“You must be joking, Mr. Powers. I just woke up. I don’t even know what has happened yet.”
Jasper knew that he could not blame Mr. Powers for what had happened. He was just angry about the fact that he had almost lost his life here in Reed City.
“I’m not here just to visit you, Mr. Laine. I was given a mission.”
Mr. Powers pulled out his phone and dialed a number before turning to Jasper. “The chief wishes to speak to you.”
Jasper’s heart skipped a beat. This ‘chief’ Mr. Powers spoke of must certainly be referring to the chief of Reed City’s government.
“Could everyone else please leave the room with me?” Mr. Powers requested politely.
Seeing Jasper nod, everyone left the room with Mr. Powers, leaving Jasper and one more person in the room.
…
An hour later.
Jasper called out to Wendy and the rest who were waiting by the door.
Wendy and Henry came in together.
“What did you talk about?” Wendy asked attentively.
Jasper smiled. “Nothing much. We just reestablished the relationship between us. We also showed our hands and talked a bit about the follow-up process, just so we both get a general idea of what’s going to happen.
“No one is allowed to interfere with the investment and no one is allowed to disrupt the peace in society.
“That was what the chief of Reed City’s government meant and it’s their stance on the matter.”
Henry pursed his lips. “Should’ve done that long ago.”
“Every place has its own rules, this goes for them too.” Jasper shook his head but did not dwell on the topic.
“This should be the end to Marcus and Ned, then!”
…
Marcus was in a horrible mood today, for he found out that the situation with Jasper was more complicated than he thought.
The only reason why the Coine family could have such a strong footing in Reed City was that Grandpa Coine was still alive.
While Grandpa Coine had been doing business in Reed City for years and never once left the city, he had quite a few friends outside.
Thus, the Coine family had gotten wind of what happened as well.
Even Swallow Capital had called the city government a few times after Jasper was sent to the hospital.
Apparently, a higher-up had made himself clear and scolded the chief of Reed City’s government. They were also using this incident as an example and discussed it during a private meeting.
Although he was hiding in Reed City, Marcus could tell that something was different.
“Seriously, Dad? Do I have to leave?” Marcus looked at Len and spoke unwillingly.
Len took a drag out of his cigarette and spoke grimly, “This is your grandfather’s idea. The situation has been blown up out of proportion and Jasper’s power lies further than just the Southeast Province… Basically, we were rash this time and you have to leave. I’ve already prepared the transport and everything else for you. You’ll be leaving Reed City on a ferry later in the afternoon and you’ll wait until everything smoothes out before you come back.
“No matter what happens after, you have to learn to be humble.”
Marcus was shocked when he heard Len’s pessimistic words. “What are you talking about, Dad? You’re telling me that Jasper’s going to topple us or something? No one would have the guts to do that in Reed City!”
“Reed City?” Len scoffed. “How big do you think Reed City is? And how big do you think the world outside is? Do you really think the Coine family stands above everyone?”
