Ch. 31..40

Life at the Top Chapter 31

In the car, Wendy could not stop looking at Jasper while driving.

“Is there something on my face?”

Jasper asked her while touching his face. Looking at his reflection in the rear-view mirror, he was no different from other men apart from the fact that he looked a bit more handsome.

There was a dazed expression on Wendy’s face. She registered his question not long after. “I’m just curious. You always treat the people around you with kindness and courtesy. However, you also act pretty cold to other people. Instead of asking Mr. Jones to send them away, you let them remain standing over there. That’s a lot harsher than sending them away.” She chuckled.

“I didn’t think too much into it. To me, they’re simply meaningless passersby in my life. If it wasn’t for the fact that they spoke to you in a derogatory manner, I wouldn’t have even bothered with them.”

Jasper said matter-of-factly. As a person who had lived two lifetimes, how could he not understand the importance of remaining humble?

“As for John, I think he’s a pretty nice person. Besides, he has way more connections than I do locally. There will come a time where we’ll need each other’s help. It’s always better to have one more friend than one more enemy in the business sector.”

“Take today’s incident for example. His appearance saved me from undergoing a lot of trouble. It would be impossible for me to just find someone and show them the balance in my bank account to tell them I’m rich, right?

“Although the feeling of doing so feels pretty great, I can only do it once or twice. Doing it often will make me seem retarded.”

Wendy kept smiling. She seemed to have thought of something. “By the way, are you free tomorrow?” she asked.

“Are we going to meet your father? Sure.”

With a playful smile on his face, Jasper agreed at once.

Wendy was startled. She stared at Jasper in shock while wondering if Jasper knew how to read minds. It seemed like he could always tell what was on her mind.

That was right. After accompanying Jasper and watching him earn a monumental amount of 3.1 billion dollars by trading crude oil futures, Wendy was determined to recommend him to her father.

Her family’s company was currently in a dire situation. Wendy desperately wanted Jasper to help her family resolve this problem.

However, Wendy intended to tell Jasper about her true identity before that.

“There’s something else I must tell you,” Wendy said in a careful tone.

Jasper pretended to listen to her attentively.

“Actually, my father is Dawson Schuler,” Wendy said. After blurting it out, she stared at Jasper unmovingly. She was previously worried that Jasper would feel pressured after she revealed her identity. However, her worries eventually dissipated since Jasper was now wealthier than her father.

Nonetheless, Wendy was still worried that Jasper would blame her for concealing her identity from him.

“I guessed correctly.”

Jasper smiled. There was not an ounce of distaste on his face. He continued to speak, “The way you dress and act sets you apart from those who come from an ordinary family background. Furthermore, we’re both from the same town. The only wealthy man with the last name Schuler from our town is the head of Schuler Group.”

“You don’t blame me?” Wendy asked anxiously.

“What should I blame you for?”

“After all, I hid my identity from you,” she said.

“That’s nothing much. It’s not a big deal at all. You’ve always kept a low profile and never wanted to attract unnecessary attention or cause unnecessary incidents because of your identity. If this was in the past, I’d feel extremely pressured. After all, your father is the wealthiest man in the province and you’re his only daughter.” Jasper chuckled softly.

Wendy let go of some of her tension after listening to Jasper’s words. She laughed lightly. “Are you pressured right now?”

“I don’t put someone else’s finances into consideration when I’m making friends now. Anyway, they can’t be richer than me now.”

After telling her a well-known joke from the future years, Jasper once again felt that it was truly great to be rich! Everything was way too good to be true!

“Besides, your father is the wealthiest man in the province and I’m one of the top ten wealthiest billionaires in the country. He won’t take me as someone who’s going after you just because you’re his daughter, right?”

Life at the Top Chapter 32

“Alright! Let’s head over tomorrow, then. I’ve taken a day off.”

Wendy nodded. Given her father’s current situation, it seemed that he would be the one reaching out for Jasper’s help instead.

However, she was extremely worried about her father’s incident. That was why she wanted Jasper to meet him as soon as possible.

“Sure!”

Jasper agreed at once.

After reaching home, Jasper did not rest. He continued to recall his memories to further perfect the next steps he intended to carry out in his master plan!

Wendy arrived at Jasper’s place the next morning. The both of them then headed off to the province.

Dawson decided on a time and venue for them to meet up under Wendy’s arrangement.

They were not meeting up at his house or his company. Instead, they were meeting up at a recreational facility… A golf course.

