Sherwin inhaled deeply, feeling like he'd never been pushed into such a difficult position before. After a few moments of consideration, he picked up the contract. Shortly after, the food was served, but no one showed any interest in eating; all attention was focused on the contract. "The content poses no issues, but there are two points I'd like to question. Firstly, the penalty fee for the contract in the billions is rather high, but considering the spirit of collaboration, it's reasonable." "Secondly, I personally feel the need to add a clause. That is, Heavenly Emperor should not sign any stock exchange contracts with any entertainment company for the next five years." Jonathan squinted, realizing he couldn't easily deceive this man. Augustus and Bernie both nodded. They didn't see Sherwin as being unreasonable for adding a clause but rather thought it was perfectly sensible. After all, the two sides were exchanging stocks of equal value. Given Heavenly Emperor's current sit
Bellamy knew this, hence his audacity. Luckily, Bellamy's intentions were not realized. Sure, he would harbor a grudge against Jonathan, but that didn't concern him. Now he was not the newbie in Crimson Ridge anymore, and Bellamy held no sway over him. "I never thought Bellamy would be such a person!" Carnelian gritted her teeth, full of resentment. Jonathan glanced at her and smirked. In reality, he felt some sympathy for Bellamy. Yes, he had been utterly reckless in this affair, but it was because of his deep love for Carnelian. While his actions were appalling, one could somewhat understand his motives. That, of course, doesn't mean that what Bellamy did was right! His behavior was absolutely unbecoming of a man. "What are you going to do about him?" Jonathan was genuinely curious. Carnelian hesitated for a moment, then shook her head with a complex expression: "I don't know, if I tell my grandfather about this, he will definitely not let Bellamy off, he'll certainly take
Receiving the answer, Jonathan felt an immense heartache. Such was the plight of an orphaned child. In his childhood, his foster mother always favored Derek, but Jonathan never voiced his concerns, nor felt as disappointed as he did today. He gritted his teeth for a long time before saying: "Mother, regardless of the reasons, you raised me, and I owe you my gratitude." "But honestly, all these years, I don't know how… to get close to you." "I am your adopted son, not your enemy. Why can't you treat me a little fairly?" After pouring out his heart, Jonathan steadied his breathing and coldly said: "Mother, let's do this, I will give you a sum of money. You name your price, any amount." "In the future, I will still call you mother and visit you, but..." "But you cannot ask me to do anything anymore, nor hold me responsible for your upkeep, agreed?" Had he not been so desperate with his foster mother, Jonathan would never have uttered such heart-wrenching words. Though he didn't
The future of the Wang family cannot be entrusted to someone ordinary. In essence, Jonathan's identity was completely exposed at this point. But the scene of grandfather and grandson recognizing each other was not touching at all. Both of them were calm, not showing any emotional excitement. Indeed, one was a political powerhouse and the other a young man who had tasted life's bitterness and sweetness. They were not people who lived by their emotions. Jonathan was taken aback that he had all this. It meant that if he was willing, he could now replace Michael's position in the Wang family. In the future, Brian would start paving the way for him. Within less than 20 years, Jonathan would become a powerful figure in the country. Top-Sky House, Adonis, or any trade unions, those forces would be as insignificant as ants to him. But was this what he wanted? "I don't need everything from the Wang family. Mr. Wang, I only want the truth! The truth about the tragic death of my father
Jonathan only managed to drift off to sleep around six in the morning. He hadn't had much rest when he was awakened by a knock on the door. "What's going on?" With a lit cigarette dangling from his mouth, Jonathan rose from his bed and glanced around his room, littered with cigarette butts. "Jonathan, there are many official cars outside the mansion! Are they here for you?" The disquiet in Daisy's voice echoed from outside, intensifying the tension. The mansion they resided in was secluded, and the multitude of cars parked directly outside their gate was alarming. They were most likely there for Jonathan. But the question that loomed was – who of such high stature was seeking him out? Frowning, Jonathan instantly rose and peered out of the window. Eight black official cars were parked outside, their front and rear guarded by an array of security personnel. The sight immediately brought Brian to his mind. Today was Derek and Carnelian's wedding day. What were all these cars d
The second option Brian offered him was to completely forget his identity and resentment, to depart Crimson Ridge and live a normal life. If not, he had no choice but to return to being the fifth Young Master of the Wang family! But there are some things, once known, one can't pretend to be ignorant of. Jonathan remained silent, but he had made his decision in his heart. He couldn't leave Crimson Ridge calmly. Brian smiled knowingly, saying: "I knew you wouldn't go. If that's the case, then be assured and return to being the fifth Young Master of the Wang family. You don't want to join the military, don't want to work in the government, you don't even have to call me grandfather. I'll arrange a different path for you." "The groom's attire is prepared for you. Get ready a bit and then go to the wedding." Suddenly, Jonathan's eyes turned gloomy. He was supposed to marry Carnelian? "Grandfather Wang, at most I can accept the identity of the fifth Young Master of the Wang family.
