If a restaurant experiences a fatal incident involving food consumption, the impact on its business is immeasurable.
The news spread rapidly—from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred—with hundreds of people being sent to the hospital at the same time.
Bella Vista's reputation in Riverforge was absolutely ruined.
In the short term, no more customers would dine at Bella Vista, and even if Vincent Moretti spent money on public relations, the effect wouldn't be very good.
Bella Vista was Vincent Moretti's most popular restaurant in Riverforge. Once this one was finished, the others would be easier to deal with.
Originally, Jeff didn't intend to use such underhanded methods; he wanted to use legitimate means to get rid of Vincent Moretti.
For example, he could invite famous singers to perform at the restaurant every day and hire top chefs to cook.
He could afford to burn that money—even if he didn't make any profit, he could still ruin Vincent Moretti.
But since Vincent Moretti acted like a jerk first, Jeff couldn't be blamed for it.
At this moment, Jeff had undoubtedly become the number one person in Riverforge's catering industry.
Afterward, Jeff found several celebrities and jointly opened several upscale lounges and entertainment venues in Riverforge, squeezing out the entertainment tycoon who wanted to cut off his livelihood from the stage of Riverforge's nightlife.
Soon, half a month passed.
Sterling Heights Villa, Harper Family Banquet.
While eating, Susan said, "Have you heard? The owner of Apex Lounge ran away last night! Vincent Moretti's Bella Vista restaurant is also going to be transferred. It's unbelievable. Just half a month ago, they were all prominent figures in Riverforge, and now they're in such a sorry state."
Jessica took a sip of soup: "They must have offended someone, otherwise why would so many new restaurants and lounges suddenly appear in the last two weeks?"
Michael put down his fork and snorted coldly: "Vincent Moretti borrowed money from me just a couple of days ago, saying that he was being retaliated against by Jeff, and that he did this to help our Harper family. It's really despicable. Jeff is just a bodyguard—how could he have such great power to retaliate against him?"
Robert nodded and said, "Brother is right. If Jeff really wants revenge, he should take it out on our Harper family first. I think Vincent Moretti just wants to borrow money and is saying this on purpose."
Old Madam Harper frowned and remained silent. She was also thinking about whether the guy who had stirred up a storm in Riverforge could be Jeff.
However, after thinking about it for a long time, she still had no answer.
Old Madam Harper looked at Emily, who was lost in thought, and asked, "Emily, what are you thinking about?"
Emily continued to drink her soup in a daze until Susan nudged her with her elbow, bringing her back to her senses.
Jessica chuckled and said, "Sister must be thinking about Ryan's marriage proposal, right? In the past two weeks, Ryan has proposed to you nine times, and you haven't said yes to any of them."
In the past two weeks, Jeff had been conquering the business district of Riverforge, eliminating those who tried to cut off his path to survival at the Harper family's birthday banquet.
At the same time, Ryan kept proposing to Emily.
After proposing once at Skyhaven, he proposed again in various places such as upscale steakhouses, rooftop lounges, and private clubs.
Each time, he prepared gifts worth at least one million dollars.
Old Madam Harper said, "That Ryan is a good boy. He comes from a good family and loves you so much. Ryan's father also called me and said that you have been refusing to agree, which has made the Caldwell family lose face."
The Caldwell family was, after all, a family a level above the Harpers. Even if Emily was the most beautiful woman in Riverforge, she was still a divorced woman.
They disliked Emily's aloof attitude.
Emily nodded and said, "I will say yes when the God of Song proposes for the tenth time at his concert tomorrow."
Old Madam Harper smiled and said, "Haha, great! Our Harper family is going to have another happy occasion! Come on, let's have a drink in advance and wish Emily a happy marriage!"
Everyone poured wine into their glasses, and even Michael, who had always been at odds with Emily, stood up to offer his blessings:
"Emily, Ryan is much more promising than Jeff. After you become a Caldwell daughter-in-law, if there are any benefits in business, you should think of us too."
Susan answered for her daughter: "Of course, of course. We're all family, right, Robert?"
Susan smiled broadly and playfully punched Robert.
However, Robert, Emily's father, didn't smile much. His daughter's marriage seemed to have nothing to do with him.
Robert reluctantly picked up his wine glass and said indifferently, "He's much better than that good-for-nothing Jeff, at least on the surface."
Everyone raised their glasses to toast Emily.
Only Brandon suddenly stood up and said, "Um, my stomach hurts a little—you guys drink first."
"This child…" Old Madam Harper shook her head.
Brandon's injuries had almost healed, but she always felt that Brandon was different from before, especially when they talked about topics related to Emily and Jeff.
Brandon went to the restroom, but instead of using the toilet, he made a phone call.
He was calling Jeff!
Ever since he learned of Jeff's strength in the underground parking lot, and that even Liu Zhengkun knelt before Jeff, Brandon knew that even if Jeff wasn't the chairman of Horizon Group, he was still another terrifying big shot!
Therefore, Brandon betrayed the family, wanting to improve his relationship with Jeff.
"Hello." Jeff answered the phone.
Brandon said, "Brother Jeff, at the family dinner just now, Emily said that she will accept Ryan's marriage proposal at the God of Song's concert tomorrow! Should I incite Grandma to stop Emily from agreeing?"
Brandon knew that Jeff still had feelings for Emily. After all, he had given three years of his life and still hadn't gotten what he wanted. Anyone would be resentful.
If Jeff wanted to stop Emily and Ryan from getting married, Brandon could help.
Jeff was silent for a moment, then replied, "Don't stop her! Just let her agree!"
Brandon said, "Brother Jeff, why did you let that kid Ryan get away with it? With your strength, you could have killed him in a minute! We both offended you, and you beat me up so badly, but if you don't beat him up, I won't feel right!"
Jeff laughed and said, "Don't worry, Ryan's fate will be much worse than yours."
Jeff certainly wanted revenge, but his revenge was not as simple as breaking someone's leg.
Ryan and Emily inflicted psychological damage on Jeff, and Jeff would return the favor by inflicting psychological damage on them as well!
Jeff's plan was to make Emily marry Ryan first, and then make her regret it!
This was the cruelest revenge!
Brandon said, "Brother Jeff, don't worry—I'm keeping an eye on Emily. I've also told her that I lied to her and said that Grandma doesn't want her to live with Ryan out of wedlock. These days, Emily goes home and sleeps alone. She goes to public places during the day and doesn't do anything."
Jeff was silent for a moment, then said, "Whatever they did has nothing to do with me."
Brandon laughed and said, "We're all men, I understand. Even if you say you don't care, you probably hope that nothing happens between them."
Jeff chuckled, "Brandon, I didn't expect you to be speaking with such philosophical insight. You've made progress."
Brandon said, "My next sentence is even more philosophical!"
Jeff sneered. "Oh? So confident? Go ahead and tell me."
Brandon: "Marry my sister! She's absolutely perfect as a wife! Grandma says big hips mean you'll have a son!"
Jeff huffed, "Get lost!"