Thompson Golf Course was one of the most popular gathering locations among the wealthy people from the province.

There were not many forms of entertainment available in the year 2000. A man like Dawson Schumer could not be spending his leisure time in the disco, right？

In comparison, golf was a relaxing, recreational, and premium activity that raised one’s status. It naturally became one of the favorite sports of the local wealthy people.

Jasper and Wendy entered the golf course together. A middle-aged man dressed in white smiled at the both of them from a distance away.

It was a face that Jasper was extremely familiar with.

He was the chairman of Schuler Group, Dawson Schuler!

He was a businessman who had started off by selling fruits from a cart on the streets and came to own billions of assets at his peak.In the days of the 1990s, households that owned 10,000 dollars were considered rich. During those days, Schuler Group was considered the province’s main enterprise.

Although Schuler Group was not as brilliant as it was back then at this moment, it still possessed a large number of funds. With more than one billion dollars worth of assets, Dawson Schuler was the wealthiest man in the province. Of course, this was all before Jasper was reborn.

“Father!”

Wendy called out happily. She threw herself into Dawson Schuler’s arms like a bird returning home to its nest.

“Haha, I finally get to see my darling daughter. How’s everything? Is work going well?” Dawson asked, laughing out loud.

“Everything’s going well.”

Wendy grinned. She did not forget to include Jasper in the conversation. Returning back to his side, she said, “Father, this is the… friend I told you about, Jasper Laine.”

“Mr. Schuler, I’ve admired you for a long time,” Jasper said sincerely.

In his past life, Jasper could only admire someone like Dawson Schuler from afar. Even though he eventually committed suicide by jumping off a building, Jasper could not even begin to compare to him.

Nevertheless, Jasper had unknowingly overtaken his place.

Dawson smiled and reached out his hand to Jasper. “Wendy has told me a lot about you these days. Jasper Laine, right? Not bad at all. You’re talented. Don’t call me Mr. Schuler. Since you’re Wendy’s friend, you can address me as Uncle Schuler instead,” he said.

“I’ll address you as Uncle Schuler, then,” Jasper said.

“Do you know how to play golf?” Dawson asked Jasper. So far, he was having a pretty good first impression of this courteous man.

Dawson asked Jasper casually. In his opinion, a young man like Jasper should be capable of playing billiards well. He would probably not know much about golf.

Golf was a sport pursued by those from an upper social class. According to Wendy, Jasper was not from a wealthy family. He was born into a rather poor family.

Wendy had the same thought as her father as well. Just as she was about to say something to prevent Jasper from feeling awkward, he spoke up.

“I know a bit. My skills are really mediocre, though. Even so, I should be able to play a few rounds with you.”

Life at the Top Chapter 33

Dawson was rather shocked. He could tell that Jasper was confident in himself. He did not seem to be saying so just for the sake of showing him courtesy.

“Alright, go take a golf club. Let’s go in to play one round.”

Wendy and Dawson did not know that Jasper had often accompanied his boss to play golf in his past life for business purposes. He did not dare say that he had world-class golfing skills, but he considered himself better than an amateur.

Jasper walked over to get a golf club. Both of them then chatted happily while walking toward the golf course.

With a caddy following behind them, Wendy could not join in their conversation. She could only listen to what they were talking about.

She wanted Jasper to come over to help her father out. However, both of them had not talked about business after meeting. They were simply chatting about their personal insights on certain trivial matters. Wendy was overcome with dismay.

The weather today was pretty good with white clouds floating in the brilliant blue sky. The air was also cleaner and fresher compared to the future years. On top of that, the golf course had an excellent environment. Jasper and Dawson were rather high-spirited while they chatted and strolled toward the course.

As they made their way over to the tee, Dawson, acting his part as Jasper’s senior, gestured for him to start off the round.

Jasper did hesitate either. He grabbed the club he would be using to strike the ball and bent his knees slightly. Holding tightly onto the handle of the golf club, he turned around and struck the ball in one go.

Dawson’s eyes shone as he watched the white golf ball fly over the fairway and fall onto the green where the hole was located. “What an accurate strike. You’re a veteran,” he said.

“Excuse my poor performance.”

After Jasper spoke, he walked toward the ball with Dawson.

“I heard from Wendy that you’ve done some investments. Why don’t you find a stable job instead? It’s risky to do business,” Dawson said in a casual tone.

Jasper’s brows arched slightly. After going through all the formalities with him, Dawson was now beginning to probe into his details.

