In Jessica’s world, only money could win her heart and provide her with enough security.
As for the offered half a million dollars, Martin didn’t seem too enthusiastic and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you really going to lend this to Alex and his group? You better think it through. It’s easy to lend, but hard to get back.”
Jessica’s heart, of course, ached. She wished this half a million could end up in her own pocket. But reality was cruel, and since she had promised to lend it to the fourth brother and his group, she couldn’t back out now. Otherwise, it would tarnish her reputation.
Money was important, but so was reputation. You could only choose one.
“Let’s not talk about borrowing money today,” Jessica placed all the money on the bed. “I won’t be sleeping upstairs tonight. Let me have a good night’s sleep with this half a million. Cuddling the money while sleeping, I’m sure to have sweet dreams.”
In the villa’s backyard,
Leo dialed August’s number. On the phone, Leo discussed the loan matter with August. August barely hesitated and readily agreed. He asked Leo to bring the Five-Claw Golden Dragon Card to the head office of Wampole Bank, and he would also give a heads-up to the bank to expedite the loan.
With August’s assurance, Leo could finally breathe a sigh of relief, and the matter of a billion dollars was resolved. Moreover, after August learned about the issues facing Sophia’s cosmetics company, he suggested that Leo visit Azure Financial and meet his daughter. Renee could help him efficiently manage this billion-dollar fund and mount a counterattack against those attempting a hostile takeover.
It was like hitting the sack when one was already dozing. Leo was concerned about finding someone to manage a billion dollars effectively, and August’s suggestion was a perfect fit.
In a certain five-star hotel, a high-end suite,
Master Spencer held a cup of tea in his hand, his gaze fixed on the chessboard on the coffee table, contemplating something.
If one looked closely, they would see that the Go board displayed the same arrangement as the one Leo and Colin played before.
The room door opened, and Colin and Jack walked in together. Seeing Master Spencer still staring at the chessboard, Colin called out, “Teacher.”
Jack went straight to the sofa opposite Master Spencer and lit a cigarette for himself. “Master Spencer, Leo has accepted your challenge.”
Only then did Master Spencer lift his gaze from the chessboard and snorted, “He’s just a freeloading son-in-law who married into a rich family. All it takes is a little pressure, and he can’t refuse.”
“Teacher, where will this decisive battle with that freeloading son-in-law take place?” Colin asked.
Master Spencer looked at Jack and said, “Mr. Winifred, let’s set the time for the duel two days from now, at nine o’clock in the morning, in the hotel’s conference hall. How does that sound?”
Jack understood Master Spencer’s intent and replied, “I have no objections. I’ll make sure to invite all the old folks from the Chess Association and some media reporters.”
“Perfect. I want everyone in Langstel to know how I will crush this useless son-in-law.” Master Spencer’s eyes gleamed with icy determination.
Colin, standing beside him, unconsciously clenched his fist. He needed to regain every inch of the humiliation he suffered from that useless son-in-law. Though he had lost, as long as he still had his teacher, they couldn’t lose!
To ensure that no accidents happened, Colin and Master Spencer had discussed a contingency plan. The target was Leo’s wife, Sophia.
After Jack left, Colin dialed a number in his room.
The call connected, and Colin inquired with a sinister tone, “Is this Bruno?”
“Yes, who are you?”
“You don’t need to know who I am. You just need to understand that there’s something we can cooperate on…”
Bruno interrupted, “Sorry, I’m not interested in working with a stranger.”
“What about the matter concerning Leo and Sophia? Aren’t you interested in that?” Colin’s statement made Bruno pause as he was about to hang up.
“Who are you?” Bruno asked cautiously.
“I’m Colin Rosa. I know you have a score to settle with Leo and Sophia. Coincidentally, I also have an issue with Leo, so I thought we could cooperate,” Colin said directly.
“You’re Colin, the top disciple of Master Spencer?” Bruno’s voice held a tinge of surprise.
“Yes.”
“How would we cooperate?” Bruno asked.
Colin explained, “It’s simple. I provide the money, and you help me find a few people to kidnap Leo’s wife. Once the job is done, I can also help you with something.”
“Can you actually help me? You have that capability?” Bruno questioned.
Colin sneered, “Don’t forget my teacher’s identity and status. As his top disciple, my connections are beyond your imagination. As long as it’s not murder or arson, I can help you.”
On the other end of the call, Bruno fell silent.
Colin didn’t push him but simply waited for his response.
After a while, Bruno replied, “Alright, let’s cooperate!”
“Mr. Henley, then it’s settled. I hope to hear news of Leo’s wife being kidnapped by ten o’clock in the morning two days from now,” Colin said and hung up the phone.
In Bruno’s case, as long as it meant dealing with Leo and Sophia, he was willing to collaborate with even the devil from hell.
The next day, shortly after dropping Sophia off at the Golden Leaf Shopping Plaza, Leo received a text message from an unknown number. The message contained details about the time and location of his Go match with Master Spencer.
After leaving the Golden Leaf Shopping Plaza, Leo drove to the head office of Wampole Bank and secured the one billion-dollar loan. Then, he headed to Azure Financial to discuss fund management with Renee.
Outside the Azure Financial Building’s entrance, Leo encountered someone unexpected: Michael Hewlett, the son of Jeffrey, Leo’s old school friend.
Michael hadn’t expected to run into Leo here. Since his visit to the Cloud Dream Mountain’s Villa No. 9, he had harbored a grudge against Leo, and he had kept that grudge inside.
“Leo, are you planning to enter Azure Financial? Do you know this is my company? What brings you here?” Michael questioned in a condescending tone.
Since the visit to the villa, Michael had found a new job in Azure Financial, and since he was headhunted by the company, they’d given him an executive position.
This had given Michael a sense of superiority in Leo’s presence.
Michael harbored a deep-seated belief that someone like Leo, who freeloaded off women, could never reach the heights he had achieved in his entire life.
Leo paused for a moment and asked in return, “Azure Financial is your company?”
Michael knew he was exaggerating but thought, why not exaggerate a bit in front of Leo, this freeloader?