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
Not follow? Mammon was stunned. By refraining, wouldn't the project fall into Nora's hands? But Jonathan's expression was anything but jestful. The auctioneer was just about to slam down his gavel. Jonathan had made his decision, and there was no reason for Mammon to persist. If Mammon's Heavenly Pillar Realty refrained, the other companies certainly lacked the mettle to continue. In truth, for a massive project like Peaceful Island, they were out of their league. Their presence at the auction was merely ceremonial. If they were to bid so aggressively, the authorities of Wynstan City would surely stir the pot to their disadvantage. The auctioneer held a moment of silence, then declared that Nora had triumphed over his rivals in this bidding war. In other words, eighty-three billion was the final price tag for this project. Such is the nature of government tenders—nothing out of the ordinary. One company yields this time, and the next time, it's the opponent's turn to concede, a
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