Ch. 41..50

Life at the Top Chapter 41

Dawson’s net worth had never exceeded two billion dollars even when Schuler Group was at its best. Yet here Jasper was with three billion dollars in cash.

There was no comparing them.

Jasper did not know of Dawson’s current mixed feelings and directly typed in the code for a specific stock.

Heavenly Dragon Real Estates.

Zayden’s plan had succeeded in the previous timeline, so when nosy people decided to look for leads afterward, they found that after Zayden had scammed the 600 million from Schuler Group, he took the money to buy stocks from Heavenly Dragon Real Estates.

Heavenly Dragon Real Estates had a total market value of 4.9 billion dollars.

Moreover, the owner of Heavenly Dragon Real Estates was the Hanks family. The real estate company could be considered as one of the Hanks family’s main assets.

Under Zayden’s hard work, Heavenly Dragon Real Estates’ stocks managed to triple in value and the 600 million turned into 1.8 billion dollars. Just like that, Zayden became a legend in the stock market business.

However, there was no way Jasper would let his dream come true.

Investing all three billion dollars worth of funds into his own securities account, Jasper opened a position at the current price.

City A had a large stock market, where not even the influx of funds could ripple the market capitalization that had amounted to trillions of dollars. However, with a current market price of only 4.9 billion, Heavenly Dragon Real Estates’ value was immediately pulled to its daily limit once the three billion dollars worth of funds rushed in.

The sudden and unexpected shooting up of the candlestick chart had excited all potential investors.

Even some bigger organizations were stunned. Heavenly Dragon Real Estates was currently unlisted, so it was evident that a strong investor had entered the market with how its stock price skyrocketed.

Who was this investor? What was he trying to do?

The domestic A-share market instantly surged.

Funds were the most sensitive to changes, and Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s share price had immediately attracted attention from all parties.

While everyone watched, Jasper began to liquidate his position.

The daily limit reopened and was immediately followed by a terrifying drop as Jasper depressed the prices.

The sudden drop ignited fear within investors and urged everyone to believe that it was a hidden dealer who was trying to offload stocks. As such, all of them decided to jump ship as well.

No one wanted to be a fool.

Therefore, as if it was on a roller coaster ride, Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s stock prices first skyrocketed before finally plummeting into the void.

Such fluctuation resulted in heavy losses for numerous people.

Those who bore the brunt were those who had heavier positions.

Yet, this was only the first step of Jasper’s plan.

Watching Heavenly Dragon Real Estates’ stock price drop, Jasper reopened his position and began to slowly consume shares that investors were underselling.

Minutes ticked by and Heavenly Dragon Real Estates’ stock prices had yet to cease falling, for Jasper was using a large number of funds to undertake them.

As long as the stock price was close to the down limit, he would take it all—until there was no more of it left.

Now, all retailers and organizations understood what he was doing.

Some divine being was trying to deal Heavenly Dragon’s stocks!

The rise and fall of Heavenly Dragon’s stocks were at Jasper’s fingertips.

At that moment, Jasper seemed to have become the god that controlled Heavenly Dragon’s stocks.

If he wanted their prices to rise, they would rise.

If he wanted them to drop, then not even the gods could save them from dropping.

Unless the opposing party could come up with enough funds to overpower Jasper’s and dump him, it was game over for everyone else.

However, Jasper stared at the two billion funds he still had in his account and it was evident that no one could stop him.

Sure, those organizations had a large number of funds in their hands, but why would they come and fight for Heavenly Dragon’s stock prices against him for no reason? They were not even related to Heavenly Dragon Real Estate.

As such, there was no way.

Doing so might even result in losses to them.

At the same time, in one of the state’s many luxurious mansions, Zayden received a phone call.

The person on the other end sounded terrified and nervous. “Mr. Hanks! Quick, look at Heavenly Dragon’s stocks. It’s almost dropping to its lower limit! We’ve lost 200 million dollars today!”

Life at the Top Chapter 42

“What? We lost 200 million?”

Zayden was instantly infuriated. ‘How did we lose 200 million out of the blue?’

The Hanks family was rich, and Zayden was hardly poor, but that did not mean money fell from the skies!

Such a sudden turn of events had knocked the wind out of Zayden’s chest like a hammer.

He did not understand how his smooth sailing plan had suddenly taken such a sharp turn.

