As time slipped by, half of June had already passed. April had arrived. Jonathan stood atop the Seven Wonders Corporation building, his hands clasped behind him as he broodingly gazed at the landscape outside the floor-to-ceiling window. Saint and Drake stood behind him, their expressions unusually solemn. According to Augustus's timeline, today would be the day he heads south. It seemed that a storm was brewing. Knock, knock! Christopher walked in from the outside hallway, reporting: "There's no movement in New York for now, but Augustus seems to have vanished. He might have already arrived in our province." From January to April, Top-Sky House had been in a welcoming stance. It seemed ostentatious. Augustus's forces had not yet made any moves, but they had already heightened their precautions. Because they were facing Augustus! Even Jonathan had to be extremely cautious. Ten years ago, he had managed to imprison the southern kingpin, Wolfgang, at the height of his power,
Shanley was primarily based inland, not possessing widespread fame, yet those aware of Shanley dared not underestimate them. Shanley differed from other organizations - they had industries capable of sustaining themselves through their reaped profits. However, Shanley did not dominate any territory or engage in any business. Augustus funded their substantial expenses. Their mission was to seek and nurture experts for Augustus' employ! Though it was said that Shanley still lacked the most formidable expert to date, they did have seven or eight individuals whose abilities rivaled Nolan's. Even their middle-ranked individuals were not to be trifled with. In simple terms, Shanley could be likened to the three departments within Top-Sky House, yet as a whole, their abilities outshone those of Top-Sky House by a margin! This was the concern that troubled Jonathan the most. If war were to break out, Adonis would not even need to step in. Shanley alone could pose a severe challenge for
Leaving the Orchid Pavilion Building, Jonathan rushed to Top-Sky House's private hospital. Almost the entire fifth-floor corridor was packed with the top-ranking individuals of Top-Sky House. "Hello." "Hello." Although they all nodded their heads in greeting Jonathan, most of them were looking at him with eyes full of distrust. If he hadn't gone to meet Augustus, he could have arrived as soon as he heard Saint was ambushed. Saint wouldn't have been severely injured. Jonathan didn't care about others. He quickly strode to the opposite side of the operation room, anxiously asking Christopher: "What's the situation?" "Luckily, Drake was nearby and promptly intervened, forcing Lancelot and Bernie to retreat. Otherwise, tonight, Saint would have been a goner!" "But Saint has been severely injured, stabbed three times in the chest and back, and took a punch from Lancelot in the stomach. He's in a critical condition!" Christopher answered swiftly, his face serious. The real issue in
A storm was brewing. That was an apt description of Top-Sky House's current situation. Even Jonathan did not anticipate that after just three peaceful days, there would be another move; all of Top-Sky House's entertainment businesses were scrutinized, and any slight violations led to an immediate one-month closure. In just three nights, half of the clubs in the Southwest had been shut down. A rigorous inspection followed. Let's say that since the first day of the month, Top-Sky House has been bleeding tens of millions every night. The second move from Augustus came swiftly, too quick for anyone to react. In the conference room on the top floor of Seven Wonders Corporation. Jonathan sat at the head of the table, with all the significant figures of Top-Sky House present, save for the recuperating Saint. The room was somber. Everyone was silent, lost in their thoughts. Zachary, previously thinking they could do no right, now realized that even doing nothing was wrong! His mind
"But this isn't a game, Mr. Lord God, if you lose, I fear the Heavenly Emperor Corporation will collapse." Jonathan retorted, narrowing his eyes. To control dozens of companies in the Southwest, the Heavenly Emperor Corporation had shouldered a debt of hundreds of billions. If the commercial war with Seven Wonders Corporation continues, the debt will only increase! If they don't defeat Seven Wonders Corporation, the Heavenly Emperor Corporation will face the possibility of collapse and dissolution. By that time, Adonis in New York would gradually weaken, even face dispersion. In this aspect, Adonis and Top-Sky House were completely different, and the situation would be dire. Augustus did not deny it, only pursed his lips and nodded: "That's the truth. But do you think I will lose?" Jonathan replied: "Hard to tell. In the context of the Southwest, you still have the backing of key officials from the New York government, making you almost invincible." "But once you get to New Yor
In the evening. Jonathan covertly made his way to the underground boxing ring beneath the Rain casino. Upon arrival, Nolan had ordered for Donald and Harvey to be brought out. A month after the ring fight, Jonathan had kept them here for recovery. "Young Wang, do you intend to keep us in the Southwest for the rest of our lives?" Donald asked coldly upon seeing Jonathan. Jonathan settled down on the long bench, smiled and replied: "To the victor go the spoils, losers receive punishment. You are with Roderick's faction and lost the fight, I could kill you and it wouldn't matter. What's wrong with holding you captive?" "Then kill us! If we die, your greatest enemy won't be just the underworld king Augustus, but our guild as well! Young Wang, you better consider this carefully!" Harvey retorted. These were not empty threats. Both of them held significant positions in the guild. If Jonathan were to kill them, he would ignite an irreconcilable feud with the guild of the three Northea
That evening, Jonathan, as promised, made his appearance at the Jade Light teahouse in the city center. At that moment, Esther, dressed in a black silk outfit and sporting a pair of sunglasses, was seated within the teahouse. "Why did you suddenly remember to call me?" Jonathan approached, smiling and asked, while instructing the waitstaff: "I’ll have a cup of cooling tea, please." “I heard that the Heavenly Emperor Group from New York has arrived here, and there's intense competition with your Seven Wonders Group. You must be quite busy these days?”, Esther probed. These days, two news items were creating a buzz in the Southwest. Firstly, Esther's 'Big City' had just aired and become famous, turning into the most successful show of the year. More than a decade later, the name Esther is again a household name. One could say her comeback was immensely successful. The second piece of news was that the Heavenly Emperor Group had entered the Southwest, facing off against the Seve
"Sir, I understand that this is the most peaceful and lenient solution you can provide. But you also understand, without the Economic Department as a backing, I would be of no use to Augustus. Whether I serve him or not would become meaningless." "I, I cannot accept!!" Without his Economic Division, Isaac was merely a useless old man. Why should Augustus treat him with such regard and grant him such wealth? It was clear to everyone that the Economic Division was Isaac's backbone when he pledged allegiance to Augustus. Handing over the Economic Division was tantamount to handing over Isaac's power. The atmosphere in the grand hall became indescribable. Jonathan stared at Isaac with dark eyes: "If you're reluctant to hand it over, you must pay the price. I can forgive your decision as an individual. But as the head of Top-Sky House, your choice is unforgivable. Do you understand?" "I do!" Of course, Isaac understood. Even though he knew his persistence meant stepping onto a path