Jonathan seemed accustomed to his identity shocking those around him and thus did not bother about their reactions. He calmly walked over, sat on the sofa, and patted the seat, saying: "This is quite comfortable."Then, with a squinting smile, he looked at Roderick, whose face had darkened, saying: "Mr. Johnson, to be honest, you are not simply a businessman, so dealing with you through business tactics can be troublesome. However, it's not that I can't do it.Let me break it down for you. If Minister Lee does not loosen up and strictly investigates your businesses, I fear you'll be penniless within two months at most. It might not even take two months!By then, you'll be out of money, and your followers won't have enough to eat or wear. Why would they risk their lives for you then?Mr. Johnson, it seems I have touched your soft spot!"Roderick's face had never looked so fierce. He hadn't expected that Jonathan could grasp his life-and-death weakness.It's not that he hadn't expected
At this moment, in their Slab residence, Phoebe hung up the phone and looked at Derek with worry: "Derek, your brother, he says he's out of money. Do you think he's on the verge of bankruptcy?"Even though Jonathan's words were gentle, Phoebe somehow understood that he was on the brink of financial ruin!Derek was shocked. Bankrupt? So suddenly?But then he sneered: "Serves him right! He gets that for being so greedy that he'd rather suffer business losses than share a bit with me!""Is this the time to complain? Shouldn't you be reflecting on your actions? Originally, with the five million your brother gave you, plus the million from selling my jade pendant, you wouldn't have to worry about your future. But you insisted on investing all of it in some uncut gemstones, and now you're more than a million in debt. How are you supposed to pay that off?"Phoebe looked at her son, always a source of headache. Their trip to Los Angeles was indeed to attend a wedding, but their relationship w
Just as Jonathan ended the call, Esther arrived. She pulled out a chair, sat down, and smiled at him: "You are a boss, but you seem to have much free time?"Esther's tone was a bit tense but she kept her voice relaxed.Jonathan smirked: "Should I return to work now?""No, I was just joking! I am already happy that you could come here to see me!" said the beautiful Esther, turning to the tea shop owner: "Can I have a glass of iced lemonade, please?""Has all the negative news about you been cleared?" Jonathan asked casually.Esther nodded thoughtfully: " Jerry Group's media has proactively admitted that they fabricated everything. My company's public relations department also contributed, so things are sorted out. However, Jerry Group's media is in the hot seat now, and they probably aren't too pleased about it!"It's a simple rule of karma, and they reap what they sow.Jonathan wouldn't have had to do anything if Jerry Group's media hadn't admitted their mistakes. A simple statement i
"What fate would befall the person who broke my cousin's leg? I'm sure you don't want to know?" Gili was briefly taken aback before responding with a frosty smile.He was unsure of Harold's condition, but anyone who dared lay a finger on his cousin would undoubtedly not find peace.Was the nephew of the King of Hell so easy to bully?Naomi and Esther didn't think Gili was bluffing. Anyone bold enough to harm Roderick's grandchild would inevitably pay a steep price.Jonathan found it all highly amusing but maintained a poker face. He studied Gili with a scrutinizing gaze: "As it turns out, I am acquainted with Harold. His recovery being such a significant event, it would be regrettable to be unaware. But now that I know, shouldn't I pay him a 'visit' to 'congratulate' him?"Jonathan emphasized the words 'visit' and 'congratulated,' but Gili remained oblivious.He expressed a hint of suspicion: "You know my cousin?"If Jonathan did indeed know Harold, that would be inconvenient. Among a
"No, no...I dare not seek revenge, Young Wang. I brought this on myself. All I ask is for your forgiveness." Harold pleaded in a whimpering voice, completely humiliated.Gili, though not submissive, didn't dare utter a word.Even his arrogance was not on par with Harold's."Honestly, I don't particularly care for you, Johnson scions. Each of you, arrogant and reckless, believing Roderick to be some invincible overlord.My mood is excellent today so I won't quarrel with you, Gili. But remember, there will only sometimes be a next time. You better remind your kin, especially since you understand that Roderick's reputation means nothing to me.Well then, since I don't seem welcome, I've lost my interest in staying."With that, Jonathan turned and nodded to Esther.Understanding the gesture, Esther promptly left, followed closely by Jonathan.Naomi swallowed hard, quickly trailing after them."Cousin, this Jonathan... He's too arrogant." Gili fumed only after Jonathan was out of sight: "N
They chatted until lunchtime, after which they all had lunch together.Jonathan was about to return to his room to rest when Derek received a call from Almira. She heard Derek was in Los Angeles and wanted to meet up.As for Derek, he wanted to drag Jonathan along.They climbed into Derek's A8 and drove to the agreed meeting point.“This car wasn't cheap, was it?” Jonathan asked casually while inside the car.“It cost a pretty penny, 2 million dollars. What do you think, bro? Pretty spectacular, isn’t it?” Derek said with a triumphant smile.Jonathan smirked: "Not bad."“Big bro, I bought this car with my own money!" Derek suddenly declared.Jonathan was slightly startled. He didn't believe it and responded: "With the money you earned?"How did Derek earn two million when he left not long ago?"Brother, I've earned this sum of money! Of course, it also involves the five million you gave me. A friend recently introduced me to investing in an overseas gemstone mine. The growth rate is i
Upon reaching the restaurant, the four were escorted into a private room.After a few drinks, Zane started to probe about Derek's business. After some hesitation, Derek discussed the investment in elemental stones.Almira also said: "Zane, why don't you ask your father to invest a little to see? Derek knows where to buy it from, and we could try our luck and see if we strike it rich."Zane began to be tempted but felt something was off, so he replied: "Alright, I'll give it a try.""But you two should act quickly because elemental stone investments have a quota. This month, there are just over 30 million left. Once that's depleted, you'd have to wait until next month."To prompt the other two to make a quick decision, Derek continued with his made-up story."I understand! But Jonathan, I rarely hear about you. How much have you invested in this?"Zane was more careful than Almira. If investing in elemental stones was such a profitable venture, there was no reason for Derek not to guid
Yet today, he is generously offering a meal worth thousands of dollars. If the wine was slightly better, it might cost over ten thousand dollars.Has his personality changed after all these years?They walked into a private room.About thirty square meters, the room had a comfortable couch next to the dining table. A high-priced LCD TV hung on the wall.This decor indeed suggested a medium-tier room.The booking fee must have been a few hundred dollars.Indeed, a lavish setting indeed!"Now that you're here in Los Angeles enjoy yourself! Come on, Derek, sit down. You know what they say, girls turn into different people at eighteen. Derek is eighteen and has changed a lot, too. He's quite handsome!"A middle-aged woman, quite plump and pleasant, who happened to be Walter's wife, stood up and greeted them with a warm smile.Almira and Zane were also present, greeting the guests as they arrived."Hello, Derek! You're my cousin!"Almost everyone surrounded Derek.Jonathan, on the other ha