This meant that he had obtained Dawson’s initial approval. If their previous meeting and subsequent conversations had not satisfied him, he may not be facing such a situation.

They would most likely just have a meal together and return to their homes respectively.

It was not a must for Jasper to help Dawson Schuler and his company. He was only doing this because of Wendy.

Furthermore, Dawson was Wendy’s father. It was very important to gain his approval.

“Everything in life is risky. Some risks are meaningless, but some are largely beneficial. Although having a fixed job is good for stability, one will be restricted as well. I like to earn money with my wits.”

Jasper tapped his head.

“You’re really confident.” Dawson chuckled without commenting further.

“Father, Jasp is really good,” Wendy said weakly.

She regretted not telling her father about Jasper’s extraordinary work performance just because she thought of giving him a surprise. If she had told him, he would not be treating Jasper with an attitude like that.

Dawson was slightly dismayed at Wendy’s behavior. His precious daughter whom he had raised and cherished dearly for more than 20 years was so quick to take someone else’s side.

Inspecting Jasper from the perspective of a father-in-law, Dawson was slightly dissatisfied with his confidence.

The company was now in a critical situation. If things did not take a better turn, all he could do was ensure that the rest of Wendy’s life was stable and prosperous.

Since Dawson would be leaving his money to Wendy, her husband could be unskilled and untalented. However, he must be always reliable and treat Wendy well at all times.

“Uncle Schuler, I’m not playing this round,” Jasper said. His words came as a shock to everyone.

Dawson looked at the golf ball that had landed nearby. “Why not? The ball is at most three shots from the hole. You have a good chance,” he said.Jasper pointed at their surroundings. “Although the distance is good, the surroundings aren’t that great. There’s a sandpit on the left and a water barrier on the right. This isn’t a landscape that I’m familiar with,” he replied.

“I’ll have to pay a high price to save the ball, so I won’t simply dabble into unfamiliar areas. Once I realize a problem, I’ll choose to stop the loss immediately instead of forcefully keeping things going,” he added.

Wendy’s heart lurched upon hearing what Jasper said. She never expected Jasper to say something that perfectly represented the current status of her family’s company.

Dawson squinted, the kind expression and smile on his face vanishing instantly. It was replaced by an overcast look of anger!

Life at the Top Chapter 34

After Jasper exposed Dawson’s shortcomings, the smile on Dawson’s face gradually dissipated. His domineering demeanor made his anger evident at once.

“Young man, what are you implying? Are you trying to teach me a lesson?” Dawson asked in a cold voice.

“I’m not trying to teach you a lesson, Uncle Schuler. I just want to give you a reminder,” Jasper said without backing off.

“You’re really something else!”

Dawson was so enraged that he laughed out loud. “I, Dawson Schuler, have gone through thick and thin while working for the past few decades. I’ve walked through more paths than you have. What makes you think you have the right to give me a reminder?” he questioned.

“Schuler Group is facing an imminent crisis. The company is already at the end of the cliff. One wrong step and the entire company will go bankrupt. You should know better than an outsider like me, Mr. Schuler.”

Jasper told him everything at once. He even changed the way he addressed Dawson.

Upon hearing what he said, shock and anger streaked across Dawson’s face.

Although Schuler Group was really in a dire situation, only a few higher-ups from the company knew about it.

He had not even told Wendy, his own daughter, much about it.

Furthermore, the higher-ups who knew about it were close associates of his who had been by his side for a few decades.

They would never betray him.

How did this young man know about it?

“Schuler Group’s greatest asset is its supermarket chain as it holds the majority of the cash flow. However, someone has tricked Mr. Schuler by telling him that he can help with the public listing of the company.

“Therefore, Schuler Group established a financial investment department. They withheld the payment that was meant to be for the supplier and invested it in the financial circle.“The person who tricked you even asked you to single out the property rights to the group’s chain supermarket assets. He told you that it was to facilitate the group’s listing review.

“According to the original plan, that huge cash flow would help you earn a fortune in the financial market. However, the investment failed, resulting in a huge deficit. The funds cannot be collected, so you have no choice but to owe the supplier their payment.

“Even if Schuler Group were to apply for a bank loan, it would not pass the bank’s evaluation because the property rights of the group’s most important supermarket chain assets have been removed from the group.

“If any news of the funds spreads out, the supplier will ask Schuler Group for payment once they know about it. Meanwhile, Schuler Group can’t take out the money. Therefore, you can only announce your bankruptcy to liquidate the assets.

