“I understand.”
Jasper nodded. “I’ve made this realization before I made this decision.”
Tony nodded and said, “That’s good. However, don’t worry. The higher-ups’ attitude is clear. They’re not doing anything right now because they need to consider the influence on the international community. However, we won’t stay put if things become critical.”
Jasper said, “Please pass on my message to them, Mr. Pratt.”
“Go on,” Tony said seriously.
“The real purpose of the United States’ interference this time is to enter the domestic market by using me as a scapegoat. They want to rob us of the fruits of our reformation and development over the years to make up for the losses they have suffered in the terrorist attack and also to divert the attention of their people.”
With a sigh, Jasper continued, “I am in this position and have no other choice. Even if I am defeated, we can’t let outsiders touch the results of more than one billion people from Somerland’s hard work over so many years.”
“This is my request. So, Mr. Pratt, please convey it on my behalf.”
Tony nodded solemnly. “I will pass it on without missing a word.”
Jasper shook his head. Then, he got up and shook Tony’s hand before saying, “Mr. Pratt has been in a meeting for the entire day, so I won’t bother you anymore.”
Tony walked Jasper to the door and said, “Mr. Laine, please be careful on your way back.
“Mr. Laine, wait.”
Jasper was about to turn around when he heard Tony speak up again, “Mr. Laine…”
Jasper stood his ground and turned around to look at Tony.
Tony paused for a while. He seemed to be thinking about what he should say. Then, he continued, “I shouldn’t say this, but I think I still have to tell you so that you know.”
“SBS Bank will take action when it’s necessary.”
Jasper lifted his eyebrows and displayed the first genuine smile since his meeting with Tony. He nodded and said, “I got it. Thanks.”
Jasper would remember this favor forever.
Tony smiled in return before closing the door.
After he arrived downstairs, Jasper went to the lobby where he saw Adele in the lounge.
Adele waved at Jasper and Jasper walked over to her.
“Are you done?” Adele asked.
“Yeah, it went pretty smoothly,” Jasper answered with a nod. Jasper did not tell her what they talked about, while Adele was smart for not asking.
“I heard you contacted the little prince and Lord Alvarado recently, right?” Adele asked while tilting her head.
Jasper looked at this woman who was breathtakingly beautiful and extremely mysterious.
“Miss Brown, you’re so well-informed…”
Adele smiled and said, “I’ll just take that as a compliment.”
“The Browns from the north, the Royals from the south, and the Alvarados from the north-west. Right now, they’re all low-profile distinguished families in the country. These three families might even be the most powerful in the country, but they only have two similarities.”
Adele suddenly became talkative. She continued, “Firstly, these three families have been around for at least 200 years, so they can be regarded as the only remaining families in the country that have passed through the feudal era and still maintained their inheritance.”
“Secondly, they all have astonishing successors in this generation.”
When Adele said this, she said to Jasper with a smile, “The one from the north has something he wants to tell you, Mr. Laine, and he asked me to pass the message on to you.”
Jasper was truly shocked.
Who was Adele?
The state-owned SBS Bank contacted him through her. Even the crippled Brown wanted to contact him through her. Wait, the crippled Brown and Adele Brown?
There was a subtle change in the way Jasper looked at Adele.
Adele ignored the sudden change in Jasper’s gaze and continued speaking, “He said that after he learned about you, he feels regretful that he can’t meet you sooner.”
“He hopes that there will be a chance for him to meet you in Swallow City in the future. When the time comes, he will have a nice long chat with you and make you his friend.”
Jasper lifted his eyebrows and laughed. He answered, “I’m overwhelmed that Mr. Brown is so courteous toward me.”
Adele smiled faintly and said, “You’re too humble, Mr. Laine. Right now, you can be regarded as one of the most amazing people in the country. Of course a lot of people would want to know you.”
“Did Mr. Brown say anything aside from this?” Jasper asked.
Adele shook her head and answered, “No.”
Jasper nodded and said, “Okay, please tell him that I will definitely go to Swallow City to have a nice long chat with him if I have the chance.”
After he was done with work, Jasper got up and said, “Alright, I’ll bid my farewell now. My friend is still in the nightclub.”
“Mr. Laine, be careful on your way back.” Adele got up and sent him off politely.
Jasper turned around and took a few steps. Suddenly, he turned around and asked with a grin, “Miss Brown, may I ask what’s your relationship with Mr. Brown since your surname is also Brown?”
“He’s my older brother, my biological brother…” Adele bowed slightly and answered.
“…”
Jasper looked dumbfounded and he only came back to his senses after a long while. Then, he nodded and left after turning around.
When he walked out, Julian asked after he got into the car, “Do you want to go to Swallow Capital to talk to the crippled Brown?”
“There’s no need. He has rejected me,” Jasper said calmly as he looked out of the window.
