Jason's bewilderment gave way to dawning comprehension as he recognized the rotund man as the very loan shark who had been extorting Grace Diaz moments earlier. A closer look at the "victim" writhing on the ground confirmed his suspicion—another of the man's lackeys.The pieces fell into place. This was an elaborate setup, a desperate attempt to fleece someone they perceived as wealthy. The depths of human greed never ceased to amaze.Was this the price of appearing affluent?Jason's anger gave way to a sardonic smile. His gaze locked onto the corpulent ringleader as he spoke, his voice dripping with icy contempt. "Was the usurious interest not enough to sate your greed? Or does your contract include a clause for shameless avarice?"The man flinched under Jason's piercing stare but quickly regained his bravado. "Good people!" he cried out to the crowd. "Witness this travesty! He strikes down an innocent man and then has the gall to threaten me! Where is the justice in this world?""My

The elderly woman appeared pleased with this response. She proclaimed imperiously, "You seem like a decent sort. Go to the Brown family residence and mention my name. They'll cover your fare - double the usual rate, in fact. Off you go."With that, she alighted from the taxi without further ado."What?" The driver was dumbfounded. Was this really happening? He stammered nervously, "Um, would it be possible for you to pay now? I run a small business, you see. We don't offer credit, even for the Brown family. Surely they wouldn't mind..."But before he could finish, the elderly woman fixed him with a withering glare and launched into a tirade. "When I tell you to go, you go! I'm offering you double the fare, and you're refusing? No wonder you'll remain impoverished your entire life. You lack both discernment and ambition, you good-for-nothing! If you don't go, you won't see a single penny."With that, she turned on her heel and strode into the gated community.The driver was left slack-

"Let's hear it then!" Jason inquired, his curiosity evident.Sean hastened to reply, "According to them, Lotus Thirteen recently obtained a lead regarding the jade pendant. Apparently, tomorrow at the Emerald City Auction House, the final lot - the pièce de résistance - is none other than a jade pendant. It's being touted as a Mystical Object!""Lotus Thirteen has already made preparations to acquire the jade pendant. The intel seems highly credible!""Is that so?" Jason's brow furrowed in contemplation.To be frank, this wasn't exactly good news. While they now had a lead, the pendant's appearance at an auction would inevitably draw attention to it, making it far more difficult to acquire it at a bargain price.It was akin to stumbling upon a rare find at an antique market; once recognized, it would become a prize for the highest bidder.Inevitably, there would always be those with a discerning eye."Mr. Lawrence has just had it verified. The information is accurate. Shall we join th

Ever since Old Mrs. Martinez's arrival, the household had been in disarray. Rumor had it she planned to stay indefinitely, which was even more vexing.Sending her away would be unfilial!Yet allowing her to stay meant enduring her constant derision of Jason, harassment of Susan, and berating of James Brown, leaving the house in perpetual chaos.As Jason pondered this dilemma, he received an unexpected text message: "I have the pendant. If you want it back, come to Room 306 at the last hotel on Seaside Road. I'll be waiting!""Hmm?" Jason was taken aback. A hotel? Who sent this message? Had they picked up the jade pendant?Something about the text seemed off."Could it be... a trap?"Jason frowned, forwarding the address to Lawrence and his team, instructing them to investigate cautiously on his behalf.If the jade pendant was indeed there, they were to retrieve it!Just then, a man in sunglasses noticed him and approached with a retinue of bodyguards. Looking down his nose at Jason, h

Lotus Thirteen also scoffed, "No money, yet daring to pose as a big spender. Know your place. Did you think this was child's play where you could speak frivolously?"Henry Murphy raised an eyebrow in surprise, a look of intrigue crossing his face. He sensed a whiff of gunpowder in the air.But Julia Stewart of the Stewart family came to Jason's defense: "Why does this sound like a pack of dogs yapping incessantly? I, on behalf of the Stewart family, will underwrite all of Mr. Gray's bids today. Whatever Mr. Gray fancies, he may purchase.""Does anyone have any objections?"The Stewart family heiress's declaration instantly silenced many. With someone backing the bids, what more could be said?The Stewart family indeed possessed such influence and wealth!James Brown and Emily, however, wore peculiar expressions. What connection did Jason have with the Stewart family to warrant such generosity?Jason could finally breathe easier. He shook his head with a wry smile, not anticipating suc