“Mr. Schuler, am I wrong?” Jasper asked while staring straight into Dawson’s eyes.

The expression on Dawson’s face darkened with every sentence Jasper said.

Alas, Wendy was Dawson’s daughter. From the expression on her father’s face, she could tell that what Jasper said was true.

Wendy’s face was pale in shock. “Father, is Jasp telling the truth?!” she asked in bewilderment.

Dawson let out a long sigh and nodded. “That’s right… but how do you know about it? These are all confidential information that’s kept within the company,” he said.

Of course, Jasper would not tell Dawson that after he committed suicide in the future, everything became known to the public.

The person who set the trap used the listing of the company as bait to trick Dawson into investing his funds into someone within the financial circle.

In history, he almost swallowed all of the core assets of Schuler Group, even managing to claim dozens of chain supermarkets all over the province. He was the largest winner.

“This is a trap,” Jasper revealed.

“His goal is to acquire Schuler Group. Looking at it now, he’s about to succeed,” he added.

The expression on Dawson’s face was quite a sight.

He had been through countless ups and downs in the business sector in the past few decades.

He had managed to become the wealthiest man in the province.

Dawson Schuler was not an idiot.

He had considered all the risks before commencing his course of action.

The situation at hand…

He had prepared himself for it since the very start.

However, to hear Jasper say that it was all a trap, Dawson could not admit to it.

Once he admitted to it, that would mean that there was a problem with his personal abilities.

Life at the Top Chapter 35

The business records he set for the past few decades had all become a joke.

If news about this spread out, he would become the joke of the entire province.

Furthermore, that person had a terrifying personal background.

Although Schuler Group was large, they did not have to go to such lengths to trick him.

All things considered, Dawson did not believe what Jasper was saying.

“What nonsense!”

Dawson shouted out in anger.

“Many things have happened in between. You’re just an outsider, you don’t know everything. How dare you conclude that it’s all a scam?

“Do you mean to say that I’m a fool with decades-long experience that’s proven to be useless since I got tricked so easily?”

If it was not for Wendy, who stood beside them with a shocked expression on her face, Jasper would have already turned around and left.

The rise and fall of Schuler Group had nothing to do with him.

Initially, Jasper intended to take advantage of this opportunity to buy a stake in Schuler Group.

After all, Schuler Group had a mature supermarket supply chain system. After the year 2000, the population’s income would grow rapidly and this would lead to an uprise in the supermarket business. As long as one opened a store, they would be able to earn money even with their eyes closed.

Furthermore, the supermarket industry had a cash flow advantage that was incomparable to any other industry.

In his previous life, the man behind all of it succeeded in seizing the national market after taking over dozens of supermarkets from Schuler Group. When Jasper was reborn, he was already a hotshot with a market value of 80 billion dollars. His company was also within the top three domestic supermarket brands.

If he had the chance to buy a stake in Schuler Group right now, he may make an extremely large profit in the future.

However, Jasper was not worried about losing out on opportunities to earn money.

Therefore, Jasper was not really concerned about whether he could buy a stake in Schuler Group.

“Father!”

Wendy voiced out right then.

She looked at Dawson anxiously. “You’ve always told me not to be conceited when I achieve something and always remain humble. Learning isn’t a competition,” she said.

“Why don’t you understand this principle right now?” she added.

“I know Jasp well. He’s definitely not the type to speak carelessly or exaggerate things. He must have his reason for telling you all this. Why can’t you just remain level-headed and think through it?” she asked.

Looking at Wendy, Dawson huffed coldly and turned toward Jasper. “Alright. In that case, I’ll give you a chance to prove to me that this is a scam,” he said.

“If you’re right, I’ll apologize to you. Otherwise, leave Wendy,” he added.

“How hard can it be to get proof?”

Jasper smiled confidently.

“Firstly, the person who planned everything must have full authority over the group’s financial investment department. Mr. Schuler, you would only need to check what projects he has invested all the funds into during this period of time.

“I’m certain that those projects are just empty shells. He’s using them to gain ownership of the company’s funds.

“Next, the company lost its rights to its core supermarket business. Therefore, the other party must have transferred all the funds out from the newly established company. You can find out just by giving it a quick check,” Jasper said.

Dawson pinned his gaze on Jasper. After he finished speaking, Dawson immediately called his close associates and asked them to look into it.

Although Dawson did not say it out loud, he had begun to grow more and more suspicious.

