Amid Edward's stunned incredulity, even Billy Sanchez stepped forth, his tone solemn. "Mr. Reed, discretion is the wiser course. Let us not mar this auspicious occasion with unbecoming scenes. Jason is one of my own in Emerald City - I shall not permit your unrestrained transgressions." The Sanchez family too, aiding Jason? Four noble houses now!If the assembled elite felt shaken, even Matt and Henry Murphy could scarcely mask their stupefied disbelief. What unfathomable undercurrents had set this unthinkable alliance in motion? Four paramount dynasties arrayed as one - a development demanding their utmost consideration. Had the world turned mad? Susan and Emily exchanged bewildered glances. Never could they have anticipated such an influx of stalwart defenders. Were they swayed by Edward's excesses or compelled to honor the Cooks' allegiance? Little did they grasp that the true catalyst was Jason himself - a feat the Cooks alone could never have orchestrated.Even Edward found hi

It represented her absolute ceiling, yet paled in stark comparison to the Butler and Wright offers. She harbored no delusions of success - Emily was no prodigy of commerce.Even Susan shook her head, equally convinced such a bid would swiftly be obliterated beneath the avalanche of wealthier competitors. Yet Jason's smile deepened with mysterious significance as the auctioneer's gavel abruptly fell, Jack's resounding declaration shattering the pandemonium."The Cook family bid is accepted!""Wh...what?"An eerie, tomblike silence descended upon the stunned hall as hundreds of voices found themselves rendered mute, eyes glazing with stupefied disbelief.Emily herself could only gape, utterly dumbstruck. Had...had a miracle truly transpired?'Twelve billion dollars?' Not only the crowd, but Emily herself was dumbstruck, her visage etched with disbelief. Had it truly transpired? Was this not a mere phantasm of the mind? That such a paltry sum could secure triumph seemed implausible. S

Yet Jason's tone remained glacial and unyielding. "These are the wishes of Loyalty Group's chairman - to extend our partnership with the Brown Group."Jack, too, ascended the dais, his words resonating with finality. "The chairman's decree is our edict. Any who cannot accept this reality must await the next opportunity. But those unwise enough to instigate unrest shall forever forfeit any future considerations."They were Loyalty Group, no mere provincial upstart - their ambitions answered to no external authority. If the paramount houses failed to secure the initial portions, whose failing was that? Not even the formidable Turners could cow them through empty bravado. Indeed, neither Turners nor Reeds dared jeopardize their coveted Loyalty prospects through reckless belligerence. Though resentful over their failure to claim the proverbial cake, outright hostility remained an intolerable risk. To have such tantalizing riches dangle before their eyes, only to witness them snatche

It was a revelation that dawned upon Jason as well. He had always perceived Old Stewart as a mere commoner, never considering a loftier possibility. Truly, an unforeseen contingency."Your will, Old Mr. Stewart?" Leonard Reed's head prickled with dread as he adopted a simpering, conciliatory tone – a stark contrast that left the witnesses aghast. Was this truly Leonard Reed? Even his own son Edward wore an expression of utter disbelief, as one beholding a haunting specter.Yet Old Stewart's brow furrowed in disdain as he scoffed, "The matter extends beyond my desires. It falls upon my young friend here to determine your penance. You, a boor whose actions imperil your entire Reed legacy!" Turning to Jason, he smiled. "Mr. Gray, you have my full support. Mete out whatever judgement you deem fit. This wayward whelp cannot be shown lenience – vent your ire without restraint."Jason's rueful smile preceded a solemn shake of his head as he addressed Edward Reed, "Did I not caution agains

"Ahem...Greetings, Niece Julia. No need for formalities," Jason replied with studied nonchalance."Niece...?" The three women froze in stunned bemusement, Susan barely stifling a peal of laughter. What manner of salutation was this to a young maiden? Yet upon reflection, perhaps it rang true.He and Old Stewart were indeed friends transcending age.Even Julia blinked in surprise before surrendering to an amused chuckle. With an understanding glance towards the other two, she expressed a willingness to converse another time.A gracious soul, equally adept at putting others at ease.Concurrently, upon a sickbed, Edward Reed's wan countenance contorted as he struggled to pry open his eyes, his expression one of bewildered disorientation. "I was...struck senseless by my own father?"As the thought coalesced, an unsettling prickle ran down his spine – the uncanny sense of being watched. Turning his head, he started in shock."Father...?"Looming before him stood an imposing figure, eyes