The person on the other end continued to mutter, prompting Zayden to shout at them. “Alright, enough! Shut up! Why are you so frantic, we’ll be fine!

“Let me take a look first and I’ll update you.”

Hanging up the phone, Zayden quickly turned on his computer.

Although he had mentally prepared himself for what he would see, the sight of skyrocketing K-line followed by the downward plummet of stock prices still stunned him.

Zayden’s expression darkened, and it was gloomy to the point that a storm seemed to be brewing between his brows.

“Motherf*cker! Someone’s obviously out to get me!” Zayden opened the backstage and stared at the shocking eight-figure value on his profit and loss account. He clenched his teeth in infuriation.

‘Is it Schuler Group？

‘No way.’

Zayden immediately debunked that thought, for he had already cut off Schuler Group’s cash flow. There was no way they would have the money to do such a thing.

Not to mention that they could not have known how he had invested the 600 million into Heavenly Dragon Real Estate.

Only a selected few from his family knew of this.

‘Who could it be?

‘One of my brothers who also want to inherit the company?’

With his thoughts going haywire, Zayden shook his head. He had no idea who the culprit was and whether it was a mere coincidence or if all of this was planned, but he had to counter it.

‘Or this will be the end to the 600 million.’

At that thought, Zayden dialed a number.

“I’ve seen the market capitalization. Immediately transfer around 80 million in funds from my personal account over. I want the prices pulled back up!”

…

“The prices are back up.”

Jasper suddenly spoke, bringing both Dawson and Wendy’s gazes over to the computer.

A large order of tens of millions of funds could be seen entering Heavenly Dragon’s stocks, which pulled the prices that were hovering over its limits up quite the notch.

The rise in prices was steady.

“Looks like he’s made his move.”

Jasper was not surprised to see such a quick reaction from Zayden, for there was surely a group of professionals working for him and monitoring the market. It would be underestimating him to think otherwise.

Yet, so what?

“What do we do now, Jasp? Do we continue to beat the stocks down?” Wendy asked.

“No.”

Jasper shook his head and smiled. “He’s fighting us for bargaining chips now. There are only so many of Heavenly Dragon’s stocks, and most of them belong to retailers.

“If he wants to control the prices of the stocks, he’ll have to ensure that he has enough of them on hand.

“I’ve bought quite a bit of them when I played around with the limits, but they aren’t enough. If he wants to pull the prices back up, then we’ll pull them up with him.”

At that, Jasper then transferred 20 million in funds and the prices began to increase.

Followed by Jasper’s investment, Heavenly Dragon’s stock price began to rise as well. These tens of millions of funds had thus driven the market prices to skyrocket again.

This time, investors who were still pondering no longer hesitated. Even a fool could tell that two dealers were trying to fight for decision rights with Heavenly Dragon’s stocks.

Life at the Top Chapter 43

The stocks retail investors owned acted as reminders. If they end up pissing the dealer off and the dealer decided to hammer the market again, it would be over for everyone.

Therefore, all the retailers decided to undersell the stocks they had, leaving some larger organizations to observe the scene.

They still had no idea who this investing party that had just come in and entered a fund of over tens of millions of dollars was. As such, organizations decided to be more careful as to not act impulsively.

“The other party’s raising the prices as well, Mr. Hanks. That’s weird, I thought they’d continue dumping stocks.”

The other person’s words from on the other end of the call made Zayden frown.

“It looks like they’re targeting me, then.”

Zayden clenched his jaw. “They’re accumulating stocks!”

“The 80 million will be used up in no time if this keeps going on, Mr. Hanks. We’ve got to come up with a plan.”

“Motherf*cker!”

Zayden suppressed the urge to bring parents into his swears. In addition to the 600 million, he had put in another 80 million from his own pocket. He would be in big trouble if he lost the money.

Sweeping his eyes at the bottom right of the monitor where the clock was, Zayden clenched his jaw. “I’ll transfer another 14 million. Whatever you do, I need you to hold out for another 27 minutes until the market closes. Then, we’ll deal with this tomorrow morning when the market opens again.”

With that, Zayden hung up the phone and withdrew 14 million dollars at the last minute, transferring the funds to the securities account.

Zayden felt his heart cry as he watched Heavenly Dragon’s stock price increase non-stop.

