With a weary sigh of surrender, he unburdened himself of long-concealed deceits and evasions. He and the Gray Divine Physician were not intimates - had never even met. Those ostensible miracle cures promising instantaneous panacea had been naught but overblown charlatanry to lure the gullible. As for the grandiose "First Divine Physician of Eldoria" honorific...it had been a bald-faced usurpation of his own master's illustrious title and renown, the better to insinuate authority where none legitimately existed. A thunderous silence greeted these abject revelations. Then, as full realization took hold, a susurrus of infuriated muttering swelled into a torrent of virulent outcries and recriminations. "Profiteering whoreson! That you should merely defraud us was sin enough - but to so blaspheme the sanctity of the Gray Divine Physician himself?" "Aye, that exalted healer is beloved throughout Emerald City for his innumerable kindnesses and selfless works. That you would so spit upo
At that moment, Susan emerged from the study wearing an uncharacteristic expression of haunted trepidation. Before Jason could voice concern, she inhaled a tremulous breath and delivered a portentous pronouncement."Tomorrow at the eighth hour, Grandfather has summoned an emergent Board of Directors convocation. All members of the Brown family's executive cadre are commanded to attend without exception." Her gaze met Jason's, profound unease welling in those luminous depths. "He professes to bear tidings of extraordinary moment and upheaval. Change is coming to the House of Brown...cataclysmic change."Early the next morning, the Brown family conference room was already bustling with activity. Virtually every member of the Brown family, big and small, had arrived.At present, the room was abuzz with speculation. No one understood what Old Brown was up to. Not only had he called an unprecedented board meeting, but he'd also announced that he had something significant to declare.Wh
This time, however, Jason let out a bitter chuckle. If even Mary Martinez could discern the implications, then surely everyone else in the room had reached the same conclusion. His sense of foreboding had been validated.Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Old Brown would be so deranged as to allow Matt Turner to acquire Brown Group.Was this not the height of foolishness?Even Anthony and Raymond Brown cast complex glances at Mary Martinez. This was perhaps the only time she had displayed any semblance of intelligence, yet it was the last thing they wanted to hear.How could the old man have been so foolish? To put it bluntly, was he content to become the Turner family's lapdog?Previously, no matter how chaotic things became, it remained an internal Brown family affair, with the old man at the helm. But now? Had everything truly been handed over to the Turner family on a silver platter?The very thought left a bitter taste in their mouths.True, the Turner family wielde
He saw no need to micromanage such an insignificant company. Any sign of rebellion could be swiftly and decisively crushed.Old Brown chimed in, "Mr. Turner speaks truly. Moreover, we've entered into a contractual agreement. This is more of a partial acquisition. Mr. Turner has even pledged to leverage the Turner family's resources to elevate the Brown family's standing.""Before long, the Brown family may well ascend to the ranks of first-tier families. Even the Sanchez family will have to acknowledge our prowess!"His words ignited a fervor in the room. Could such good fortune truly be possible? Was the Brown family on the cusp of greatness?With the backing of Central Area's preeminent Turner family, what could be more exhilarating?It seemed they had misjudged Old Brown. Upon reflection, it made sense - how could a man of his lifelong shrewdness simply hand over the family's legacy? This was a golden opportunity seized!Susan's expression shifted, a sigh escaping her lips. While o
"You could say that," Jason replied nonchalantly as he strode in. "I'd like to discuss the acquisition with you, Mr. Turner. I also have something that might pique your interest."In an instant, over a dozen bodyguards surrounded Jason, their faces radiating hostility. This man was highly suspect.Matt Turner, however, dismissively waved them off. Why exercise such caution over a mere nobody?Lifting a glass of wine to his lips, he took a sip before asking mockingly, "I'm in a generous mood. I'll give you a chance. Tell me, what's your proposal? Have you come to pledge your allegiance?""Not quite," Jason replied coolly. "I'm here to request that you relinquish all control. You're welcome to remain an investor, but with a minority stake. You'd still receive dividends, of course."His words were met with stunned silence.Not just Matt Turner, but even the bodyguards were dumbfounded. Was this man an imbecile? He called this a negotiation? To dare haggle with Mr. Turner?It was madness,
"Him?" Matt Turner's eyebrows shot up in recognition. It was Lawrence, the very man he had ordered Joshua to subdue previously, intending to break him like a dog.While Joshua had defeated him then, he hadn't completely broken Lawrence's spirit. Now, here he was, challenging Joshua again.Suddenly, an idea occurred to Matt Turner. He turned to Jason abruptly. "Is he your man? If I win, how about handing him over to me?"Jason shook his head without hesitation. "That's not my decision to make. If he's willing, I won't object.""However, in exchange, I want that cyan jade pendant around your neck.""The cyan jade pendant?" Matt Turner's expression shifted, a peculiar look crossing his face. He hadn't anticipated Jason's request.Fingering the fragment, his eyes narrowed as he sneered, "Interesting. It seems you've had your sights set on this all along. Or rather, this is why you're here. If I'm not mistaken, you're in league with them!""Them?" Jason feigned ignorance, though intrigued
Jason remained impassive. While he had anticipated this, his faith in Lawrence remained unshaken. Speaking of Martial Arts Masters, he reflected on the recent silence from the Northern Faction in the martial arts world.Initially enraged by Albert's death, they had inexplicably fallen silent. Many were puzzled, but Jason surmised that the Martial Saint had intervened, explaining the situation. Moreover, Jason wasn't responsible for Albert's demise. The Northern Faction's silence was likely due to their reluctance to provoke the enigmatic Black Lotus Sect.While the Martial Saint was formidable, the Black Lotus Sect represented an unknown, potentially more terrifying threat.For now, at least, Jason enjoyed a respite from their attention.In the arena, Lawrence found himself cornered. Joshua laughed triumphantly as he unleashed his ninth move—a technique not of traditional martial arts, but of modern combat sports!Indeed, the title of Martial Arts Master wasn't exclusive to practition
Though seething with resentment, he wouldn't stoop to tarnishing his reputation over such a trivial matter. He'd find a way to even the score later. This wasn't an affront he'd swallow easily.At the doorway, Matt Turner paused, turning back with a cold smile. "If you're so fond of this jade, I might have some information about it. I've even seen other fragments.""But don't expect me to share that knowledge, nor will I wager with you again. If you want to know more, have Mr. Hill come see me personally. I eagerly await his esteemed presence!"With a malicious grin, he departed, surrounded by his entourage. These insects wouldn't dare touch him.Jason frowned, unsure of the veracity of Matt Turner's claims. Was it a bluff? For a moment, he had considered detaining Turner.But that would have been counterproductive, and the First Young Master of Central Area was no fool.He decided to let it go for now. There would be other opportunities to probe for information. After all, his interes