Ch. 1921..1930

Chapter 1921

Tears welled up in Joan’s eyes as she stared at him.

Meanwhile, in the village, “Grandma, where are my parents?” Lucius asked.

“Oh, they had… something to attend to. They won’t be coming back for dinner tonight,” Delilah replied

with a smile.

Lucius tilted his head, confused.

Knock… Knock… Knock…

Delilah immediately put her guard up. The knocking didn’t sound familiar to her.

“Who is it?” she shouted.

Nobody answered, but the knocking continued.

Delilah walked up to the door and asked once again.

“Ms. Young, it’s me. Open the door!” a man shouted.

He doesn’t sound like a robber.

“Ms. Young, is Mr. Norton around? He’s not picking up his phone,” Lonnie asked.

“Oh, he has business to attend to. What’s the matter?” Delilah answered cautiously.

“We have something for him to show our appreciation for his help…” Lonnie explained.

Hubert’s surgery had been a success, the man had entered the recovery stage.

“Do tell Mr. Norton I will bring what he wants over tomorrow.” Lonnie smiled before walking away.

Delilah watched as Lonnie left. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt a little uneasy around the man.

I must be overthinking again.

Delilah shook her head.

She immediately told Larry and Joan about Lonnie upon the couple’s return. Larry returned Lonnie’s

call soon after.

“Hello, Mr. Norton, are you perhaps free tomorrow? I have a voice recording which I think you will be

very interested in,” Lonnie said in a low voice.

“Tomorrow sounds fine. I’ll meet you at our usual meeting place.” Larry hung up at that.

Gabriella, as soon as I get my hands on all the evidence pointing towards you, you’ll be done for.

His eyes flashed with a fierce light.

The next morning, Larry arrived at the café early on and waited for Lonnie’s arrival. However, the man

didn’t show up after a long while.

Larry’s face darkened as he pulled out his phone and dialed Lonnie’s number. However, nobody picked

up.

Larry’s blood began boiling at that.

Bam! The door was slammed shut.

Joan could tell something bad was going on when she saw the cold look on Larry’s face.

“Larry, what happened?” she walked up to him and asked in a low voice.

“It’s nothing,” he replied coldly.

She let it slide since he didn’t want to talk about it.

It was as if Lonnie had disappeared into thin air as the days went by. Larry felt a little uneasy about it.

Meanwhile, in the hospital, tears welled up in Hubert’s eyes as he stared at the photo in his hand.

Larry strolled into the ward and greeted him. However, Hubert totally ignored his presence.

Larry walked up and saw that it was a photo of Lonnie.

“Where is he?” Larry growled.

What’s the meaning of this? He disappeared after telling me he’s going to give me the evidence! Is it

the money? Or is he backing out?

Before Larry could grow angrier, he was stunned when he heard Hubert’s quivering voice say, “He’s

gone, forever.”

He left the country? Or…

“My darling Lonnie is gone forever!” Hubert wailed.

Larry immediately understood what was going on. Something had happened to Lonnie.

He immediately contacted Lonnie’s lackeys to find out what really happened to the man.

“Mr. Norton, Lonnie’s dead. He was beaten to death,” a man explained in a low voice.

But why aren’t they calling the police?

Larry stared suspiciously at the few men before him.

“We can’t call the police… We’re gangsters ourselves. We’ll be doomed if we do that,” the man

explained.

What a cold world this is. They’re just going to pretend they never knew Lonnie since he’s now dead?

 

Chapter 1922

“Are you people even human? You guys are trying to shy away from the responsibilities when bad

things happen. You should find out the truth instead of hiding here!” Larry bellowed.

The men lifted their heads up and looked at Larry coldly.

“What do you know? He was trying to take over Hubert’s position! It was tit for tat.”

“Yeah, he was in the wrong!” they argued.

Little did they know that they had all been played by Gabriella.

The woman, who was hiding in a corner, sneered viciously at the scene unfolding before her eyes.

Things are getting really interesting.

Larry was stunned by their explanations. Even though he wasn’t close with Lonnie, he could tell that

the man’s loyalty had lied with Hubert.

It looks like someone must be fanning the flames.

His eyes flashed with a fierce light at the thought.

“Where is Lonnie now? Where’s his body?” Larry continued.

“I couldn’t find it. Heard that it’s been washed away by the current,” a man said in a wistful tone.

“You went to look for his body?”

“Why? Are you trying to betray Hubert?”

