However, before she could take another step, a group of people dressed in bright colors stood in front of her, blocking her path.

Those people were none other than Sean Smith and the rest of the Smith family members.

With a cunning smile, Sean Smith said, "Nathan, Penn, didn't you guys just get here? Why are you leaving so soon?”

Shocked to see her grandfather and the rest of her relatives appearing in front of her, Penny exclaimed, "Grandpa, why are all of you here too?”

"We are here to attend Ms. Shannon's party, of course," Sean Smith replied, keeping the smile on his face.

The elderly man took a brief pause and looked towards Nathan Cross, before continuing with an unreadable expression, "Oh by the way, regarding that red ruby necklace, I've already presented it to Ms. Shannon as a gift."

Nathan Cross and Penny Smith both frowned when they heard that.

The couple who had just arrived were Major-General Franklin Wilson and his wife, Yanet Whittle.

Franklin Wilson hardly attended such events, but he had made a rare appearance at the hotel tonight.

As such, the rest of the attendees were all very excited and speculating the reasons for the man's appearance among themselves. "It was rumored that the Russo family is very well-connected everywhere, they have connections in the police force, triads, corporate sector, political arena, and even the military. It seems like it is true indeed. Even Major-General Wilson, who hardly ever made any public appearances, is here at Ms. Shannon's party!"

The rest of the guests at the event were all rushing forward to greet Franklin Wilson.

However, before they could even get close to the Major-General, they were already forced to retreat at gunpoint by the National Guards who were flanking the man.

Sean Smith and his family stood in awe looking at the prestigious treatment and power which Franklin Wilson was entitled to while he scoffed at Nathan Cross, the elder Mr. Smith said, "Did you see that? That man over there is the first-in-command in the military, Major-General Wilson! Even the moguls who tried to cotton up to him have been kept off by the National Guards. And you even have the nerves to say that you will get Mr. Wilson to hand over the red ruby necklace to you personally?"

Even Penny Smith wanted to hide herself from shame after hearing her grandpa's sneers. She had also felt that her husband might have gone overboard with his swank.

However, Nathan smiled as he spoke lightheartedly, "Well, I meant it when I said that he would personally deliver that necklace to me. Just wait and see!"