جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 450

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'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

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

"She's just too nosy."Lloyd was unaware of the history between Jade and Asher, but judging by Asher's expression, he sensed deep-seated animosity between them. His previous persistence in pursuing Jade had waned after a series of events, and he now hated her to the core."Do you have a plan?" Lloyd asked, his tone uncertain.Asher's expression softened slightly. Instead of answering directly, he made a promise, "As long as you navigate through the current difficulties, I assure you Jade will vanish from this world without a trace."'Make Jade vanish?' Lloyd felt a twinge of reluctance. After all, he had set his sights on Jade. The idea of her disappearing unsettled him."What, having second thoughts?" Asher asked sarcastically.Lloyd pushed aside the hint of emotion in his heart and sneered. "There's nothing to second-guess. If I can't have her, then destroying her isn't a bad alternative. But letting her die like that would be too easy on her.""If you want to torment her, I h

Both of them were satisfied."Great, if you are available, you can start working after New Year's," Tiffany said."Alright, just call me Anna," Anna Wolfe said, extending her hand to shake with Tiffany and then Jade. "Nice to meet all of you."Anna's features appeared somewhat mixed, and Jade couldn't help but steal a few glances at her, feeling a bit puzzled. She hadn't encountered Anna in her previous life, so her sudden appearance felt somewhat strange.Noticing Jade lost in thought, Tiffany nudged her. "What's on your mind? Anna's still here.""Oh, sorry." Jade snapped out of it, shook Anna's hand, and stepped back.Anna didn't mind. "It's okay, I really like this place. I hope we can be good friends in the future."Tiffany couldn't help her curiosity and asked, "Are you biracial?"Anna admitted openly, "Yes. My hair takes after my mom, so I look more local here.""Oh, no wonder. You're very beautiful," Tiffany praised."Thank you." Anna beamed. "I have to go now, but let