The other men immediately ganged up on him. What a bunch of losers!

Larry shot them a look, shook his head, and left.

They can’t even see what’s happening before their eyes. How are they going to survive in the

underworld? How humiliating.

However, what they said about the river…

There was only one river located on the other side of the village.

Did he die on the day we were supposed to meet? Did he pass by the village?

Larry’s gaze turned sharp and cold.

“Caspian, I need you to look up someone for me…”

Everyone had thought Lonnie was dead. However, he was lying in the village’s clinic at the moment.

“Don’t move. You’re injured all over,” the doctor chided.

Lonnie opened his eyes and took in his surroundings.

Is this heaven?

There’s even an angel dressed in white!

He massaged his temples in an attempt to sober up.

“You’re awake? Here, have some water.” The doctor handed him a glass of water.

“Who in the world did you offend to get beaten up so badly?” the doctor mumbled, more to himself than

to his patient.

Lonnie was stunned. So I’m not dead.

He was supposed to meet up with Larry that day. However, he had headed straight for the village to

hand Larry the evidence after finding out that he was being followed. He knew Larry would return to the

village after work every day. However, Lonnie was robbed on his way there.

“Where am I?” Lonnie asked in a low voice.

“You’re at a clinic, not a hospital.”

Meanwhile, Larry was flipping through some documents irritably in his office.

Ring! Ring! At the sound of his phone ringing, Larry hurriedly picked up the call.

“Boss, he was followed the other day. He was seen driving towards the village, but he suddenly

disappeared,” reported Caspian.

My assumptions were right!

After that report, Larry ended the call and stared out the window coldly.

Gabriella, how many people are you going to kill before you stop this nonsense?

He balled his fists angrily.

Bam!

His office door was suddenly kicked open.

“It’s been a long time, Lars.” Gabriella flipped her hair enticingly.

Larry turned around and glared daggers at her.

How dare she show up in front of me now? Reckless woman!

“What are you doing here?” he asked fiercely.

He wasn’t able to prove Gabriella guilty yet due to a lack of evidence.

“I came because I miss you, of course.” Gabriella purposefully walked up to Larry, making sure to sway

her hips as she made her way to him.

 

Chapter 1923

“What’s wrong? Is Joan being too strict with you these days?” Gabriella teased, posing seductively.

Larry let out a scoff and turned around.

“Get to the point. I’m a busy man.”

The woman stared at Larry helplessly. She was aware of how he was dismissing her.

Larry, I’m not going to let you have your happily ever after since I can’t have you for myself.

She dug her nails into the flesh of her palm.

Bam! The clinic’s door was flung open, giving the doctor inside a scare.

“Mr. Norton, why are you here?” The doctor peered at Larry curiously.

“I’m looking for someone.”

His tone sent shivers down the doctor’s spine.

Joan wasn’t around, and the clinic only consisted of doctors and patients. Who in the world is he

looking for?

“Mr. Norton, Joan’s not around…”

The doctor quickly shut herself up when she saw the look on his face.

Fine. Whatever. I’ll just let him do whatever he likes.

The doctor nodded goodbye and walked to a hut beside the clinic to have lunch with Lonnie.

“Who came?” Lonnie asked with his guard up.

He would be dead meat if it were the same men who had beaten him up.

“It’s nothing. Eat up. Ignore it.” The doctor chewed on a piece of meat as she spoke.

Larry had searched through most of the wards, but Lonnie was nowhere to be found.

Did Caspian get it wrong?

Larry pulled out his phone and called the man.

“Caspian, did you give me wrong information?” he asked impassively.

“No, boss, he’s definitely there. I’m sure of it!” Caspian said determinedly.

Larry’s expression grew grim.

Suddenly, he noticed a small hut beside the clinic. It was where the doctor cooked and had her meals.

Larry slowly walked up to the door. He knocked lightly.

“What is it?” the doctor called out.

“Can I come in?” Larry asked politely.

In that instance, Lonnie panicked. “Oh no, I need to hide.”

“Why? He’s not here for you.” The doctor grabbed Lonnie’s arm.

However, Lonnie felt it was better to be safe than sorry in these trying times.

Larry placed his ear on the door and listened in.

She’s having a conversation! Larry furrowed his brows.

“Doc, it’s kind of complicated. I’ll explain everything to you later. Can you please help hide me first…”

Lonnie said anxiously.

The doctor became alert as she stared at man before him.

He’s not a wanted criminal, is he?