Carnelian looked at him suspiciously and asked: "Why is it you?" "As you can see, I am indeed the true fifth Young Master of the Wang family, while Derek is an impostor!" There was no longer any need for pretense at this point. "When you came to Crimson Ridge, did you already know your true identity?" As Michael had announced this on behalf of the Wang family during the wedding, Carnelian had no doubts and proceeded to ask the next question. "I knew." Jonathan responded indifferently. Carnelian suddenly laughed out, angrily remarking: "That means while you were at Orchid Cosmetics, you knew I was your fiancée, yet you kept silent! Even when I was about to marry Derek, you had no intention of revealing the truth!" "Jonathan, I must say, I am impressed by you!" Even if they had no feelings for each other, Carnelian was still officially his fiancée. Yet, he acted as though he was indifferent. Previously, they had many opportunities to be together, but Jonathan never told the tru
Daisy curiously opened the document, her expression turning to astonishment upon a mere glimpse of the first page. "Is this... the deed transfer contract for this estate?" Could it be... Was Jonathan intending to gift her this mansion? "This place originally belonged to you, connected to your childhood memories. I once said, if I wasn't short of money, I wouldn't sell it. Now, I'm certain I won't be penniless in this lifetime, and even if I were, selling this place wouldn't make much difference." "Consider this estate a gift from me." Jonathan spoke with a sincere smile. "I... I can't accept this." Daisy hesitated for a moment before firmly declining. Indeed, this place used to be her home, but that was a long time ago. Moreover, the current worth of this estate exceeded a hundred million! And yet, Jonathan intended to gift it to her! How could she possibly repay such kindness? Jonathan calmly replied: "Why worry so much? If I'm offering it, you should accept! And if you d
At the Moonlight company's neighboring cafe. Jonathan and Juliette sat secluded in a dim corner. Juliette, shedding her pretense, took a sip of coffee before saying: "I've arranged to dine with Feagan tonight. What's our next move?" "How do you find Feagan?" Jonathan inquired earnestly. "Handsome, even more than you. And oozing charisma! If I were Adela, I'd choose him and kick you to the curb." Juliette quipped. Jonathan: "..." "Heh, just teasing!" Seeing Jonathan's knitted brows, Juliette laughed: "But seriously, Feagan seems like another wolf in sheep's clothing. He's no match for you! I entered his office and he stared at me for minutes. I've seen that type of gaze in Crystal Cove all too often. He's not a catch." "You've got the right hunch. Feagan is no pillar to lean on. If your old friend is by his side, she's bound to regret it." Hearing this, Jonathan hesitated: "Tonight, carry a mini-camera. Entice him to reveal his true colors. If you succeed, make a swift exit."
Katherine swiftly dismissed with a flick of her hand, her face etched with profound disagreement. "How can you suggest such a thing? If in the next two years you don't marry her and by some chance you decide to part ways with my dear Juliette, then what?" "If such were to occur, you would've squandered the best years of her youth! Absolutely not! It cannot be so." "Yet, for now, Juliette and I are not in a position to wed." Jonathan feigned discomfort, an aura of unease surrounding him. In a sudden whisper, Katherine interjected: "Even if marriage isn't immediate, there must be some assurance you can provide, mustn't there?" At this, both Andres and Wyatt, father and son, shifted their eager gazes toward Jonathan. Juliette inwardly smirked, thinking to herself, 'Mother is starting her games again.' It was clear the reason her parents were here tonight was solely for this imminent matter. They hadn't raised a daughter, but rather, it seemed, a mere commodity. "What assurance d
Once Tryphena was out of earshot, Juliette burst into giggles: "So Jonathan, that beauty is really your sister-in-law? Are you some kind of beast?" Of course, Juliette was jesting. Initially, she'd assumed the beauty Jonathan had turned down was just a stranger, and his mention of her being his brother's girlfriend was surely playful. But who was she kidding? Being a seasoned veteran in Crystal Cove' entertainment industry, Juliette had encountered countless personalities. Tryphena posed no threat. A few words were all it took to send her packing, all while maintaining her own clandestine identity. "Let's drop it. Since we've met, let's go somewhere." Jonathan said, steering the conversation away from Tryphena. "Agreed." Juliette cheerfully responded. As they strolled through the streets, their charisma was undeniable. The frequency with which heads turned to steal glances was remarkable. "How long are you staying in Elite Summit this time?" Juliette inquired with genuine interes
"It's rare to run into familiar faces in Elite Summit." Tryphena mused, her words a flurry of excitement: "Would you join me for dinner tonight? If you're busy, tomorrow is fine too. Let's exchange numbers and connect on social media first!" Although initially hesitant, Jonathan found himself swayed by the genuine warmth in her eyes: "Tonight it is." With contact details exchanged and plans set, the two bid each other a temporary farewell. That very evening, as the city's lights began to shimmer, Jonathan received an investigation update from Roger. Adela was seeing someone. Moonlight Corp, where she worked in Elite Summit, was primarily managed by her and Deputy CEO Vera. However, recently, a charismatic new CEO named Feagan William, reputedly a returnee from overseas studies and rumored to be the scion of some top executive from M & N, took the helm. Since Feagan's arrival, he seemed relentlessly smitten by Adela. He often accompanied her to business outings and ensured she ret