He then made another phone call.

“Uncle Schuler, is there anything you need?”

The passionate and confident voice of a young man rang out from the other end of the phone.

“It’s nothing, Zayden. I’m playing golf at Thompson Golf Court. Wendy is back as well.”

“Wendy is back?

“Wait for a while, Uncle Schuler. I’ll be there soon!” the man said excitedly.

Putting down the phone, Dawson told Jasper, “I’ve called him over. Both of you can interrogate him personally. Don’t disappoint me.”

Life at the Top Chapter 36

“Father, you still keep in touch with Zayden Hanks?!”

Wendy asked her father after listening to the voice on the other end of the phone call.

“One of my greatest wishes is to list the company publicly. The elders from Zayden Hanks’ family happen to hold some authority over this sector,” Dawson replied.

“He’s a cold-blooded jackal. Father, nothing good will come out of working with him,” Wendy said angrily.

“Wendy, you must know that there are no eternal friends or enemies when it comes to business. Only benefits are eternal.

“We’re collaborating for mutual benefits. However, if he has thoughts that he shouldn’t have, I won’t have mercy on him.”

Dawson said in a cold voice.

Nevertheless, Jasper’s words were yet to be verified.

However, the possibility of something occurring was sufficient to shift the mentality of a formidable character in the business sector like Dawson Schuler.

Looking at the unreadable expression on Dawson’s face, Jasper realized that Dawson Schuler was definitely not an ordinary person to be able to found such a large foundation.

…

Half an hour later, a casually dressed young man who gave off a noble air arrived at the golf course in high spirits.

Dawson was not in the mood to play golf, though. The three of them planned to have a meal at the restaurant on the golf course.

Zayden Hanks had arrived. His gaze flitted from Jasper and lingered on Wendy.

“Wendy, when did you come back? Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve fetched you over.”

Zayden said in a warm voice. His attitude was beyond passionate as well.

From his external appearance to his etiquette, Zayden was flawless.

Ordinary girls would not be able to resist a young, rich, handsome, charming, and well-mannered man like that.

However, Wendy remained indifferent. She simply replied to him monotonously, “I came back to visit my father. I have no intentions to trouble you.”

Zayden acted as if he could not tell the implication of rejection from her cold demeanor. He chuckled. “How would it be a trouble? Given our relationship, there aren’t any troubles between us.”

“Zayden, please take a seat.” Dawson pointed to the empty seat.

Wendy sat in the middle while Jasper and Dawson were by her sides.

Zayden chuckled. He made his way to Jasper’s side and said humorously, “My dude, since I’m here, get up and sit by the side.”

Once Zayden entered the room and realized that Jasper was seated beside Wendy, a flame of jealousy sparked off within him.

The way he spoke left no room for Jasper to deny his request. He was giving Jasper an order.

Jasper slowly took a bite of his scone and chewed a few times. He turned over to Wendy and told her, “This scone is pretty delicious. You should have one too.”

He then placed a scone on Wendy’s plate.

Jasper did not even bother to look at Zayden. He simply ignored him.

As someone who was brought up in a wealthy family, Zayden had never received such treatment.

His face darkened, and he glared at Jasper. “It seems like you aren’t going to acknowledge me, yeah?” he asked.

“You don’t know what kind of person I am, right? Huh?!”

Picking up a wet towel from the table, Jasper said coldly, “Whoever you are is none of my business. Your acknowledgment isn’t worth anything to me either.”

Life at the Top Chapter 37

Zayden smiled through his rage. “Alright, alright, nobody in the entire province dares to talk to me like that,” he said in a level tone.

“Zayden,” Dawson said, “Young people shouldn’t act so rashly. It’s the same anywhere you sit. Come here, sit beside me,” he added.

Although Zayden was extremely displeased, he could only suppress his anger since Dawson had told him off. Anyway, it was more embarrassing for him to stand there.

After taking his seat beside Dawson, Zayden raised his gaze and pinned it on Jasper.

“Given your arrogance, you must not be an ordinary person. How dare you talk to me like that? Tell me, which family are you from?” Zayden asked.

“The Laines,” Jasper replied curtly.

“The Laines?” Zayden pondered upon it. There were not any prestigious families called the Laines in the province. No one in the province would dare to talk against him like that. Was he from overseas?

“Don’t think about it anymore. My family isn’t prestigious or wealthy. We’re just an ordinary family,” Jasper said nonchalantly.