“Hurry!” Lonnie wailed.

The doctor was so terrified upon that thought that she immediately pointed at the cupboard beside her

and watched as Lonnie hid himself there.

The doctor took a deep breath, calmed herself down, and opened the door.

She smiled awkwardly when she came to face Larry. “Mr. Norton, how can I help you?”

The man barged into the hut and looked around.

“Were you alone just now?” he asked coldly.

The doctor hesitated for a bit, deciding to cover up for Lonnie in the end.

“Yeah, I was alone,” she replied cautiously.

Larry regarded her with eyes that held suspicion.

Why is she lying? She wasn’t alone just now.

“Doctor, have you seen a green-haired man anywhere?”

She hesitated for a bit before denying.

Larry could tell that she was lying based on her awkward reaction. However, he didn’t understand why

she was doing it.

Lonnie held his breath as he hid in the cupboard. Even though the man’s voice sounded familiar, he

dared not reveal himself because he couldn’t seem to recall whose voice it belonged to.

After a brief exchange, Larry left the clinic and walked over to Delilah’s house.

“Larry, what happened?” Why do you look so glum these days?” Joan questioned worriedly as she

went to grab hold of his arms.

 

Chapter 1924

Larry’s eyes lit up as an idea flashed in his mind. “Joan, aren’t you close friends with the doctor in the

clinic?” He looked at her, questioning in his gaze.

The woman stared at him blankly before answering him. “Yes, I am.”

“Why don’t you invite her over for a meal?” Larry suggested all of a sudden.

What’s he plotting this time? Joan looked at him suspiciously with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. Think about it. You both share a great relationship. It’ll make sense to

have her over for a meal. Besides, we could ask her to take good care of Delilah if we were to leave

one day…” Larry quickly responded.

He’s right. Why didn’t I think of that? Joan nodded slowly at his words.

I’m glad Larry’s a thoughtful and considerate man. We should establish a good relationship with her in

case anything happens in the future.

“Alright. Let me give her a call then,” Joan said softly.

The corner of Larry’s lips curled into a grin.

“Joan, I’ll head out now,” Larry shouted when he saw Joan hang up the call.

The woman whipped her head towards the direction of his voice and hurriedly ran up to him.

“What’s going on with you? It was your idea to have her over for dinner, and now you’re heading off?”

Displeasure was written all over her face.

“I…” Larry hesitated as he tried to think of an excuse to leave.

“I received a call earlier from the office. Something urgent came up that needs to be dealt with

immediately,” he stated, praying Joan would take the bait.

Why’s it always work? Joan crossed her arms and looked at him unhappily.

“Come on; I’ll be back right away as soon as I get it settled, alright? I promise I’ll be back before you

finish dinner,” Larry said as he tapped on his chest lightly.

Forget it. I know he’s working hard for the sake of the family.

“Okay, go ahead. Please be careful,” Joan said.

Larry pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head gently.

Soon enough, the lady from the clinic arrived at Delilah’s residence.

At the same time, Larry arrived the entrance of the clinic.

The lights in the clinic were still on; it was just as he expected!

Larry curled his lips into a playful grin as he stared at the clinic.

Upon seeing a child in the clinic, he walked up to him, squatted down, and said, “I need you to do me a

small favor. All you need to do is knock on the door, tell the doctor that you have a stomachache, and

ask for a prescription.”

He continued, “Take this. But, you have to promise me that you’ll keep this a secret. Can you do that for

me?” Larry tapped on the child’s shoulder gently as he passed him some money.

The child smiled in delight at the deal being offered. “I will not disappoint you, sir!”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Lonnie instantly grew alert at the sound. He shot a sharp glance at the door.

“Doctor, please open the door! My stomach hurts! Please give me some medicine!” The child cried out,

clutching his stomach, true to his act.

Lonnie let out a sigh of relief. Oh, it’s a child!

No one answered the door.

The child looked at Larry and frowned, beginning to think there weren’t any doctors in the clinic.

Larry looked at the closed door thoughtfully. Hmm… I knew this would happen. But fear not,

everything’s going just as planned.

“It’s okay, go on,” Larry whispered as he waved the money, giving the boy initiative to continue.

The child instantly went back to “work” with even more enthusiasm.

“Doctor, please open up! My stomach hurts so much!” the child shouted.

No one in the clinic responded to his cry once again.

The child decided to try a different approach as he threw himself on the ground and cried loudly.

