"So far, we've received three new publishing submission emails, Aland. Congratulations," Pete said with a toast. The reddish-coloured cocktail shook as the three glasses clinked proudly.
"What if Jill finds out we're playing with her?" asked Shannon after taking a hesitant sip of her cocktail. She wiped her wet lips as her drink sloshed around. "I'm afraid she'll be more savage than a wolf."Aland shook his head softly. He sat on a nearby sofa while fiddling with his fingers on the edge of the glass. "It's not us who played her, hun. But she's been playing with her trust. She believes too much just because of what she hears. So what's wrong if we present what she wants to see?""It's lucky that Ms Hills is willing to work with us again. She made the review interesting at the right time, so Mrs Reynolds didn't notice our movements. I think that's the key. Moreover, what you guys showed probably looked more natural than the over-the-top theatrics of the top"Goddamn it! What the fuck with me? Why am I missing out on so much just because of this damn microphone, huh?"Camellia backed away as Jill threw some crockery at her. Not only was she scared, she really didn't know what else to say when she saw Jill's horrified expression. "Mum, I'm telling you because I think it's important. Not because I want to get an angry outburst from you."Jill gave Camellia a wide-eyed stare. She leaned closer with her index finger pointed in front of her face. "Is that more important now? I tried to get them in a dispute and make Aland lose the proposal file he worked all night on! But what did I get? JF Printing is full of customers now! How did this happen, Lia?! Where has the luck not been on our side after all the losses I've suffered?"Camellia shook her head in disbelief. She looked down in fear, then tried to remember things. "Did we fall into their trap, mum? Did they do this on purpose to keep us distracted?"J
Jill paced in front of her still cluttered room. She swore repeatedly, releasing a painful tightness from inside her chest. But her calls to Trixie were no longer wanted. She was ignored, unwanted. "Goddamn it! What are you so crazy about, Trixie? You want to pretend that I'm the biggest contributor of funds for you to build your little company over there?"Once again, she mobilised her efforts. This time she sent Trixie a threatening message that made her pull out her important card. After all, she knew very well who Trixie was who was still starting a retail business with the knowledge Jill had given her for free. "You want to ignore me? Should I tell your husband, Brandon, who you really are? Should I bring out my evil attitude if you can't help me when I've already helped you with a lot of money without you needing to return it, Trixie? Don't make me threaten you or you'll feel the consequences. You know very well who I am, don't you?"Without thinkin
"What happened?" asked Aland, who ran down the stairs when he heard Camellia's scream. Together with Shannon, he glanced at Jill's room, which looked messy even from the outside. He approached Jill's room even though he could still hear the broken glass being thrown from inside.Hurriedly, Aland entered and saw the commotion. Camellia was cornered once again at the far end of the room, standing with her back to Jill, who continued to scream like a madman. In a hurry, Aland rushed towards Camellia, and pulled her out of Jill's room that had turned into a broken ship, so messy.Camellia did make it out of Jill's room safely, but not Aland. He became the target of Jill's madness when an antique glass bottle stored in the cupboard hit his head, causing him to bleed."It's all because you, Cobb, it's all cause of you!"Aland immediately turned around, his back to Jill, who didn't even stop throwing glassware. Several times, his back was hit by broken g
"What do you mean mum lied to get us caught up in her game? Don't make accusations, Aland. Didn't you see the sadness in her eyes? The explosion really happened, and the police confirmed about the phone that was found. And Mum has also confirmed that the number on the phone was Arthur's, Aland. Which part do you call a plan when even the police from outside the continent testified to the accident?"Aland shook his head slowly. He was still pacing in his old house after making sure Jill's microphone was removed and cleaned. His hand was busy rubbing his chin, thinking about the odd things that had suddenly happened as if he was being played. "No, Shannon. I know Jill is sad. I know she's lost. But I'm not sure Arthur is playing himself there. I'm not sure Arthur is really gone. This isn't the world of cinema where bad guys lose easily. Something might have happened to him. And I believe this is the first step in his more devious plan to bring us down."Pete nodded i
"I know you all loved Arthur as much as we did. We were also devastated by the news of his death that we heard from one police officers over there. But after we traced everything, including having the doctor who treated Arthur during his lifetime send samples of Arthur's blood, DNA, and tooth structure, we saw for ourselves that Arthur was not dead. He just landed from his trip this morning. And I don't think he knew that he was rumoured to be dead either. I, as the president director of JF Groups, apologise for the recent unrest. Also, for the misunderstanding that occurred because of miscommunication between our families, especially between me and my mum-in-law. I hope all of you will understand. Thank you."Many journalists and reporters began to pepper Aland with questions. They focused on Arthur's condition, which Aland had mentioned earlier. Especially about Arthur's landing on his trip."If that's the case, can you tell us what Arthur's current condition is?
"There's no need to corner me too often, Aland. You'll find out soon enough. Let alone food and shelter, I can even support you and the orphanage you grew up in for seven generations."Arthur's arrogant attitude certainly made Aland frown in surprise. He began to grow angry and wondered how Arthur could be this arrogant after giving him all of his dad's assets.In fact, Arthur's behaviour became even more of a concern to Smith. He looked at Arthur's clothes from head to toe. Smith knew that Arthur's clothes were not cheap suits. He had never even seen a brand imprinted on the suit Arthur wore before, despite having worked with many of Britain's leading actors and businessmen."So, did you find the treasure in San Francisco and bring it here, Arthur?"Aland shook his head in disbelief at what Smith across the table was saying. He even glanced at Arthur to make sure."I didn't find it, Mr Smith. It was the treasure that came to me. So, why
Aland stopped climbing the stairs. He glanced at the customers, who were looking at him curiously. Slowly but surely, Aland smiled in response to his customer's question that he did not recognise."I only want to make JF Moulding as successful as before, mam. Whoever my parents are, I don't care. All I know is that I have to do a good job for JF Moulding's loyal customers. Have a nice day and enjoy more discounts on the furniture of your choice. Please excuse me."Receiving an unexpected response, the customers who heard it could only be silent and glanced at each other quietly. But in the next second, they were again busy choosing the furniture of their choice that was being promoted with many discounts.Aland arrived at the second floor when he saw the ten new JF Moulding employee candidates sitting in a row. He smiled as Megan approached. "Shall we begin now, Mr Fischer?"Without answering, Aland immediately looked at each of the candidates who
"W-what did you say? Didn't I mishear? I mean, he's rewarding you with his subsidiary that starts inaugurating tomorrow? Are you getting crazy? A company as big as US Foods worth three hundred million dollars became yours overnight?"It wasn't only Jill who was shocked to death, Camellia also blinked so fast that she had to hold her breath for a long time. "Th-three hundred million dollars? How could he give up that much money for you for nothing, Arthur?"Arthur smiled triumphantly. He nodded his head slowly as he looked up, gazing at the ceiling of Jill's equally luxurious residence. "I originally only asked her to acquire JF Travel so that I could survive. And to make me an investor in the new project that Reynolds Industries was creating so that I would also have a stake. But apparently, Shannon refused."Hearing Arthur's explanation, Jill shook her head slowly. She blinked rapidly and leaned in quickly. "Wait! Reynolds' new project? Shannon refused? H