“Ordinary people like Zayden are nothing more than pawns to us.
“While we are pawns to people who’ve climbed higher than us.”
Conrad’s smile was light, but his words ran shivers down people’s spines.
“As long as you’re useful, it proves that there’s meaning to living in this world. If you can’t even be a pawn, then how will you ever be the player?
“Jasper, oh, Jasper. It looks like you have not understood this situation as clearly as I thought. But that’s alright, you’re still young. The Law family will teach you in due time what you must understand as a pawn.”
Jasper raised his hand to cut Conrad off and spoke exasperatedly, “Hold on, Mr. Monty. I think you’ve misunderstood.
“I’m not a pawn. Although, I am not against mutualistic partnerships with someone else to reap benefits.
“Secondly, the Law family and I are partners. We’re an alliance.
“I do not know nor do I care about what your relationship with the Langdon family is, but who am I to judge if you like being someone’s pawn? I’ll have to decline the offer though because I’m not interested.
“And as for your claim that you’re my opponent? Pardon my bluntness, but you’re thinking too deep into this. I’ve never had the intention to fight you at all.”
Jasper’s words had Conrad’s smile slowly vanishing off his face.
Now that Jasper had finished speaking, Conrad finally concluded calmly. “So it seems that you’re unwilling to bargain, then, Jasper?”
“About what?”
Jasper asked in confusion. “Oh, I get it… You mean about Zayden?
“Simple.
“In your dreams!”
Conrad’s indifferent gaze fell on Dawson as he spoke calmly, “Look at your future son-in-law, Mr. Schuler. He seems to lack a bit of respect. Perhaps he does not know what the Monty family is capable of in the Southeast Province. I believe you have the responsibility to teach him well.”
Dawson coughed drily and replied, “The youth these days seem to have a lot of ideas, Mr. Monty. I’m an old man who’s close to retiring. I don’t have the energy to do that anymore, so I might as well let them fight for themselves.”
Then, Dawson grinned and spoke straightforwardly, “Plus, this child didn’t get this far because he had someone’s support. Jasper has fought hard and fiercely to get to where he is today. I’d go so far as to say that he has no less experience than I do when it comes to business wars.”
While Dawson’s words sounded soft, they came with a sharp impact.
They pierced through Conrad and infuriated the man.
“Very well, then.”
Conrad got up and stared coldly at Jasper and Dawson. Then, he scoffed. “I suppose negotiation is out of the question now. It’s war, then.
“Very well. This will be the end of our conversation today.
“Do not forget that the Monty family has stood strong in the Southeast Province for decades. Our roots run much deeper than yours could ever. I am Conrad Monty, and there has yet to be anything I cannot do in Southeast Province!”
With that, Conrad scoffed and walked toward the doors of the study.
“Please hold on, Mr. Monty,” Jasper suddenly spoke.
Conrad turned and spoke to Jasper calmly, “Now you wish to bargain?”
Jasper brought the coffee cup to his lips and took a sip before replying to Conrad with a mirthful smile, “I’m happy that both you and the Langdon family are satisfied and happy with your loyalty to them, but please refrain from showing off how proud you are to be someone’s dog in front of me.
“Because the last person who did that? He met his end a long time ago.”