“Help! Someone help me! I’m dying in pain!”

Larry was shocked at the child’s behavior.

Lonnie could not bear to see the child in so much pain. Hence, he opened the door of the clinic and

walked out.

Larry snagged that chance. He rushed up to Lonnie and grabbed him by the neck.

Both Larry and Lonnie were stunned when they saw each other. On the other hand, the child was still

busy crying on the ground.

“Erm, kid? You can stop now. Your work here’s done!” Larry chuckled as he handed him the money.

The child’s eyes sparkled in joy, and he sprung from the ground, running off with the money clutched

tightly in his hand.

“Mr. Norton?” Lonnie asked in surprise as he stared at the man before him.

“So it was you,” Larry said as he observed his surroundings.

 

Chapter 1925

“Come on, let’s talk inside,” Lonnie suggested.

Larry’s eyes darkened when Lonnie explained what had happened to him.

“So, who do you think was behind all this?” he asked tentatively.

Who else could it be besides Gabriella? I can’t think of anyone else who’d be so cruel to want Lonnie

dead so badly.

“I’m pretty sure it’s Gabriella. She even persuaded me to take over Mr. Newman’s place, but I rejected

her…” Lonnie muttered.

Suddenly, everything made sense to Larry. No wonder everyone was indifferent towards Lonnie’s

incident!

“What are you planning to do next?” Larry asked him in a serious tone.

“Mr. Norton, I was thrown into the river. Therefore, the recording is now nowhere to be found. I can’t

provide you any sort of evidence now. However, I do a copy. But…” Lonnie hesitated.

“What’s wrong?” Larry urged.

“Gabriella wouldn’t have let me off so easily. Thus, I guess she would have sent someone to look for

the recording that’s kept in my house,” Lonnie answered as his eyes dimmed.

He’s right. Gabriella has always been very cautious when dealing with such matters.

“Send me the address. I’ll go take a look,” Larry said.

Lonnie was going through a rough time, so Larry advised him to stay at the clinic until he gets better.

He’s a witness, after all. I can’t let anything happen to him.

“Mr. Norton!” Lonnie called out with an embarrassed expression on his face.

“Please take care of Mr. Newman too,” Lonnie said softly.

What a righteous man!

Larry’s lips curled into a smile as he gestured an “okay” sign to him and left.

“Larry, I think the person has gone abroad.” Caspian looked at him cautiously.

Larry was looking out of the window and didn’t seem to hear Caspian’s words.

The former spoke after a long time, “You can put that matter on hold for now. I need you to do

something else.”

I wonder when I will ever find peace when there’s so much going on? Sadness flashed before his eyes

as he recalled the incidents in the past.

“You’re mom’s a homewrecker! I’m sure of it!”

“She’s not!” Lucius defended.

“Yes, she is! She seduced the president of a big company and the husband of her best friend…”

“You’re mom’s a terrible woman…” A few classmates blurted out as they gathered around Lucius.

“You’re mom’s a b*tch!”

“You’re just as terrible as your mom!” The children hurled one insult after another.

“Shut up! No, she’s not!” Lucius shouted.

“Lucius.” Joan appeared by the corner at that moment in time.

“Mom.” Lucius ran into Joan’s arms and hugged her tightly.

Joan instantly knew that he had been mistreated. She comforted him, patting his back lightly.

“Mom, you’re not a homewrecker, are you? You didn’t seduce your best friend’s husband.” Lucius

looked at her expectedly, his eyes filled with tears.

Joan did not answer him right away. The whole matter was rather complicated.

There was no romance between Larry and Gabriella, nor did he ever acknowledge her as his girlfriend.

Thus, I don’t understand why others assume I seduced him. Besides, I don’t believe she has ever

treated me as her bestie.

“Lucius, things are much more complicated between us adults. But I promise you that I haven’t done

anything against my conscience,” Joan explained as she looked at the young boy.

Lucius let out a bright smile as soon as he heard her words. He chose to believe whatever Joan told

him.

“Mom, I’m craving for buffalo wings today,” Lucius said cheekily as he held Joan’s hand.

“Sure. I’ll also make some other favorite dishes of yours, alright?” she replied as she pinched his

cheeks adoringly.

 

Chapter 1926

Gabriella stood by a corner and watched the two of them leave. She observed them like a hungry wolf,

waiting to pounce on its prey.

My dear Joan, I’m coming for you! Gabriella thought to herself as she clenched her fists.

