Paul had no particular hobbies, his only one being collecting famous calligraphy works and paintings. If Lloyd wanted to seek his help, he would need to appeal to his interests.Jade carefully examined the information on Paul and couldn't help but sigh. She felt like she was facing a difficult problem. She had never met Paul before, so she didn't know what kind of person he was.If he insisted on helping Lloyd out of his relationship with the Zeals, there was a good chance that Kerrigan would be released. It wasn't due to Paul's influence alone. Jade knew that Lloyd would definitely try to find a way through the plaintiffs.Even if Kerrigan faced sentencing, it wouldn't be as harsh as Jade had hoped, provided Lloyd managed to persuade the plaintiffs to withdraw their complaints by offering compensation. In that case, all her efforts would be in vain.Jade furrowed her brows, feeling unsettled.Caelan glanced at her with a chuckle. "What's wrong? Scared?"His eyes held a playful,
As a result, they had gotten into trouble with Caelan."The Fitzgeralds' car?" Lloyd was appalled. He had actually collided with Caelan's car at this critical moment."Yes, the car's from the Fitzgeralds. I didn't notice when I was overtaking," the driver said, turning pale with fear. "Mr. Zeal, we're in trouble."Seeing the driver's fearful expression, Lloyd experienced a surge of anger. Amidst the challenges confronting the Zeals, everyone presumed he feared Caelan—even the driver was looking down on him."What's there to be afraid of? Even if it's the Fitzgeralds' car, so what? If it was his fault, then he should take responsibility. Let's get out and see what's going on," Lloyd said, his words calming the driver down a bit.The driver pushed open the door and went to negotiate with Samuel."What's the matter, bro?" Lloyd's driver knocked on the Hummer's window, trying to get Samuel to come out and talk to him.The window rolled down, revealing Samuel with a sarcastic express
An hour later, they arrived at a private residence on the outskirts.Jade and Caelan got out of the car, while Samuel went around to open the trunk and took out a box. He lifted it effortlessly, so Jade guessed the item inside was probably lightweight."What is it?" Jade thought it must be the gift Caelan had prepared for Paul. Although they weren't there to ask for a favor, they still had to maintain some etiquette. After all, Paul was a person of status.Caelan just smiled without saying a word, motioning for Samuel to follow as he led the way inside.Paul's mansion was huge, with high walls, gray tiles, and traditional decorations. There were pavilions and terraces everywhere, and even a pond in the courtyard where dozens of fish leisurely swam.Jade marveled silently. The retired official was really something… To have such a large mansion on the outskirts was no simple feat."Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Spaulding knew you were coming and specially asked me to wait here." Standing at
Samuel stepped forward to open the box, revealing a painting inside."Oh, what's this?" Paul looked delightfully surprised as he took out the painting and carefully opened it, inhaling sharply."The 'Mont Mundi'. Kennedy actually sent this to me?" Paul exclaimed, showing genuine appreciation for the artwork. "He refused other paintings I offered to exchange with this before, but he sent you all the way here with it today. This old man's thoughts are really hard to fathom."Jade was also taken aback, knowing that the painting was worth 40,000,000 dollars. Kennedy really spared no expense for her this time. In any case, this indicated that there would be some drama to anticipate, as Lloyd was also bringing a painting. Jade pondered what his reaction would be upon seeing this scene.Mitchell approached just then and whispered something in Paul's ear.Paul's expression changed slightly, but he didn't show much surprise. Instead, he simply told Mitchell, "Let him come over too, get a
Jade turned to see a young woman approaching. She was chubby, her belly round, and her cheeks jiggled as she walked."Nina, come here. Look who's here," Paul called out, gesturing for Nina to join them.Due to Nina's arrival, Lloyd's expression became somewhat complicated.As Nina approached, instead of sitting next to Paul, she greeted everyone in the pavilion first."Hello, Caelan, Lloyd, and this is…" Nina's gaze on Jade was puzzled. Jade smiled and replied, "Hello, I'm Jade Severin.""Hello, Jade." Nina didn't have the sense of superiority of a politician heiress or the arrogance of a rich heiress.Jade immediately felt a fondness for her.The only one with a different expression was Lloyd. Despite attempting a friendly smile, it seemed fake no matter how one looked at it.Jade also noticed that Nina's gaze toward Lloyd was quite unusual."Come sit here," Paul invited Nina to sit beside him, closer to Lloyd, leaving about a foot of space between them.Nina sat down and
Jade's heart sank. Was Paul suggesting that he might intervene in Kerrigan's case?Before she could respond, Paul added, "But there are laws in this country. If Kerrigan has erred, he must face the consequences. Even if I were to intervene, I might not be able to shield him. However, I will exert every effort to assist him. Whether he can be saved remains uncertain."Jade absorbed Paul's words. The Zeals had done him a favor, and he felt obligated to aid Kerrigan out of both personal sentiment and moral duty. Whether his assistance was genuine or mere placation likely depended on Lloyd.Jade scoffed inwardly. Paul was a cunning old fox, seeking to please all parties and sidestep offense. But such balance was elusive in reality.Caelan, constrained by Kennedy's ties to Paul, couldn't directly challenge him, but Jade had no such reservations. She owed Paul nothing and had no affiliations with him. If she wished to bring down the Zeals, no one could stop her.Jade pondered for a mome
Paul was angry. He had faced countless challenges and navigated through rough waters to reach his current position. Many who sought his favor carefully weighed their words in his presence. Yet, Jade was just too arrogant. How could this naïve young girl dare to speak so boldly before him? It was simply infuriating.Jade's words weren't just a threat but a blatant warning.Caelan hadn't anticipated Jade's audacity, but seeing Paul's scowl satisfied him."Mr. Spaulding, there's no need to argue with an inexperienced young girl like her. She's been spoiled by me. If she has offended you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness on her behalf," Caelan said, lifting his cup of tea. "I apologize for her."Caelan downed his tea in one gulp, a sign of respect to Paul. Only then did Paul's expression soften slightly, though he still regarded Jade with disdain. "She's the one speaking so brazenly. Why are you apologizing for her?"This comment was aimed at embarrassing Caelan, an attempt to de
Jade clicked her tongue. "But this trip feels a bit disadvantageous.""What do you mean?" Caelan asked in confusion."The painting, it's worth tens of millions of dollars, you know. We just handed it over like that."Caelan chuckled at Jade's money-minded expression. "That painting may have a price, but the goodwill it earned from helping Paul is invaluable. He'll remember this favor, and when we need his help in the future, he won't refuse."'True to the saying, businessmen are all scheming,' Jade thought. 'It seems I have much more to learn.'After a moment of thought, she asked, "Was I too audacious just now?"After all, Paul was a retired government official with some power in his hands. Jade's earlier words had contained a clear threat, and if Paul intended to trip her up, she wouldn't be able to defend against it."No," Caelan said confidently. "Without a little harshness, he wouldn't know how sweet a favor is.""Care to elaborate?" Jade perked up, finding it a brain exer