Lucas was telling the truth.

Given his current status and identity, no one could force him to greet them if he didn’t want to, not even his father, Michael, let alone Felix.

Frankly speaking, Cheyenne hadn’t even acknowledged the Howards yet, so it was ridiculous for him to be so eager to put on airs like elders in front of Lucas.

“Lucas Gray! What nonsense are you saying? How dare you disrespect the helmsman?!” Florence hollered at Lucas in shock.

Lucas glanced at Florence and said coldly, “I’m not a Howard. You have no right to order me around.”

“Did you forget what I’ve said before? The Howards and I are only in a cooperative relationship. Don’t try to control me. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude!”

The expression on Florence’s face instantly froze.

Indeed, when she struck a deal with Lucas in Orange County, she had said that they were only in a cooperative relationship and that the Howards wouldn’t control him or force him to do anything.

But Felix, who was used to controlling everyone in the family, clearly didn’t think this way.

In his opinion, Lucas was a Howard since he was married to Cheyenne. As such, he should be respectful to him and even obey him.

Now that Lucas was being so cold and showing him no respect, Felix obviously felt embarrassed in front of the guests.

Seeing Felix frown, Samuel frantically seized the opportunity to say, “Father, this punk is really arrogant. He didn’t come here to celebrate your birthday sincerely, and he’s even creating trouble. I think we’d better kill him as soon as possible!”

He now utterly detested Lucas. If Lucas hadn’t appeared, how could he have been removed from his position as successor?

Seeing this situation, Ezra lowered his head in joy. Great. Hopefully, these people continue creating trouble! The more, the better!

Samuel had just lost his position as successor. The more he blew things up, the more likely it would be for him to provoke his grandfather. In that case, Ezra’s chances would be greater.

There were very few among the Howards who could qualify as the successor. Apart from Samuel, his grandson was the most outstanding.

In addition, although Florence had always coveted the position of helmsman and she was rather competent as well, she was still a woman, and it was almost impossible for Felix to pass on his position to her.

Once Samuel died or angered his grandfather, Ezra would eventually become the helmsman!

The thought of it made him extremely excited. He just hoped that their conflict would intensify.

The guests had all heard their conversation just now.

“That young man is way too arrogant. He’s facing the helmsman of the Howards!”

“Yeah! Not to mention that the Howards’ helmsman is an esteemed figure and should receive our respect, that young man is his grandson-in-law. He really doesn’t know any better!”

“Mr. Howard just asked him to greet him. Isn’t that expected of a junior? Yet he said that Mr. Howard doesn’t have the qualifications to make him do that. How arrogant!”

“I heard that this young man is the overlord of California and Oregon! Those two states can’t compare to DC. Young men are indeed ignorant and arrogant because they’re too young!”

“It seems that it’s time for society to teach him a hard lesson!”

Most of the guests were naturally on the Howards’ side. Thus, they were more or less blaming Lucas.

But Lucas didn’t even take the Howards seriously, so of course he didn’t take to heart the words of these people who were just trying to curry favor with the Howards.

Felix stared at Lucas for a long time, seemingly thinking about how he should deal with him.

After a long time, he suddenly said, “Forget it. You might be my grandson-in-law, but this is our first meeting after all. It’s normal for us to be distant. I won’t force you to do anything.

“But it’s my seven-fifth birthday today. Since you’re already here, why don’t you stay for the celebration?”

Felix’s attitude suddenly became much mellower, and he even took a step back.

His actions immediately shocked many people familiar with his character.

Even Lucas was surprised.

Everything Lucas knew about Felix was basically what Florence had told him.

According to Florence’s description, Felix should be an extremely ruthless person who only cared about interests and had no regard for kinship. It was almost impossible for him to give in to his juniors.

But after being slightly surprised, Lucas calmed down.

Although he didn’t have any personal feelings for the Howards, Felix was Cheyenne’s grandfather. As long as Felix stopped acting arrogant and trying to control him, Lucas would give him due respect.

As for whether Felix still had some other hidden intentions or not, he would play by ear.

Anyway, Lucas wasn’t afraid regardless of what moves he would make.

“Since you’ve invited me, it would be disrespectful of me to decline.” Lucas agreed with a smile and turned around to sit down on an empty seat.

The crowd was confused by this scene.

Did these two who were at odds suddenly make peace?

The change in the dynamic of their relationship happened too quickly.

But since Felix already said so, the rest didn’t dare to say anything else and returned to their seats.

It was as if nothing had happened at all, and the usual liveliness returned.

But at this moment, Felix suddenly instructed Florence, “Florence, immediately arrange for someone to go to Orange County to bring back Cheyenne Howard, my granddaughter whom I’ve never met! I want to see her!”

When Lucas heard his instructions, his face instantly darkened.

Cheyenne was his Achilles’ heel. No one was allowed to touch her!