“Dad!” Lucius threw himself into Larry’s arms as soon as he arrived home.

Larry was very pleased to see the boy and tightly hugged him back.

“Dad, you’ll only love Mom forever, right?” Lucius suddenly piped.

Oh my, how can he be interested in love at such a young age? Larry looked at him questioningly as his

lips curled into a grin.

“What’s wrong, Lucius? Are you in love?” Larry pinched Lucius’s cheeks playfully.

“Dad, a good man should only love one woman for the rest of his life,” the young boy said deliberately.

What’s going on? Why’s he behaving so weirdly today? Larry looked at him suspiciously.

“Lucius, did you hear something today at school?” he asked softly.

Lucius glanced gloomily at Joan, who was busy cooking in the kitchen. Noting his hesitance, Larry

quickly carried the child into his room.

“Lucius, you must tell me if there’s anything wrong. We’re a family, and I don’t want to see you or Mom

getting hurt,” Larry said seriously.

“My classmates called Mom a homewrecker after school today. They even said she took away the

husband of her bestie…” Lucius uttered with his head hung low.

Larry’s gaze darkened as soon as he heard that sentence.

Why are all these past matters being brought up again? In fact, everything that’s been circulating is all

fake!

Damn, it seems like you’re ready for a battle, Gabriella!

Larry clenched his fists tightly, anger flashing in his eyes. I would have sent you to jail if it wasn’t for the

destroyed evidence!

“Come here, Lucius. Remember this. Your mom’s not a homewrecker, nor did she seduce anyone’s

husband or boyfriend. Could you tell me who told you all this?” Larry asked, looking expectantly at the

young boy in front of him.

“It was from a classmate of mine in school!” the boy answered softly.

How could she use a child to carry out her dirty plans!

“Okay. How about this? I’ll pick you up from school tomorrow. How does that sound?”

Meanwhile, Gabriella was handing a child a handful of candy. “Here, you did great yesterday.”

“Thank you, Madam. Shall I continue doing so today as well?” The child took the candy offered and

glanced at Gabriella’s beautiful face in adoration.

“Yes. Do your best today!” the woman said deliberately.

The child soon left happily with the candy in hand.

Oh, Joan, I always knew you disliked rumors. So, here’s a taste of what you fear most! Let’s see how

well your beloved Lucius can take all of this! Don’t blame me for this. You deserve every bit of what’s in

store for you! Gabriella stared at the school, lost in thought.

Once again, Lucius was surrounded by the same bunch of kids yesterday. They laughed and ridiculed

him.

“Hold up!” A man ordered as the children went silent.

They stopped in their tracks and turned around slowly to face the mysterious voice. The children took a

few steps back as they watched Larry approach them slowly.

“What did you all just say?” he asked emotionlessly.

Lucius instantly knew Larry was mad and was about to lose his temper. The man was never one to lose

his temper easily. However, he’d become a demon once he does.

“We weren’t talking about you, sir,” a boy answered cutely.

Larry smiled as he tapped the child’s shoulder lightly.

“I know you weren’t. But do you know what you’re doing was defamation and you would be held legally

responsible? However, you’re just children. Perhaps your parents would have to face the

consequences on your behalf?” Larry threatened softly.

“No! I don’t want my Dad to go to prison!” a young girl cried out.

The group of children instantly panicked as they turned and glanced at their leader.

 

Chapter 1927

“Boss, I quit. I don’t want your candy anymore. I have to go home now.” a boy said as he hurriedly ran

off.

“Boss, I have to be home for dinner. I’d be in big trouble if I get home late. So, I’ll get going now!”

In a blink of an eye, the child who started the ridicule was the only one left. The children disappeared

one by one.

The only child left was now frightened. He froze in place and dared not move.

“What’s wrong?” Larry asked him gently, warning lacing his tone.

“I’m sorry. Madam told me to this and gave me these candies in return. Please, don’t send my parents

to jail!” the child begged, teary-eyed.

Larry hesitated.

Ugh, forget it. He’s just a child whom that woman made use of.

He let out a sigh and caressed the teary-eyed child’s head.

“Then promise me that you’ll never do something like this again, alright?” Larry asked.

“Okay, sir. Thank you.” The child burst into tears of relief.

“I’m sorry, Lucius. I’ve been very mean to you in the past. Could you forgive me?”

A child was as innocent as a lamb. If one knew that their actions would cause harm to their parents,

they would surely stop immediately.

