Chapter 760
All the employees at Tanner Group were extremely pleased with how the annual party went that year, for compared to previous years—when the company had been tight with money over annual parties— that year’s event had a huge budget.
Because of that, many employees posted photos of the event on Instagram, and some shared pictures of the banquet they had on social media, making Tanner Group even more popular.
The company was perhaps the only one among its counterparts to turn an annual party into a concert.
During the banquet, Sophie did not talk much but instead sat quietly, enjoying the meal while Victor remained beside her to tend to her needs.
“What do you think about this place, Ms. Sophie?” Victor inquired, worried that she would not feel at ease eating at that place, especially when there were so many people around.
“I think it’s pretty nice. We can do this every year as long as the employees are happy with it.”
Sophie did not mind spending money if that was what everyone enjoyed.
“Sure.”
By the time dinner ended, it was already eight thirty. After that, Victor was bringing the rest of the employees to a karaoke lounge, but Sophie did not join them since she was not a fan of such occasions.
“Are you really not coming with us, Ms. Sophie?” Victor felt it was a shame that Sophie was giving it a pass since everyone was in a good mood that day.
“I’ll pass. I still have other things to do. Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll pay for it, so go and have fun,” Sophie said with a smile.
All she wanted was for everyone to have a great time.
“What are you talking about, Ms. Sophie? It’s just karaoke. I can afford to treat them. Don’t worry about it. Just focus on what you have to do.”
Victor was sure that he could take care of the rest.
“All right, then. I’ll make a move first.”
Under everyone’s gazes, Sophie left with The Wheelers, heading to their condominium with them.
“It’s almost Christmas. I asked Jonathan not to arrange any event so you guys can rest well. You all have worked so hard the entire year. It’s time to take a break.” Unlike robots, humans could get burnt out, so getting enough rest was essential.
“That’s so nice of you, Sophie,” Sunny answered happily right away. Indeed, he had been feeling drained recently and thought he could really use some rest.
“But Ysabelle’s concert is tomorrow, so try to make it if you guys have time,” reminded Sophie.
Given how much Ysabelle adored The Wheelers, she would definitely be elated if they attended her concert.
“Of course. We will surely go to her concert. She’s a good singer.”
All the bandmates had high hopes for Ysabelle.
“By the way, Sophie, how’s your leg? I hope everything is okay now,” Mark asked while everyone was chatting in the living room.
“I’m good. Don’t worry about it. I’ve recovered.”
Sophie’s leg was completely fine at that point.
“Good to know.” It did not matter to him that Sophie could not reciprocate his feelings for her, for all he ever wanted was for Sophie to be safe and sound.
When Tristan arrived that night to pick her up, he entered the residence and greeted everyone.
At present, the five members of The Wheelers had warmed up to Tristan, but they still did not know how to spark a conversation with him, so Tristan simply said hello and left with Sophie.
“I heard the annual party was a success,” said Tristan, who had already received the news from his men. By then, Tanner Group’s annual party had shot to fame on Twitter as one of the trending searches.
Sophie leaned back against the seat with a smile.
“It was not bad. Everyone has worked hard over the year, so I shouldn’t be stingy when it comes to rewarding them, but of course, what I did is still nothing compared to Lombard Group.” There was no way Tanner Group could outdo the largest corporation in Chanaea in that short of a time.
With a hand still holding on to the steering wheel, Tristan reached out to hold Sophie’s hand. “Are you trying to say you want to surpass Lombard Group one day?”
What an ambitious woman!
“Yes. Why? Can’t I do that? Do you doubt me?” Sophie asked, smiling.
“No way. You’re an incredible woman. I’m sure you’ll be able to achieve whatever you set your heart to do.” Here, he smiled and continued, “But I hope you don’t spend too much time on your company. I’d rather you spend time with me.”
One only had a limited amount of time and energy, so if Sophie focused on Tanner Group, she would naturally have less time for Tristan.
“All right,” Sophie agreed obediently.
Outside, the snow fell heavily again as it did many other times that year. It was freezing cold, but with Tristan by her side, Sophie felt warm and secure.
“By the way, Dad invited you over for Christmas. Do you think you can make it?” People like Yale and Charmaine are only concerned about their own interests. They are not genuine toward Sophie, so I suppose there is no point in her spending Christmas with them.
“I don’t think I can. I’m going back to the Tanner residence this time.”
This is the first Christmas after Grandpa passed on. He had always wanted the family to be together during Christmas. I can’t just go elsewhere to celebrate right after he left. I should go home.
Knowing how much she cared about her grandpa, Tristan understood her decision of returning to the Tanner residence for Christmas.
Once Sophie made up her mind, she called the butler, who then informed Charmaine about the arrangement.
“Mrs. Tanner, Ms. Sophie said she would be home for Christmas, so I think we should do some shopping tomorrow for the festival. After all, we haven’t bought anything.”
“Well, she’s not an outsider. There is no need to make such elaborate preparation,” Charmaine replied nonchalantly.
To her, it was only a Christmas meal, so going to great lengths to prepare for it was unnecessary.
However, it just so happened that Yale overheard the conversation when he came downstairs.
He passed a card to the butler, chiming in, “Get whatever is needed for Christmas, Morgan. You don’t have to keep asking her for permission. Ms. Sophie is returning, so ensure you have everything prepared.”
With Tanner Group thriving, Yale received a handsome amount of dividends. In fact, he was starting to wonder if he was really incapable of managing the company.
After all, he could pass the baton to someone else and still receive enough dividends for a comfortable life.
Charmaine could not help but roll her eyes when she saw him behaving that way.
“Yale Tanner, do you really think she will let go of Tanner Group after she marries Tristan?”
“For real, Charmaine? The Tanner family has never mistreated you in any way, so choose for yourself: you can either mind your own business and keep your status as Mrs. Tanner in the family or leave.” Yale’s heart was already elsewhere. He had totally lost interest in Charmaine, who was nothing close to his beautiful, gentle, and romantic mistress.
