It represented her absolute ceiling, yet paled in stark comparison to the Butler and Wright offers. She harbored no delusions of success - Emily was no prodigy of commerce.Even Susan shook her head, equally convinced such a bid would swiftly be obliterated beneath the avalanche of wealthier competitors. Yet Jason's smile deepened with mysterious significance as the auctioneer's gavel abruptly fell, Jack's resounding declaration shattering the pandemonium."The Cook family bid is accepted!""Wh...what?"An eerie, tomblike silence descended upon the stunned hall as hundreds of voices found themselves rendered mute, eyes glazing with stupefied disbelief.Emily herself could only gape, utterly dumbstruck. Had...had a miracle truly transpired?'Twelve billion dollars?' Not only the crowd, but Emily herself was dumbstruck, her visage etched with disbelief. Had it truly transpired? Was this not a mere phantasm of the mind? That such a paltry sum could secure triumph seemed implausible. S
Matt Turner and Edward Reed inwardly raged, their ire scarcely containable. That madman – to expend such effort for a mere twenty percent stake? Sheer lunacy! To sacrifice all reason for such trifling gain.Yet for all their vitriol, their hearts seethed with vexation, for only the final share remained."Damn it all!" Their eyes met, seeming to strike sparks of murderous intent. This last prize had to be theirs, if not for its worth then for the sake of pride alone. Silently, they vowed to spare no expense!In their secluded corner, the Browns, father and son, trembled with trepidation – mere motes in the cosmos as deities waged war above. Yet if Susan's triumph proved unattainable, some equilibrium could be restored to Raymond's mind. For should she ascend to such rarefied heights, her rise would render her utterly untouchable.It was at this moment that Matt Turner, Edward Reed, and the assembled public companies clamored for the fifth share's bidding to commence, determined to st
Yet Jason's tone remained glacial and unyielding. "These are the wishes of Loyalty Group's chairman - to extend our partnership with the Brown Group."Jack, too, ascended the dais, his words resonating with finality. "The chairman's decree is our edict. Any who cannot accept this reality must await the next opportunity. But those unwise enough to instigate unrest shall forever forfeit any future considerations."They were Loyalty Group, no mere provincial upstart - their ambitions answered to no external authority. If the paramount houses failed to secure the initial portions, whose failing was that? Not even the formidable Turners could cow them through empty bravado. Indeed, neither Turners nor Reeds dared jeopardize their coveted Loyalty prospects through reckless belligerence. Though resentful over their failure to claim the proverbial cake, outright hostility remained an intolerable risk. To have such tantalizing riches dangle before their eyes, only to witness them snatche
His words elicited a collective gasp, for a startling revelation lay therein.Henry Murphy's countenance darkened in an instant, his rage scarcely containable – that wretched viper Ashley, damn her!Even Matt Turner registered surprise before his lips contorted into a disdainful smirk. How intriguing, growing more delectable by the moment. Let the dogs tear at each other's throats – the greater the chaos, the sweeter his satisfaction."Your vile tongue begets naught but insult. No excuse shall absolve the affront against my Reed clan. Surrender that final share, and I may grant you a merciful end," Edward Reed's eyes flashed with merciless resolve. In his mind, Jason was doomed regardless. He may as well seize that final prize for himself.Stephen Wright, Ronald Butler, and their ilk raged in unison, "Edward, what madness is this, brazenly commenced beneath the open sky? Persist, and expect no clemency from us."Their sole recourse now was to join forces, praying their united front m
It was a revelation that dawned upon Jason as well. He had always perceived Old Stewart as a mere commoner, never considering a loftier possibility. Truly, an unforeseen contingency."Your will, Old Mr. Stewart?" Leonard Reed's head prickled with dread as he adopted a simpering, conciliatory tone – a stark contrast that left the witnesses aghast. Was this truly Leonard Reed? Even his own son Edward wore an expression of utter disbelief, as one beholding a haunting specter.Yet Old Stewart's brow furrowed in disdain as he scoffed, "The matter extends beyond my desires. It falls upon my young friend here to determine your penance. You, a boor whose actions imperil your entire Reed legacy!" Turning to Jason, he smiled. "Mr. Gray, you have my full support. Mete out whatever judgement you deem fit. This wayward whelp cannot be shown lenience – vent your ire without restraint."Jason's rueful smile preceded a solemn shake of his head as he addressed Edward Reed, "Did I not caution agains
Perceiving this, Leonard released his grip and, wholly unmoved by the horrified stares surrounding him, had his son's unconscious form removed before departing with an air of crisp finality. Not a single recalcitrant word dared escape his lips, conveying an almost admirable decisiveness.The witnesses could only shake their heads in stunned amazement, even Old Stewart and Julia Stewart registering their admiration. A true falcon among men – unafraid to soar or withdraw its talons.Though Old Stewart professed the ability to humble Leonard Reed, never could he have compelled such an act through mere words. Yet Leonard had clearly scented the veiled warning therein and sought to appease Jason with abject apology and atonement.It is worth noting that Old Stewart had never revealed Jason's tutelage under a Martial Saint, speaking volumes of Leonard's astute sensitivity to underlying currents."Mr. Gray, might I trouble you for a private word?" Old Stewart exhaled deeply before offering
"Ahem...Greetings, Niece Julia. No need for formalities," Jason replied with studied nonchalance."Niece...?" The three women froze in stunned bemusement, Susan barely stifling a peal of laughter. What manner of salutation was this to a young maiden? Yet upon reflection, perhaps it rang true.He and Old Stewart were indeed friends transcending age.Even Julia blinked in surprise before surrendering to an amused chuckle. With an understanding glance towards the other two, she expressed a willingness to converse another time.A gracious soul, equally adept at putting others at ease.Concurrently, upon a sickbed, Edward Reed's wan countenance contorted as he struggled to pry open his eyes, his expression one of bewildered disorientation. "I was...struck senseless by my own father?"As the thought coalesced, an unsettling prickle ran down his spine – the uncanny sense of being watched. Turning his head, he started in shock."Father...?"Looming before him stood an imposing figure, eyes
Yet in Jason's eyes, this so-called Master reeked of dilution, a mere impostor parading in borrowed grandeur. A true Martial Arts Master embodied the zenith of a single, supreme discipline – the ultimate manifestation of one's limits transcended.Mankind's ceaseless quest to surpass its own boundaries.Wretches like Black Sheep amounted to naught but half-measures relying on deception and fortuitous circumstance to prevail.One guided by Albert's tutelage could extinguish his feeble spark with a mere flick of the wrist. For he had achieved mastery over not one, but three lost, consummate arts. Truly, an unfathomable powerhouse."So it is you, after all!" Jason's feigned astonishment rang hollow, for he had merely voiced his suspicion as a trial – never anticipating the assassin's outright confirmation, having never crossed paths with the infamous Black Sheep prior.As the words escaped his lips, dread dawned across the wizened features. "Fuck, I've been had!"Black Sheep's face darke