“Alright, I forgive you. We’re friends, after all.” Lucius smiled.

The two children reconciled and became good buddies once again.

Damn it! Gabriella, who was watching the scene, smashed her fist into a wall.

Why did he appear? Her eyes burned in anger.

“Mom!” Lucius rushed into Joan’s arms.

“Mom, I have good news…” He leaned into her ear excitedly.

Joan was touched when she heard Lucius tell her how Larry had settled the problems that bothered

her. Her heart filled with warmth from his actions; she felt very grateful to have the man in her life.

“Mom, I believe both you and Dad love and respect each other. I want you two to live a long life as a

couple!” Lucius exclaimed happily as he patted his chest.

Wow… He may be young, but he seems to know a lot of things. How mature of him.

“Oh wow, look at you go.” Joan stared at Lucius as she planted a kiss on his forehead lovingly.

Ding! Ding! Ding…

Larry looked at his phone and quickly picked up the call.

“Larry, it seems like someone’s been here before. Everything’s a mess,” Caspian reported.

I knew it! We were too late after all! But since when did Gabriella become so meticulous?

Larry pondered the situation as he squinted his eyes. Does her change have anything to do with her

trip overseas?

“Take a good look around. Lonnie said there’s a USB drive he kept well hidden. Try to see if there’s any

other evidence that might be useful to us,” Larry answered.

The men exchanged a few more words before the call was ended by Larry.

He looked out of the window, deep in thought.

Ring! Ring!

Suddenly, his phone rang once again.

“Hello, Mr. Norton? When are you returning to the office? A few directors of the board have decided to

resign. They intend to cash out or sell their shares to someone else…” His assistant sounded panic-

stricken.

Larry’s eyes turned colder if it were even possible.

What are these old foxes up to this time?

“Alright, I’ll return tomorrow morning.”

Why’s everything spiraling out of my control? So many things have happened one after another. First, it

was my family, and now it’s the company. Larry’s head began to ache at the thought of everything as

he rubbed his temples.

Upon seeing Larry so drained, Joan asked worriedly, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Larry looked at her and held her in his arms, drawing his lips close to her hair.

“It’s nothing,” he replied tiredly.

Joan knew he was exhausted from taking care of matters in the household and the office and wanted

to ease his burden.

“Larry, leave the household matters to me from now onwards. Now, I know what you’re going to say.

But, don’t worry. We’re not in the city, so there shouldn’t be any trouble. You should focus on your

company matters.” She leaned against his chest as she spoke.

The man kept quiet as he hugged her tightly in his arms.

The next day, Larry left for the company in the morning.

 

Chapter 1928

“Mr. Norton, I would like to live a quiet and relaxing life now that I’m old. So please…”

“Indeed, we’ve passed our prime…” the Shareholders each voiced their reasons as they glanced at

Larry in disdain.

Larry closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself.

The show must go on despite whoever leaves Norton Corporation.

“Alright. I believe you’ve already made up your mind. So, would you like to cash out your shares to me

or someone else?” Larry asked directly without wasting any time.

The shareholders looked shocked by the fact that he had agreed so easily. They had not expected

Larry to do so without a fight.

They had merely wanted to threaten Larry in hopes that the man would be more respectful towards

them. Their last resort had been to ultimately leave the company.

Norton Corporation had gone through countless challenges to become the company it was today. Thus,

no one was willing to cause trouble. No one wanted to fight over the so-called benefits for themselves,

especially at the age of retirement. Their lives were what was deemed the most important!

“Mr. Norton, is this something you’ve always looked forward to?” a Shareholder queried all of a sudden.

Larry let out a cold laugh as he shot the man an icy glare.

“My dear shareholders, I believe you’ve witnessed how far the Norton Corporation has come all this

while. It wasn’t an easy journey; we faced many problems like any other corporation out there. We’ve

overcome so many challenges together. Therefore, I hold a clear conscience against every one of you.

Yet, now you’ve decided to leave as you please. Haven’t you thought of my feelings? Larry slammed

his palms flat on the table.

The shareholders were taken back by his words. The tension in the atmosphere intensified.

“I was the one who took matters into my own hands when the company was in deep waters. On the

other hand, you only showed support when the company was making a profit. So, what do you all want

now? You wish to resign altogether? Go ahead. I’ll sign it right away as soon as you hand me your

resignation letter. That’s all!” Larry got up and headed towards the door.

“Mr. Norton!” a Shareholder called out.