After a while, Jonathan broke the ice, initiating a topic of discussion. Moonlight, Adela's brainchild, was now the talk of the town. "Our autumn collection has been a great success, both in terms of sales and profits." Adela began: "But to claim the top spot might be premature. Despite the backing of renowned domestic and international fashion houses like Wind & Fire and M & N, we can't be overly confident in becoming the flagbearer of our nation's fashion industry." "We'll truly know our standing after assessing the sales for the next three seasons. Only then can we truly earn national recognition." Truth be told, Adela was not overly concerned about Moonlight's position or its future; her worries had nearly evaporated. But she shared this perspective nonetheless. Jonathan silently rejoiced, noting Adela's growth and maturity. She was no longer the fishmonger he once knew from the market; she had blossomed into a successful businesswoman. In a time not so distant, Adela would,
Tommy shook his head, his words hastening to fill the air between them: "My sister-in-law is doing well; she's thriving in her job. Not too long ago, she even moved to a new house." “But when I visited Curtis last, there was a man at her place.” Tommy, flustered and scrambling for words, replied: "Oh, he must've been just a business partner, discussing some contracts with my sister-in-law. Nothing more.” Jonathan's face darkened in thought. A man? From what he knew about Adela, she would never entertain business at her private residence. Could it be? Had Adela found someone? It was possible. After all, when he had left Elite Summit, she had suggested they take a year apart. This perhaps hinted that their time together might eventually come to an end. Though Jonathan's relationship with Adela had blurred past friendship, their bond, in essence, was only maintained by Curtis. They never really became lovers. So, it was perfectly normal for Adela to have a boyfriend. Yet, the very th
Mammon's lips curled into a gentle smile: "If gratitude is to be given, direct it to Jonathan. While Mr. Moore and I might be acquaintances, our bond isn't as profound. Had it not been for Jonathan's plea, the Moores wouldn’t have found me in their corner." "Yes, indeed!" "Now, Mr. Moore, we must expedite matters. The sooner we seal the agreement, the better." "Let us restart the project and alleviate our shared anxieties." Business attended to, Mammon shared a few parting words before departing in the company of Jonathan. Their venture could truly be described as a fruitful one. Barring unforeseen tribulations, the peril that threatened the Moore family was seemingly defused. Their reputation, however, was something they'd have to mend on their own. Considering their current scenario, evading a declaration of bankruptcy due to piled debts was almost a miracle in itself. To hope for more would be sheer fantasy. All agreements were set in stone. Soon, Mammon would dispatch his
"Come now! Don't be like that! We've been childhood playmates, remember? Regardless of circumstances, our bond persists." Wynstan responded, pouring two glasses of wine with an exaggerated flourish. "This is a vintage from my personal collection. A true delight for the palate. Try it." Given there were just the two of them, the spread wasn't overly grand. Yet, countless esteemed businessmen from Crystal Cove would give an arm and a leg to be part of this dinner. However, to Nora, the invitation felt more burdensome than honorary. A toast always called for full glasses. And business often demanded the libations flow freely. Seeing Nora's thoughtful gaze, Wynstan chuckled: "Finding my wine lacking, are we? I suppose, being the magnate you now are, this might not match your status." Truth be told, the wine wasn't cheap, retailing at over a thousand. Yet to Nora, it was mere triviality. The wine wasn't the issue. Even if Wynstan had offered a commonplace wine worth mere tens, its
Jonathan remained silent, not swayed by Dieter's hollow compliments. For Jonathan knew, of all places, Elite Summit was hardly a theater of illustrious figures. Were it Crystal Cove, perhaps he might've begrudgingly conceded the point. But Elite Summit? What did it offer? Still, empty flattery was better than none; it lent a certain sweetness to the air. "Jonathan, there's a favor I'd like to ask of you." Dieter finally disclosed his intentions. Jonathan wasn't surprised. The Moore family was in a state of disarray, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Why else would Dieter squander an evening over dinner with him if not to seek some favor? "Speak, sir." Jonathan invited, his voice tinged with resignation. Though he had stretched himself thin helping the Moores, he couldn't guarantee the extent of the impact he could make. "In recent days, I've tallied up the debts of the Moore Corporation. The sum exceeds 65 billion." Dieter elaborated: "We've acquired raw materials for project