By the time he reached the bottom of the page, his hands were shaking.
The people sitting beside him noticed immediately.
They leaned slightly toward him, trying to see what could possibly be written on the paper to make this proud old man turn pale so quickly.
Noticing their movement, the old man quickly crumpled the paper again.
But before he could speak, Grace spoke first.
"Mr. Everworth," she said gently, "earlier you mentioned that the Piao family lacks basic manners."
Her expression was calm.
Almost pleasant.
"One of the most basic forms of manners," she continued, "is that when guests are waiting, we must do our best to entertain them so they do not become bored while we wait for the remaining guests to arrive."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Isn't that right, Mr. Everworth?"
A cold sweat ran down his back.
He could only nod.
"Yes… Madam Piao."
Grace sighed softly.
"Oh dear," she said.
"I just realized something. We have not provided any snacks to keep our guests occupied while we wait. That is terribly inconsiderate of us."
She turned her head slightly.
"Jessie."
Her assistant stepped forward immediately.
Grace leaned over and whispered something into her ear.
Jessie nodded once and left the room.
When she returned, she was carrying a tray stacked with gum.
She walked around the table, placing a piece of gum in front of each person.
One by one.
Everyone received one.
Everyone except Mr. Everworth.