Michael's action caused the onlookers to widen their eyes in astonishment.

"What's going on here? Isn't Mr. Sullivan here tosupport Zabel Group? Why did he give the pennant to Robert instead?" someone exclaimed inwardly.

No one could have anticipated the unexpected turn of events.

Kendrick's outstretched hand seemed frozen, neither moving forward nor retracting.

Lionel cast a look of surprise at Robert.

As the second boss of Navarre Municipal Hall, Lionel naturally paid attention to the new head of Zabinski Group, but Lionel's impression of Robert was not great.

Previously, Robert started a free healthcare initiative at Cheshire Hall, which gained some attention, and later had a conflict with a celebrity, accumulating a significant amount of popularity.

However, Lionel had heard about the later incidents, as the fire at the mall and the scandal of Kobert with his assistant caused quite a stir. The incident of Robert assaulting his assistant's boyfriend also reached Lionel's ears.

In Lionel's eyes, the head of Zabinski Group was like most scions nurtured by their respective families. While Robert possessed some tactics, he lacked anything truly impressive.

Ignoring the puzzled gaze of everyone present, Robert, in response to the pennant handed over by Michael, bowed and accepted it with both hands. "I've only done what I should have done. I truly cannot bear the weight of these ten words from you, Mr. Sullivan," he said.

"What did you say?" Michael feigned anannoyed expression. "Are you suggesting that I should take it back? Accept it quickly."

Robert did not refuse it. "Then I shall accept it gratefully."

Seeing Robert accept the pennant, Michael laughed heartily and stepped forward to put his arm around Robert's shoulders.

Instantly, numerous flashes lit up again. Journalists captured the scene of Robert holding the pennant while standing beside Michael.

Upon recognizing Michael, everyone assumed he had come to support Kendrick. Even Kendrick himself was prepared to have extensive media coverage of the event after learning about Michael's attendance a long time ago.

Yet, as of then, things were progressing beyond Kendrick's expectations.

"How can Robert be acquainted with Michael?Why would Michael give a pennant to Robert? What exactly has Robert done? Why am I clueless about it?" One question after another emerged in Kendrick's mind. "I've planted spies within Zabinski Group but never received any information about Robert contacting Michael. Even the people from Zabinski Group have not been to Xandenia recently. What on earth is going on?"

Kendrick vaguely sensed a large net closing toward him in the dark.

At that moment, it was 11:48 p. m.

The scheduled starting time for the ceremony had arrived, but no one was in the banquet hall.

The gazes of the surrounding people became complicated when they realized Michael's pennant was meant for Zabinski Group, not the Zabel Group. They wanted to know what was being hidden.

Those who had initially sided with Zabel Group and had been confident now felt slightly anxious.

Naomi's nervous expression relaxed a lot. "Robert, you really have done many thingssecretly,"she remarked while standing among the crowd.

Lena clutched Spencer's arm."This can't be! How could Michael give the pennant to Robert? What has Robert done? How is he deserving of the pennant?" she exclaimed.

Spencer also frowned.

The initially clear situation became extremely ambiguous in an instant due to a single move by Michael.

Different thoughts flashed through the minds of everyone present, and they were already considering their next course of action.

Kendrick awkwardly retracted his hand and stood aside and his thoughts turbulent.

He kept pondering as to where the problem had arisen.