A circle of guests sat around, all leaders of considerable status and position—most of them were key members and old subordinates personally promoted by the old man during his tenure. For these people to still show up at Villa No. 7 for his birthday after so many years of his retirement truly spoke of genuine affection.

In William Walker's memory, this was also the last lively birthday where the old man “mobilized the troops.” Not long after, Eugene Young got into trouble, and Julia Walker was deeply involved. In order to pull her out of the vortex, the old man and the entire Wang family did everything they could.

After that, on subsequent birthdays, these high-ranking old subordinates never showed up again.

People, after all, are always this realistic.

But this time, it was Eugene Young who was in the spotlight.

He was a natural orator—whenever he got the chance, he could boast at length, even leaving a whole group of leaders dumbfounded and taken in by his words.

Of course, that was a skill in itself.

Without that skill, he wouldn’t have been able to pull off such a grand operation as Yunfan Shijia.

To talk so many people out of their money—most people simply couldn’t do it.

William Walker had originally planned to go over and wish the old man a happy birthday. Although Howard Walker and Charles Walker, father and son, didn’t get along, the old man never treated this grandson any differently. No matter what, William Walker was still of the Wang family’s blood, the direct grandson of Old Tiger Walker.

Seeing Eugene Young standing there, spittle flying as he delivered his long-winded speech, William Walker simply decided not to go over. He crossed his arms, watched from a distance, his eyes narrowed, gaze cold.

Eugene Young’s eyes swept over, seemingly unintentionally, but just as cold and sharp as a blade.

Eugene Young’s performance only came to an end when Director Zane entered the room.

Director Zane was the executive deputy director of the provincial department. He had worked with the old man for a time, but couldn’t be considered someone the old man had personally promoted, let alone a trusted confidant.

Director Zane’s sudden visit was clearly unexpected for everyone.

After all, the old man was no longer in office, and the executive deputy director of the provincial department was definitely a leader with real power—very busy, with precious time.

Of course, if Director Zane insisted on coming to offer birthday wishes, no one would say he was being overly formal.

What followed was naturally a round of polite greetings.

With such big shots present, a junior like William Walker naturally had no right to squeeze in, so he could only stand at a distance, wearing a polite smile, hoping Director Zane would remember his face. Maybe, at the right moment, it could make a big difference?

In a person’s life, true luck only comes a few times. Who can say for sure when good fortune will fall from the sky?

But William Walker noticed a detail—Director Zane did not shake hands with Eugene Young!

Whether intentional or not, Director Zane skipped over both Eugene Young and Julia Walker, only nodding in greeting, without a handshake or much small talk.

With so many people present, and everyone’s attention on the old man and Director Zane, no one noticed such a small detail.

Except for William Walker, who had been watching Eugene Young’s every move—his eyes narrowed sharply!

This was a signal!

William Walker was certain that Director Zane’s omission of a handshake with Eugene Young and Julia Walker was no accident.

Anyone who could climb to the position of executive deputy director (at the main department level) was a master of social finesse, never letting anything slip. Without a special reason, how could he have “accidentally” skipped only Eugene Young and Julia Walker?

Perhaps, Director Zane had come today specifically because of Eugene Young!

Not long after, when the Yunfan Shijia fundraising case broke out, Eugene Young fell from a high-flying boss to a prisoner overnight, and the Wang family was deeply implicated. Whether or not Director Zane was the driving force behind it is hard to say, but the final result of the investigation was that the once all-powerful “Old Tiger Walker” of the southern political and legal circles was forced out, leaving the center of power for good and becoming a truly retired old cadre, enjoying his twilight years.

The benefits Director Zane gained from this were obvious.

The twists and turns weren’t complicated—anyone with a bit of political sense could see it clearly.

As the saying goes, “A new emperor, new ministers”—no one wants a “retired emperor” sitting above their head!

In front of so many people, confirming the close relationship between Eugene Young and the Wang family might have been Director Zane’s real purpose in suddenly showing up.

At this thought, William Walker’s heart suddenly tightened.

The Wang family’s crisis was already imminent!

Chapter 5 Things Aren’t That Simple

Julia Walker had been holding in a bellyful of anger all day. She had planned to give that reckless brat a good lesson after dinner, once the guests had left, but in the blink of an eye, he was nowhere to be found.

William Walker had slipped away!

Which infuriated Julia Walker!

That little troublemaker must have lost his mind. He was usually a bit of a slacker, but never this outrageous—today he was clearly causing trouble on purpose. Luckily, Eugene Young was magnanimous and didn’t take it to heart.

Of course, that was only because of her. After all, he was her own nephew. If it had been anyone else acting so brazenly, Eugene Young would have made sure he didn’t know which way was up.

Boss Yang’s temper was anything but mild.

But just because President Yang let it go didn’t mean Julia Walker could turn a blind eye. The Wang family had its rules.

Besides, if William Walker kept being so reckless and bold, he’d suffer a big loss sooner or later.

Giving him a good lesson was for his own good!

But William Walker simply didn’t give her the chance—he disappeared right after dinner. He must have known he’d caused trouble today and didn’t want to stick around to get scolded.

Julia Walker, fuming, returned to her own company.

Today wasn’t Sunday—the futures company still had to open for business.