The expression on Zayden’s face changed immediately. “Are you making a fool of me?” he asked angrily.

“How am I making a fool of you?” Jasper questioned him.

Zayden glared at Jasper and sneered. “Don’t be too arrogant, you b*stard. It takes skills, not slick-talking, to make it in this society. If you act so rashly, be careful of not even knowing how you fell to your doom in the end.” He was seething in anger.

“Also, know your place and leave Wendy immediately. She’s not someone meant for a lowly b*stard like you. Why don’t you take a look at yourself instead?

“You should go and ask around, then you’ll know what kind of family the Hanks are in the province. You’re just a mere ant in front of me,” he added.

“That’s enough!” Wendy burst out suddenly.

“Zayden Hanks, there isn’t any sort of relationship between us. Who I choose to befriend isn’t any of your concern either.”

Wendy looked at Zayden who had an overcast expression on his face. “You tricked my father into investing in the financial sector. Where did all the money go?” she questioned him at once.Zayden remained impassive, but waves were crashing against his heart.

Wendy’s reaction did not surprise him. However, Dawson was remaining silent without saying anything either. This made him feel all the more cautious.

In a logical sense, his plan was flawless. It was impossible for anyone to find out about it. He was so close to succeeding.

By then, Schuler Group would be his. Wendy Schuler would belong to him as well.

However, Dawson’s attitude was ambiguous right now. He simply watched Wendy, who was interrogating him, without saying anything. He was obviously waiting for Zayden to give him an explanation.

Zayden immediately suppressed his thoughts and said, “Wendy, you’ve misunderstood. What do you mean by ‘trick’?”

“Uncle Schuler is the best businessman in the province. What makes you think that I have the ability to trick Uncle Schuler?

“Or do you think that it’s easy for someone to trick your father since he’s old now?”

“Don’t change the topic. Answer me. Where did the invested money go?!” Wendy said coldly, still staring straight at Zayden.

The smile on Zayden’s face gradually vanished. “As you said, the money has been invested. Of course, it’s being used to fund some projects,” he said matter-of-factly.

“Those so-called projects are simply the paper companies you created. You simply handed in a project plan and transferred all the money to your paper companies, right?” Jasper suddenly chimed in.

Zayden was not a fool as well. He was capable of coming up with such an extensive scheme and had even succeeded in fooling Dawson.

He came back to his senses at once.

It was impossible for Dawson to be suspicious of him all of a sudden. Besides, Wendy was clueless about all the internal details.The only person who could have done so was the rash, arrogant young man sitting beside Wendy.

“Hey, are you the one spreading lies to everyone? Are you seeking death?! Huh?!”

All of a sudden, Zayden stood up and yelled at Jasper angrily while pointing at him.

Life at the Top Chapter 38

Zayden was flushing red while Jasper remained unfazed as he ate his dumplings, completely ignoring him.

“Jasper is my friend.”

Wendy suddenly spoke, looking at Zayden impassively before Jasper could say anything.

“I’d prefer if you were more polite to him.”

Zayden felt the flames of fury within him burning extremely hot as he watched Wendy defend Jasper.

With a scoff, Zayden spoke disrespectfully, “Everything I’m doing is to help push the Schuler Group into the market. Instead of thanking me, you’re here suspecting me?”

“The financial investment department has always been under your management and I have no doubt of your abilities. However, there are still things that must be done for the sake of formality when it comes to the board of directors. So, submit an investment report for the department tomorrow to the board for analysis.”

Dawson suddenly requested.

“Of course… But sir, is someone on the board questioning the work of the financial investment department?”

“It’s just for formalities’ sake. I’ll be there. What can possibly happen?” Dawson smiled as he reassured.

“Of course.” Zayden agreed with a polite smile. “All it takes is a word from you, sir, and I’m sure no one will dare to question further. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be taking a trip to the washroom.”

With that, Zayden got up and went to the bathroom.

The smile on Dawson’s face disappeared the moment Zayden left.

“It really is a scam!”

Dawson’s tone was laced with fury.

Wendy’s expression changed, and she immediately suggested, “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s just expose him once he gets back.”

“No!”

It was Jasper who spoke.

The father-daughter duo turned to look at him.

Wendy’s gaze was filled with confusion.

Meanwhile, Dawson’s gaze held admiration.

“Zayden has plotted a large scheme, not to mention that he has the Hanks family backing him. Otherwise, there’s no way he would manage to hide this so well from you, Uncle Schuler. They’ve been planning this since a long time ago, so we’ve got to have a backup plan as well if we’re going to turn against each other.”

