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
"Relax, I will keep the secret. Besides, there is no need to admit anything." Jonathan said. Spontaneously confessing to Dieter that he had indirectly pushed Baldric to his downfall would be a foolish and dull move. If he were to do that, it would not make him honest, but stupid. "Yes, it was a tough decision for me, but we didn't do anything wrong!" Carnelian said with a gloomy tone. They were not wrong; Baldric was. Actually, the police had already interrogated Cadell and figured out what happened before nightfall. Jonathan and Carnelian knew all the details of the case. Baldric, in a state of frustration, had invited Flower and Bird for drinks. It was a typical scenario where one pays and the others entertain. However, once drunk, Baldric's sinister side emerged, and he started to torture the girls. Unable to bear it, Bird and Flower started begging for mercy. But the more they pleaded, the more Baldric's sadistic nature was provoked, making him even more brutal. He forced them
Carnelian felt a swirl of emotions, wondering how her grandfather would react upon discovering that Jonathan had tipped off the secret dealings of Baldric Moore. How would she face her grandfather then? She silently hoped the matter would sink deep, forgotten like a stone in the vast ocean. For neither she nor Jonathan felt a hint of remorse. "Baldric's done for. I don't know whether to blame his father or mine. Jonathan, do you have any information on him? I have a favor to ask." Dieter's voice, infused with a pleading tone, broke the silence just as Carnelian's thoughts veered to Baldric Moore. Jonathan furrowed his brows, sensing unease. He felt the impending request from Dieter wasn't in his favor. "Please, speak, sir." "At this moment, I find myself confined to this sickbed, rendered helpless. The Moore household faces dire times. It seems our associates would rather wash their hands off their ties with us, and thus, we cannot place our hopes on them." "You know of my ski
The locations in the book will be changed, and the previous chapters have also been modified and are awaiting approval. San Francisco will become Elite Summit, New York will become Crimson Ridge, Los Angeles will become Crystal Cove, and the United States will become Eaglonia. The names of the following characters will be changed: Curtis Wang to Carla Wang (Jonathan Wang's daughter), and Joyce Charlie to Tommy Charlie (Jonathan's brother who welcomed him upon his release from prison). --- Carnelian was taken aback, staring at Jonathan in disbelief. Throughout their acquaintance, she had never seen him lose his cool, and today, though he wasn’t exactly furious, his amiable facade had certainly faded. “Do you believe I shouldn’t have helped Baldric?” Carnelian's voice was cold, cutting through the room. “Whether you should’ve or not, you already did. Can you stop playing the victim? To be blunt, you’re behaving like a temple maiden seeking reverence." he retorted, turning back to th
Thud! Thud! The echoing footfalls pierced the silence. Upon seeing the figure, Baldric's eyes widened in disbelief: "My elder brother." It was none other than Sherlock Moore, fresh from the hospital, yet looking anything but recovered. Seeing his younger brother's pitiable state, Sherlock's Adam’s apple bobbed, hinting at words he wanted to utter, but couldn't. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but he bit them back, fighting the urge to break down. "Why... why would you be so reckless?" Finally, a hoarse and pain-laden voice emerged from Sherlock. He had never imagined a day when he'd see his younger sibling wander so aimlessly astray. "Big brother, save me! Can you ask Jonathan to help me escape? I don’t want to die, I truly don’t want to die." In desperation, Baldric pleaded. Sherlock cast a hopeful glance at Jonathan, only to receive a solemn shake of the head in response. Jonathan clearly wasn't willing to aid Baldric’s escape. "Carnelian, you're my cousin! Can you
In a world where competition was an inescapable reality, Jonathan had long abandoned the notion of adhering strictly to noble means. Whether by intimidation or persuasion, the end justified the means, and his original intention was to leverage his influence to subdue his rivals. Mammon chuckled, as if the preceding sentence had encapsulated the essence of their conversation: "If the Chapmans merely sought a single audience with me, what would be there to discuss? I would simply refuse their money, and that would be that. But alas, the matter isn't so straightforward." "Jonathan, your stature is not sufficient to dominate the Chapmans." Taken aback, Jonathan tilted his head inquisitively, awaiting further exposition. "You see." Mammon continued: "they know you're in my camp. So, they've enlisted none other than your own uncle and cousin as their emissaries!" Jonathan was momentarily speechless: "Apollo Wang and Angelo, you say?" It seemed fate had a flair for dramatic irony. "Who
"Jonathan." Mammon playfully chided, his voice laced with sincerity: "I’ve crossed paths with Mr. Apollo for you this time. I expect you to remember my favor." As father and son Apollo took their leave, a half-jesting yet earnest tone laced Mammon’s voice. Jonathan, ever gracious, replied with a laugh: "Of course, Uncle Wang's efforts shall forever be etched in my heart." One of the underlying motives driving Mammon’s actions was his desire for Jonathan’s gratitude. In times of adversity, he hoped for a loyal ally in the young man. The wisest course for Mammon would have been to remain an observer, watching the familial feud between Jonathan’s kin unfold from a distance. But should Mammon choose such a passive role, it would place insurmountable odds against Jonathan's quest to aid the Moore house. Moderation, after all, was key. Shortly after, Mammon, with a gravitas in his voice, remarked: "The bidding is in two days. If both I and the Heavenly Pillar real estate remain contend