Unable to hold back, Carnelian was about to explain how much Jonathan had done for the Moore family. He had made significant efforts, far from the merrymaking that many assumed. However, before she could speak, Jonathan gestured for her to stop. He looked at Dieter and asked: "Sir, I would like to know how the higher-ups plan to compensate the Moore family if they decide to confiscate the Peaceful Island project?" The issue of the buried body hadn't been proven to involve the Moore family. However, the higher-ups were reclaiming the project, and without appropriate compensation, this would be unacceptable. No sooner had he raised the question than the Moores grew visibly angry. "Compensation? They're just returning the two billion of our deposit, can that even be considered compensation?" "But if they've decided so, who dares to contradict?" "Exactly, if we pressure the police externally, they just push everything onto us without any justification." "If there were another way, w
"Or, or you could just sponsor me, because accepting money this way feels a bit... off." After a while, Juliette spoke again. Honestly, being sponsored by Jonathan wasn't a bad idea. She would get those ten million. Jonathan burst out laughing again: "What are you thinking?" "We are lifelong friends, why are you making such a big deal out of just ten million?" "But fair's fair, I gave you the money because I like your personality! What you do with the money is none of my business, I'm not interested in playing the sponsor. If anything happened between us, I would find it tedious." "Then consider this." he proposed: "if you feel awkward accepting my money, pretend you're merely in debt to me. No need for a promissory note, pay me back when you can, or not at all if that's the case. I won't press you, is that agreeable?" "Only fools pay back the money!" After a moment's thought, Juliette retorted abruptly. Her emotions were as transparent as a pane of glass, that was Juliette for
At this moment, Samantha was still throwing all her energy into winning the Peaceful Island project for Jonathan and the Heavenly Pillar real estate company. Unaware that she had been played like a fiddle. All for the sake... of a concealed murder case. "Once you've thought it through, collaborate with me to protect yourself. If you don't agree, I assure you, you'll spend at least fifteen years in jail, you know I can make it happen." Jonathan smirked. But to Maddox, the smile was full of malicious intent. "Mr. Wang, what do you want to know?" Maddox gritted his teeth and asked. He was now in Jonathan's clutches. Jonathan winked at Denish, who understood and struggled up, leading his lackeys away. Only Jonathan and Maddox remained in the room. "Now, I simply want to know about the hidden murder. Rest assured, as long as you cooperate with me, I will protect you. Did you or your gang carry out that murder?" "You've guessed wrong, we did not." Maddox steadfastly shook his he
The private room was brightly lit, enabling Jonathan to get a good look at everyone's faces. Interestingly, both Athelstan and Freya were present. Jonathan found it amusing that the Young Masters and Young Mistresses of Crystal Cove were so intriguing. Athelstan and Sherlock, who had no love lost between them, were in the same room, showing no signs of discomfort. Even Freya was no exception. From the beginning, he recalled Freya's birthday, though it was not explicitly stated, she had shown an intention of being with Athelstan. Consequently, even if Sherlock's younger brother returned, they wouldn't need his presence to add to the joy of the occasion. Obviously, Jonathan had some inklings about the actual reasons. Perhaps it was because the Moore family had resolved the trouble, and amongst the four big clans, the Moore family had a stronger economic foundation than the Chapman family. Thus, young master Sherlock returned to his previous status. "Son-in-law, isn't he? He looks
Jonathan listened without a word. Bipolar disorder was just one issue among others. The second problem was Baldric's growing resentment towards Sherlock, which had not built overnight. And judging by Sherlock's tone, he cherished and protected his younger brother deeply. Blood ties did indeed run deep. Jonathan didn't feel it was his place to delve deeper into the Moore brothers' situation. However, there was still another issue at stake! Jonathan hesitated for a moment, then asked: "When did your brother leave Crystal Cove? Why is he bearing such a grudge against you upon his return?" These two issues were quite disparate. But Jonathan was primarily concerned with the first one, that is, when Baldric left Crystal Cove to join the domestic company. The second issue was merely a diversion to distract Sherlock's attention. He was already slightly suspicious. "About three months ago, I can't remember exactly, but it was around that time." "As for the grudge, you heard it last
Jonathan didn't show any intention to fully commit to helping the Moore family, but said it with a smile. However, his attitude was already clear to Samantha. "Alright, I'll be straightforward. I've always wanted to partner with the Heavenly Pillar real estate company on the Peaceful Island project. As long as there's no issue on your side, young master Wang, I will figure out a way to acquire the Peaceful Island project, and then let the Heavenly Pillar real estate company step in!" Her intention was crystal clear, she needed to know Jonathan's stance. If Jonathan doesn't care about the Moore family, she can continue her plans! It's understandable. In the past few months, Samantha has done little else but think about the Peaceful Island project. How could she give up so easily? But, after learning about Jonathan's relationship with the Moore family, Samantha couldn't help but deliberate and ponder. Samantha's backing was strong, but it still couldn't surpass the young master W
Any incorrect information could lead to serious complications. "If it weren't you, I wouldn't even consider sharing!" "So, are you going to listen or not?" Juliette retorted, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Listen." Jonathan answered with a single word. Having felt dismissed by Jonathan, Juliette’s face hardened, but a tinge of anxiety was noticeable: "I'm kind of scared to say this." Jonathan quietly prompted: "Is it about someone with great power?" Juliette honestly responded: "Not just ordinarily influential, but massively so! Besides, I'm not certain it's that person!" From Juliette's serious demeanor, it seemed she really had a lead. "Speak up, I won't let it leak." "Alright, here it goes." From the start, Juliette didn't have any intention of hiding things when she agreed to meet Jonathan. As Juliette finished her account, Jonathan's face grew even more stern. If Juliette's words were true, they could potentially identify the real suspect. That person was none o
Dieter was stunned momentarily, then retorted angrily: "What a load of nonsense!" But the reporter persisted: "Chairman Moore, the news has been confirmed by the directors of the three banks. Do you think you can hide this from everyone?" "I am skeptical. I doubt that the Moore Group has the capacity to continue this project." A single stone caused ripples in the calm pond. Hearing the reporter's sharp question, everyone immediately erupted in murmurs. Initially, they thought the reporter was making a scene, her words not to be taken too seriously. But her follow-up, involving the directors of three major banks in Crystal Cove, was no joke. And it was plausible that the Moore Group was indeed in debt by fifty billion to these three banks. Given the present circumstances, especially the closely-watched Peaceful Island project in Crystal Cove, a reckless statement here could bear heavy responsibility. Would any ordinary reporter dare risk their career for it? The female reporte
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