Jasper’s mind was clear.

“We don’t act unless we’re absolutely certain of our victory.”

Dawson nodded satisfactorily and spoke, “Jasper is right. They’ve been planning this for a long time. They’ll only scatter and run if we suddenly turn against them.”

“Then could he have possibly realized something from what I just said?” Wendy asked nervously.

Jasper smiled and replied, “No. What you said was crucial, or he would’ve just continued with his plan. You’ve pushed him a little, and if he panics, there’ll be cracks in his plan.”

Dawson broke into a loud laugh. “What a friend you have here, Wendy! Quite the complex mind you have, young man.”

Jasper continued to eat his dumplings, but his eyes were bright.

The fact that Dawson had managed to become the richest man in the province was evidence that the man was smart. Taking advantage of the issue that had arisen with the investment, it was adding fuel to the fire by requesting Zayden to submit an investment report tomorrow.

It was a small piece of detail, yet it was all it took to feed Zayden’s guilt.

He had just arrived at that thought, but Dawson had already seen through it long ago and made his move.

Experience was truly something to be wary of.

It would be foolish for him to look down on anyone just because he had the advantage of having transmigrated.

…

In the bathroom, Zayden pulled out his phone and called a number once he made sure that he was alone inside.

“It’s me. We need to speed things up, now!”

“Three days. We’re almost done with moving the assets, but I think that b*stard Schuler might already be suspecting something.”

Life at the Top Chapter 39

Zayden’s expression tethered between gloomy and sunny when he hung up the phone.

He felt slightly frantic.

Having plotted for over two years, success was right before his eyes. Yet if anything were to happen during such a crucial time, forget about not getting any benefits, but his family would also surely doubt his ability.

“Motherfcker. It’s got to be that bstard…”

Jasper’s appearance flashed through his mind and Zayden punched his fist onto the washbasin.

“Then again, so what if you’ve found out? My success is just a moment away and Schuler Group will be mine in no time. And you, Wendy… All you need to do is be my woman, and I can perhaps let you live. Don’t you dare try to die!”

After returning from the bathroom, Zayden was no longer in the mood to eat so he made up an excuse to leave.

Dawson did not ask him to stay and let him go as he wished.

Dawson frowned as he watched Zayden drive away from the field.

“He’s growing impatient. There’s no doubt that he’ll try and speed up the transferral of assets, but that’s not something I can deal with. The money I’ve already taken out for investment… Sigh.”

Hearing Dawson, Jasper suddenly piped up, “I can deal with that.”

Dawson looked at Jasper in shock.

Dawson was stunned. “That’s quite the claim you have there. How are you going to rein back 600 million worth of investment funds?”

“As long as it’s to do with money, it’s nothing much.” Jasper smiled lightly.

“Jasp is really skilled when it comes to this, Dad!” Wendy boasted.

“Don’t joke around.” Dawson shook his head. “That’s 600 million dollars that he has scammed from me with a paper company. There’s no way to get that money back. The company’s cash flow is tight and about to break right now. Suppliers will surely begin to knock at our doors if news gets out.”

As far as Dawson was concerned, Jasper had already proven his claim that this was all a scam.

‘Yet how is a youth like Jasper going to get the 600 million investment fund back?

‘Throttle Zayden and threaten him to return the money?

‘That’s unrealistic.’

At that thought, Dawson felt despondent. “I never expected to still be blinded at such an age, but I’ve already planned it out. Should we get to the point, I’ll leave the both of you enough money to live the rest of your life in riches.”

At that, Dawson patted Jasper’s shoulder. “I like you, Jasper. I don’t think I managed to be as outstanding when I was your age. I have nothing to worry about if you’re the one beside Wendy.”

“What are you talking about, Dad?” Wendy was nervous and embarrassed.

She was nervous due to Dawson’s pessimism and embarrassed at how he had just given her off to Jasper.

“You’re my child, how could I not understand what you’re thinking? You’ve never taken an interest in any boy since you were a child, and here you are bringing him before me. How could I be blind to what you’re thinking?”

Dawson’s tone was grim.

“I’d take the time and slowly assess you if none of this was happening, but I can’t afford to do that now.”

“Uncle Schuler,” Jasper could not help but speak as he watched Dawson’s gaze turn more pessimistic.

“It’s just 600 million. I can give it to you.”

Despite having seen his fair share of things in his life, Dawson was utterly shocked when he looked at Jasper.

