The guard was about to protest further, but Jason waved him off. There was no need to quibble over this point. Let her believe what she wanted."Grandmother, let me escort you inside. Why didn't you inform us of your visit? I could have come to receive you properly," Jason offered."Hmph! As if a good-for-nothing like you would have such good intentions. I suspect you'd have preferred I never came at all!""And receive me? Who knows where you might have taken me with your ill intentions? I came straight to the doorstep so no one could hinder me," Old Mrs. Martinez declared haughtily.Jason shook his head with a wry smile. He wondered what Katherine Gonzales had told the old woman to make her so wary of them. While it was true they hadn't wished for her visit, now that she was here, how could they, as her descendants, be anything but filial?"By the way, why are you here to receive me? Where are my niece and my daughter?""Don't tell me they're avoiding me, refusing to show their faces
"Let's hear it then!" Jason inquired, his curiosity evident.Sean hastened to reply, "According to them, Lotus Thirteen recently obtained a lead regarding the jade pendant. Apparently, tomorrow at the Emerald City Auction House, the final lot - the pièce de résistance - is none other than a jade pendant. It's being touted as a Mystical Object!""Lotus Thirteen has already made preparations to acquire the jade pendant. The intel seems highly credible!""Is that so?" Jason's brow furrowed in contemplation.To be frank, this wasn't exactly good news. While they now had a lead, the pendant's appearance at an auction would inevitably draw attention to it, making it far more difficult to acquire it at a bargain price.It was akin to stumbling upon a rare find at an antique market; once recognized, it would become a prize for the highest bidder.Inevitably, there would always be those with a discerning eye."Mr. Lawrence has just had it verified. The information is accurate. Shall we join th
In the past, when they lived in that rundown apartment, Old Mrs. Martinez had refused to visit, finding it beneath her standards. But now, with this luxurious mansion, she had arrived uninvited. Would she decide to stay?"Return? Why should I leave? I've come here to let you care for me in my old age. What's the matter? Trying to get rid of me?" The old woman fixed James Brown with an icy stare.If it weren't for the Brown family's status, she wouldn't even bother with this useless son-in-law."No... of course not. It's our duty. We're glad you're happy here," James Brown hastily replied, while inwardly breaking into a cold sweat. His future suddenly looked bleak.The thought of having to live with this intimidating, mercenary mother-in-law filled him with dread. Every day would feel like a torment in hell!Even Mary Martinez's smile faltered. How had things come to this?The couple exchanged a glance, sighing in resignation."Ah, well..."Not long after, Susan returned from the compa
Ever since Old Mrs. Martinez's arrival, the household had been in disarray. Rumor had it she planned to stay indefinitely, which was even more vexing.Sending her away would be unfilial!Yet allowing her to stay meant enduring her constant derision of Jason, harassment of Susan, and berating of James Brown, leaving the house in perpetual chaos.As Jason pondered this dilemma, he received an unexpected text message: "I have the pendant. If you want it back, come to Room 306 at the last hotel on Seaside Road. I'll be waiting!""Hmm?" Jason was taken aback. A hotel? Who sent this message? Had they picked up the jade pendant?Something about the text seemed off."Could it be... a trap?"Jason frowned, forwarding the address to Lawrence and his team, instructing them to investigate cautiously on his behalf.If the jade pendant was indeed there, they were to retrieve it!Just then, a man in sunglasses noticed him and approached with a retinue of bodyguards. Looking down his nose at Jason, h
Perhaps riding this wave of interest, several wealthy buyers began bidding fervently, quickly pushing the price to $3 million.By Jason's estimate, $2 million would have been a high price for these red agate beads. The current bid far exceeded their value. The auction house clearly knew how to capitalize on trends.At that moment, he noticed Gerald White enter, his face a mask of frost, eyes fixed coldly on Jason.James Brown, who had been enjoying the spectacle, suddenly felt uncomfortable under that gaze. He shifted uneasily, unable to contain himself. "What did you say to him earlier? Why does he seem to hate you so much? Aren't you just causing trouble for yourself?"Jason remained impassive. Indeed, he had deliberately provoked Gerald White, curious to see how Eldoria City's White family would react.It had been some time since his return from Metropolis Central, and the White family had been suspiciously quiet, not even sending their usual assassins. He wondered what they were p
Lotus Thirteen also scoffed, "No money, yet daring to pose as a big spender. Know your place. Did you think this was child's play where you could speak frivolously?"Henry Murphy raised an eyebrow in surprise, a look of intrigue crossing his face. He sensed a whiff of gunpowder in the air.But Julia Stewart of the Stewart family came to Jason's defense: "Why does this sound like a pack of dogs yapping incessantly? I, on behalf of the Stewart family, will underwrite all of Mr. Gray's bids today. Whatever Mr. Gray fancies, he may purchase.""Does anyone have any objections?"The Stewart family heiress's declaration instantly silenced many. With someone backing the bids, what more could be said?The Stewart family indeed possessed such influence and wealth!James Brown and Emily, however, wore peculiar expressions. What connection did Jason have with the Stewart family to warrant such generosity?Jason could finally breathe easier. He shook his head with a wry smile, not anticipating suc
James Brown also breathed a sigh of relief. His heart had nearly leapt out of his chest moments ago. He knew this good-for-nothing was merely indulging in the thrill of bidding, though he had to admit it felt rather satisfying.Just then, the cheongsam-clad beauty, her face glowing, pointed to an exquisite jade box and announced, "Next up is the highlight of tonight's auction, our grand finale - a jade pendant, another precious Mystical Object..."But before she could finish, Jason interrupted boldly, "No need for further words. Let the battle begin. $100 million!""$100 million?"The crowd gasped in shock, their eyes widening in disbelief.Had he lost his mind? Without even seeing the item clearly, he'd bid $100 million straight away. Was his family running a money printing press?James Brown's body shook violently, causing him to spew his coffee. He nearly crawled under his chair. $100 million? He might not see that much money in this lifetime, or even the next!Madness! This good-f
Jason pondered for a moment but didn't speak. Although he wanted the jade pendant, purchasing wasn't his only option.For instance, if Gerald White was determined to oppose him, letting him buy it would mean two jade pendants in one location - essentially delivering treasures to Jason's doorstep.If someone wanted to buy things for him, why should Jason object? He could simply wait for the delivery.He still had unfinished business with the White family of Eldoria City!Clearly, the young White scion was oblivious to being targeted. At that moment, he was anxious, his eyes bloodshot."Hurry up, what's the hold-up? Conclude it quickly...""$130 million once, $130 million twice..." As the cheongsam-clad beauty's excited and measured voice rang out, she proclaimed, "$130 million...""Wait! I bid $150 million!" A sudden voice interrupted the proceedings.The crowd was stunned. Was there a hidden tycoon among them?The young White scion was so enraged he kicked the table, shattering it. Wh