“Let’s talk this out. We shouldn’t fight among one another, especially when the company’s in a stable

condition,” the shareholder said.

“There’s no need for that. I’ve decided to withdraw my shares!” a senior shareholder claimed.

Larry grunted coldly as he side-eyed that particular shareholder.

In fact, the remaining shareholders had not planned to withdraw their shares. Yet, they were now under

the pressure of the senior shareholder to do the same thing. All of them had joined forces only because

they were convinced that Larry wouldn’t provide them with the best benefits. Nevertheless, Larry was

aware that some shareholders did not intend to participate in this drama.

“I’ll give you three days to consider. If you choose to stay, you will be rewarded. If not, please feel free

to leave!” Larry said flatly as he left.

I’ve had enough with these people.

A few shareholders instantly got up and left while a few senior shareholders remained seated in the

meeting room.

“Mr. Norton!” A shareholder suddenly rushed up to Larry.

Larry knew that that particular man had been forced by the others, but he was mad that the

shareholder had succumbed under pressure.

The startled staggered backward when Larry shot him a cold look.

“Erm, Mr. Norton? I would… like to have a chat with you,” the man stuttered.

“We’ll talk in my office,” Larry quipped.

After that rectification, the company regained its peace. The greedy “old foxes” got what they wanted

as they cashed out their shares and invested the money in other companies. On the other hand, some

shareholders returned to their hometowns to live peacefully.

“Mr. Norton, besides those who returned to their hometowns, the other shareholders have all sold their

shares,” his assistant reported.

Well, I’m not surprised. I knew they would do so.

“Find out who they sold it to,” he answered coldly.

“There’s no need for that.” a man interrupted as he walked into the office.

Larry looked at the newcomer questioningly, unconvinced.

 

Chapter 1929

Could it be him?

“You’re right. It’s me,” Dustin said, walking over to a sofa to take a seat.

“Could you give us a moment?” Larry gestured to his assistant.

“What do you want?” the man questioned as he got up to walk over to the other man in the room.

Dustin sneered.

What’s with the face? Is he scared?

“What else can I do? I merely bought some shares,” Dustin answered.

Those scumbags! How could they sell the shares to him when they knew we have beef!

Larry clenched his fists tightly in anger.

“I’ll do my best, Mr. Norton. It’ll be nice working with you!” Dustin walked towards Larry and stretched

out his right hand.

No wonder you’re a doctor. Look how hypocritical you look!

Larry grunted.

“Mr. Silverman, it’s been a while! I look forward to a great cooperation with you as well!” he grumpily

said and shook Dustin’s outstretched hand.

Ring! Ring!

Gabriella glanced at the caller ID and answered the call immediately.

“Hello, Ms. Ward. We’ve looked around a few times, but we still can’t find the recording you’ve

mentioned,” a man reported.

Useless trash! Why can’t you find it?

Gabriella frowned, her eyes narrowing in deep contemplation.

“Keep looking! He must have a backup hidden somewhere in the house!” she yelled.

“We’ve searched the house several times, and there’s no sign of it. Besides…” the man hesitated.

“Besides what?” the woman asked coldly.

“Besides us, I believed someone else came by looking for something as well,” the man answered.

Damn it!

Gabriella gripped her hands tightly.

Could it be Larry? Her eyes dimmed at the thought.

“Find it! I don’t care how you do it. Even if you have to flip the house upside down to get it, do it! Or

else, you won’t get the remaining money I promised!” Gabriella hung up in a huff after that.

Oh Larry, I guess I’ve underestimated you!

Gabriella gritted her teeth.

“Boss, I found a USB drive, but…” Caspian trailed off.

“But what?” Larry urged.

“But the USB drive’s in bad shape,” Caspian finished.

“Bring it back here. We’ll try to fix it,” Larry instructed before he hung up.

Yes! We’ve finally found it! There’s nowhere to run now, Gabriella!

Larry eyed the corner of his office, the anger in his eyes slowly subsiding. However, he soon heard a

sharp cry.

“Excuse me, Miss! You aren’t permitted go in there!” Larry’s assistant yelled.

Larry frowned as he listened to the commotion going on outside his office. Well, who would cause such

a huge commotion besides Gabriella?

“Larry!” The woman he had in mind approached him sweetly.

“What do you want? I’m busy.” He didn’t look up to meet her gaze.

“Larry, have you forgotten what day it is?” She batted her eyelashes at him.

He did not respond.