Just a second ago he had thought that this young man was outstanding. Why was he bluffing like this right now?

“Jasp just earned three billion and one hundred million dollars from the stock market a few days ago, Dad,” Wendy spoke gleefully, the look in her eyes prouder than when she earned money.

“Three… What?!” Dawson thought he had heard wrongly.

“Three billion and one hundred million dollars!” Wendy repeated herself.

Looking at Jasper again, Dawson found that his understanding of the boy had been rewritten.

He had worked his whole life yet not even at his best did Schuler Group ever own that much in assets.

Even so, this youth before his eyes who was such a young man had earned three billion and one hundred million dollars?

Life at the Top Chapter 40

“I must be growing old.”

Dawson could not help but sigh when he found out that Jasper had indeed earned such a large sum of money from the stock market.

Jasper smiled and spoke, “You shouldn’t belittle yourself, Uncle Schuler. As a person who has lived through more than I have, you have much more experience than me. There’s much for me to learn from you.”

Dawson could not help but feel ashamed in the face of Jasper’s humility.

Before his scam was exposed, Dawson had thought that people like Zayden were the epitome of outstanding.

The thought of marrying his daughter to Zayden had indeed crossed his mind.

Yet now that he thought about it, he wondered just what he had been thinking.

He had completely disregarded how heinous Zayden’s greed looked on him.

Jasper’s outstanding character had easily outshined everyone else he had met before.

The young man had a net worth of a few billion dollars, yet he had not let money cloud his mind. Rather, Jasper had only gotten more humble and polite with each meeting.

‘What was such a person, if not the best of the best?’

“I wasn’t the nicest to you, Jasper, and for that, I apologize,” Dawson spoke sincerely.

“You’re too kind, Uncle Schuler.”

Jasper shook his head. “I’m not the kind to stick my nose into others’ businesses, but there’s no way I can just stand by and watch when Zayden bears ill intent to you and Wendy.”

As he spoke, Jasper glanced deeply at Wendy who was flushing and too embarrassed to look at him. Jasper smiled and spoke again, “I know that Zayden took the money to invest in a specific stock.

“While I can easily take the 600 million out, there’s also no way that I’ll just let him walk free with so much money. What’s yours is yours, and I’ll make sure he’ll give it back with not a cent less.”

“What do you plan to do?” Dawson’s eyes sparkled as he asked.

“Ever since I got into the stock market, I’ve been buying and selling stocks by following whatever the trend was. I haven’t stock-sniped anyone yet. Have you heard of the dealer-takes-all idea but in terms of the stock market, Uncle Schuler?”

Jasper smiled slightly as he spoke, “I’d like to be the dealer today.”

“You’re audacious! I like that about you.”

Dawson praised. “What do you need? I’ll help you prepare what I can.”

“Just a quiet office and a computer.”

Without another word, Dawson immediately had his driver fetch them to Schuler Group’s building after Jasper made his request.

As this was the corporate building of the richest man in the province, it was a 66-story high landmark building in the capital of the province and a place of wealth that countless people yearned for.

With Dawson there, Jasper made a beeline to the chairman’s office on the highest floor.

“Sit here, Jasper!”

Dawson had Jasper sit on his main chair.

“I don’t think this is very appropriate, Uncle Schuler.” Jasper did not know whether he should laugh or cry.

“If I say it’s fine, then it’s fine! Just sit!”

With how Dawson was getting progressively satisfied with Jasper, he no longer cared about such semantics.

Just then, the secretary came into the office with a tray of tea. Upon looking up, the secretary was met with the sight of an unfamiliar young man sitting on the chairman’s seat while the said chairman was talking to him with a face full of smiles.

The secretary was dazed by the sight.

Placing the tea down, the secretary then turned and left the room completely frozen. It was a surprise that the secretary made it through the door at all.

By the side, Wendy’s cheeks were flaming in embarrassment.

‘Dad can’t possibly be thinking about handing the company to Jasp, can he?

‘Good Lord… Is this my dowry?’

As her face flushed deeper with every thought, Jasper had already clicked open the stock market software by the time Wendy snapped back to reality.

After deducting the 17,280,000 paid for the villa, Jasper’s account amounted to a current total of…

3,083,960,000 dollars!

Despite knowing that his daughter would not lie to her, Dawson could not help but feel stricken when he saw the long line of numbers that would easily burst anyone’s blood vessels in Jasper’s bank balance.