Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 794

"So that's the Deputy Director of the Federal Securities Regulatory Bureau?

He looks like a straight-laced guy. Why is he turning his back on local firms to back some foreign entity?"

Hank asked.

"He's not actually here for Jude. Lawrence brought him in.

Lionel has a history with my grandfather. But my grandfather never calls in that favor unless it's an absolute emergency, and he's certainly never asked him to break protocol.

Lawrence is completely exploiting that connection today.

And because of the Lance family's stellar reputation, Lionel probably didn't even bother looking into the details."

"That guy in the loud jacket next to him must be Charles Vance,"

"Most likely. I've never actually met him in person,"

Owen replied.

While they spoke, Jude had already led the two men onto the main stage.

Before he even introduced them, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

Jude took the microphone himself. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the man I mentioned earlier—Mr. Lionel Merrick, Deputy Director of the Federal Securities Regulatory Bureau."

Another wave of aggressive applause swept through the room.

"And beside him is the renowned global private equity investor, Mr. Charles Vance."

Naturally, the crowd clapped even harder.

"I now invite Deputy Director Merrick to say a few words."

Just then, a waiter quietly approached Owen and whispered something in his ear.

Owen immediately stood up, bringing Mira with him as they followed the waiter out of the hall.

Stepping just outside the banquet doors, they were met by an imposing figure. He had a strong jawline, sharp features, and an intensely authoritative presence.

Standing over six feet tall, his posture was as rigid as a commanding officer, exuding absolute power.

He was accompanied by only two bodyguards.

"Gabriel..."

Before Owen could finish his sentence, the man raised a hand to stop him. "Keep it quiet."

Furthermore, Mr. Charles Vance has arrived with massive capital, fully prepared to inject it into our markets."

As his words settled, the applause was deafening, echoing off the walls.

But just as Lionel prepared to step down from the podium, a massive figure blocked his path.

"Gabriel... Secretary Harrington, what are you doing here?"

"If I didn't show up, were you just going to keep twisting the truth and disgracing this office?"

Gabriel glared at Lionel, his gaze predatory.

"Secretary Harrington, I know you outrank me.

But everything I've done tonight is for the good of the people, and it's well within my jurisdiction.

It's a fact that our local markets are lagging. Having foreign elites willing to step in and invest is a good thing."

In reality, Lionel had only gone along with Lawrence's instructions because he assumed Jude was fully vetted, and that the Lance family had handled all the red tape.

He never expected this...

Lionel stood his ground. As the Deputy Director, he knew exactly where the lines were drawn.