Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 10

"Unfortunately, the law is firm when it comes to evidence and legal clauses. And in the business world, might always wins," Gina said. "Ms. Farley's terms may seem harsh, but at least it means the Townsends will get to walk away from this unharmed. As long as you survive this crisis, there's still hope to make a comeback."Every word out of her mouth sounded like an expression of her genuine concern for the Townsend family—as if she did indeed have our best interests at heart.Nevertheless, sitting in the corner, I felt sick just listening to her.In my previous life, I had been a star lawyer who had never lost a case. I'd seen far too many sanctimonious phonies like her.Just by glancing at the table of contents, I could easily pick out the traps that were hidden in the acquisition contract.That being said, I didn't want to get involved. In my previous life, I devoted my entire life to my cases and ended up working myself to death. This time around, I just wanted a peaceful life

Gina continued, "The overseas capital Ms. Farley secured runs deep, and we no longer have any cards left to play."She even turned and addressed Lucille humbly."Ms. Farley, once Mr. Townsend signs the contract, I hope you'll honor your promise and preserve the several trust funds held in the Townsend family's names. That's where we draw the line."Lucille gave a magnanimous wave of her hand. "Of course. When it comes to doing business, I pride myself on being a woman of my word."What a perfectly staged performance.Sitting on the couch, I crushed the mint between my teeth.Over the last decade, Gina had gained an all-too-thorough understanding of every member of the Townsend family. She knew what Dad cared about the most, what Evelyn's vulnerabilities were, and how to make Julian give up resisting with the gentlest words.She had created the illusion that she'd already done everything she could and that this was the best possible solution. She laid out the path to ensure that

Dad was shaking like a leaf as he shot to his feet and pointed a finger at Gina."You've worked with me for ten years! I've always treated you well. How could you do this to us!"Gina sat crumpled on the floor. She covered her face, her eyes filling with terror. She couldn't understand why things had turned out like this.She had painstakingly designed what she thought was a flawless trap, one that even Evelyn, a financial prodigy, had failed to detect.So how was it that I, the youngest son of the Townsend family who was supposed to be a dimwit, saw through it at a glance?"No… I didn't do anything… This is a misunderstanding, Mr. Townsend…" Gina babbled incoherently as she tried to defend herself.Tired of her clownish act, I turned to Lucille, who'd been silent this whole time."Using a shell company to acquire a company and siphon off its assets, Ms. Farley? That trick has been done to death by now. Don't you think it's pretty tacky of you to try and trick my family with it

The moment those words left my mouth, it wasn't just Lucille who was flabbergasted. Even Dad and Evelyn froze.The plot of land in the south of the city was a hot potato. The government had refused to approve its development plans for years, and it had been sitting there, untouched and unusable.Lucille's new energy company, on the other hand, was a genuinely valuable core asset, even if it was currently struggling with liquidity. This was nothing short of daylight robbery."You've got to be kidding me!" Lucille scoffed in fury. "A billion-dollar company for a worthless piece of land? You've got quite the nerve, Logan!"I leaned back in my chair, remaining completely unruffled."You don't seem to understand the situation you're in, Ms. Farley. I'm not negotiating a business deal with you. I'm showing you how you can buy your way out of the mess you're in."The moment news of your cash-flow crisis gets out, your new energy company will be carved up by your creditors. You won't get

"Ms. Whitman has been… I mean, she was handling the case before she was arrested, so it comes under your responsibility now. Do you need me to read it out loud for you?"She deliberately emphasized the last few words. It was obvious she was trying to throw her weight around in front of me because she thought I couldn't understand legal documents.Without even looking up, I continued flipping through the file I was holding."Ms. Oakley, how many years have you worked under Gina Whitman?"Robin froze for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by my question."Five years.""Five years, huh?" I finally closed the case file and looked up at her. "And after five years, you still haven't learned how to cover your tracks?"Robin's expression changed. "What are you trying to imply, Mr. Townsend?"I tossed a financial statement I'd compiled the night before onto the desk in front of her."You drafted the original contract for that project in the west of the city. You deliberately left loo