Anything related to you has nothing to do with me!

Gabriella grew anxious when she noticed Larry ignoring her. The man flipped through his documents in

silence, his eyes looking anywhere but her.

“Larry, it’s my birthday today!” she yelled.

The man sneered. How does that concern me?

“Larry, my Dad kicked me out because of you. It’s my birthday today, so can’t you spend the day with

me?” Gabriella asked cautiously.

I bet it’s just an excuse for you to cause trouble!

She looked at his emotionless expression, waiting for a response.

“I’m very busy. Go find someone else to bother,” Larry replied.

“Come on, Larry. Let’s have a meal together, okay? I have no one left but you.” Gabriella looked at him

sadly, playing with her absentmindedly as she did so,

Larry blinked as if considering her request, but he quickly regained his usual expression.

“Let me make this clear once again, Gabriella. It’s your fault that you didn’t handle your relationship

with your family well. I have nothing to do with it! Furthermore, if you dare try to mess with Joan again, I

won’t let you off!” Larry warned as he looked at her, a deadpan expression on his handsome face.

She really leaves no stones unturned! First, the village, and then Lucius’s school!

 

Chapter 1930

“What are you talking about, Lars? How could I make a move on Joan when I haven’t even seen her

recently?”

It irked Gabriella that Larry had rebuffed her numerous attempts to go on a date.

Damn you, Joan Watts! This is all your fault!

Gabriella’s demeanor turned bitingly cold.

“How’s it going?” Larry asked impassively.

“Hmm. This one’s a complete goner, Larry,” Caspian said with finality.

Larry’s face was filled with disappointment as he looked at the damaged USB drive. He didn’t know that

it contained nothing more than the daily mundanes of Lonnie, Hubert and the rest of their gang.

“Forget it.” He took it back.

“I found many electronics and some maintenance tools in his room. He might be trying to fix this thing

too.”

Larry’s eye lit up suddenly, and he rushed down to the village’s clinic with the drive in hand.

Thump! Thump! Thump! One could hear the urgency from the continuous knocking.

“Who is it?” the doctor asked aloud.

“Larry.”

“Mr. Norton’s cool. Let him in,” Lonnie said with a smile.

As soon as he saw Larry, he asked, “Do you have it?” The latter checked the surrounding, shut the

door quickly, and pulled Lonnie into the house.

“Is this it? Can you fix a damaged USB drive?” Larry handed him the item.

“You took the wrong one.” Lonnie’s dismay was instantaneous. “I kept it in the corner, sandwiched

between the pages of a book. How could you miss it? Hold up. Has anyone else been to my place?” he

asked cautiously.

Larry nodded.

“Damn, these f*ckers are fast!” Lonnie cussed as he clenched his fists.

“What’s important now is for you to stay here and keep yourself safe. They must be looking all over for

you on Gabriella’s orders. I know she’ll want to see your body even if you’re dead.” Larry patted his

shoulders.

“What about my boss, Mr. Norton?” Lonnie looked worried.

“I’ll go and check on him at the hospital later.”

All of Hubert’s earlier medical expenses were covered by Larry, who was tied up recently to make

regular visits.

That was his promise to Lonnie, whose loyalty was what drew Larry to him in the first place.

After a brief exchange, Larry left the clinic and drove to the hospital.

“Mr. Norton,” greeted the doctor deferentially.

“How is he?”

“Physically, he’s fine, but…” the man appeared hesitant.

“But what?” Larry regarded the man before him inquisitively.

“Mentally, he’s not all there. According to his boys, Lonnie’s attempt to usurp his position shocked him,”

the doctor replied calmly.

What a load of bullsh*t!

Larry thought as he glared at the men standing guard at the door.

Hubert was looking at Lonnie’s photo and weeping when I last visited. What could have made him lose

his mind?

Larry secretly sensed that something was amiss.

“Ms. Ward!”

Gabriella unexpectedly appeared in front of him.

“Ah, what are you doing here, Larry?” she asked as she primped her hair.

“Got some stuff to sort out. You…” Larry’s gaze shifted between Gabriella and Hubert, who was laying

in the ward.

“Oh, I’m here to visit a friend.” Gabriella then gestured toward Hubert.

Larry smirked. She thinks I’m a fool!

The men standing guard clearly addressed her as Ms. Ward. It would seem that she already had them

wrapped around her finger.

Gabriella, Gabriella. Aren’t you something? Pulling this off so smoothly!