He could only pray that this mysterious person did not have a large sum of funds and would back off at the current situation.

While Zayden pooled his money, Jasper had just gotten off the phone with John.

“It’s done. Extraordinary situations require extraordinary solutions. Your personal account’s back, Uncle Schuler, but you’ll need to sign up again at a securities company nearby,” Jasper said with a smile.

“Great!”

Dawson had no qualms at all.

“In the stock market, any institution or retail investor holding more than five percent of a company’s outstanding shares must hold a placard. We don’t have that kind of time, so we can only open two of your smaller sub-accounts to do this.”

Jasper glanced at his account that was moments away from needing to hold a placard as he spoke. He transferred the funds to both Dawson and Wendy’s accounts while his own continued to accumulate funds.

The matter of funds did not worry Jasper at all, for the entirety of Heavenly Dragon’s stocks only amounted to 4.9 billion on the market. He had three billion, and that was enough for him to buy 70% of its stocks if he wished.

Zayden was screwed. He had nothing to fight Jasper with.

That was why when Jasper watched Zayden clench his jaw and continue to invest, he decided to put in another 50 million dollars to corner Zayden.

“Mr. Hanks… Our defenses are down. We don’t have any more money!”

Zayden glared at the market lines with a grim look on his face. His hand tightened harshly around his phone, moments away from smashing it.

“Motherf*cking hell!

“First, you dragged the stocks to their limits with the 400 million, then you dumped the stocks and accumulated at least 200 million in funds. Now when I’ve entered 80 million, you follow. I entered 14 million, and you’re still one-upping me with 50 million!

“Do you f*cking print the money out or what?! Who the hell are you? Why do you have to target me?”

Like an enraged lion, Zayden paced around the room. His eyes glanced at the stock market and he sat back on the chair with an ashen expression.

It was just in time for the market to close for the day and all stocks had stopped their exchange.

In the end, the price of Heavenly Dragon’s stocks had stopped at a 9.99% increase, and it had not met the daily limit.

Zayden understood that this was what the other party intended, to continue accumulating shares.

He did not care about the money. What he wanted were bargaining chips and stocks.

“Once this person manages to accumulate enough shares… Heavenly Dragon Real Estate will be over if they try to crash the market!”

Fear struck through Zayden’s eyes as the man shot up. His hair was standing on end and his goosebumps were raised.

“No! That can never happen!”

His scalp aching in fear, Zayden did not hesitate before leaving the house and speeding to Hanks Residence. He had to see his father, for only his family could help him at such a time.

Life at the Top Chapter 44

Running red lights as he sped to Hanks Residence, Zayden had yet to catch his breath when he was summoned by Sylva, his father and the head of the Hanks family, to the study.

“I just received notice this afternoon that there were unusual fluctuations with Heavenly Dragon’s stocks. Someone is trying to control the market price. I believe you’ve already fought them?” Sylva stated as he looked at Zayden impassively.

As Zayden’s father, no one knew better than Sylva of his son’s actions.

Embezzling Schuler Group, for example. Without Sylva’s permission, there was no way Zayden would have the guts or the resources to do so.

As well as when Zayden did not hand over the 600 million he had taken from Schuler Group and invested it into Heavenly Dragon instead. It was something Sylva had allowed.

Yet evidently, the current turn of events had exceeded the expectations of the father-son duo.

Taking a big gulp from the cup a servant had brought in, Zayden then relayed the entire situation to his father with an embarrassed look on his face.

Sylva remained quiet as he listened and did not comment on anything at all.

“Which is to say, your plan has been exposed.” Sylva’s tone was void of emotions.

Zayden knew that this was a premonition to his father’s fury and quickly replied, “The plan’s been smooth-sailing this entire time, Dad. Everyone around me is too loyal to betray me. I can’t think of how that b*stard Schuler could’ve gotten wind of it.”

“You were set for failure the moment you saw Dawson as a fool who would be easily trampled on!” Sylva chided.

“Dawson and I are from the same generation. If he could’ve gotten to where he is today even under your grandfather’s control, then what makes you think you can hold power over him when the Hanks family has failed to? Did you think that your plan was flawless? Do you have any idea how many times I’ve had to clean up after you?”

Zayden’s expression grew despondent as Sylva continued to berate him.

“Dad, the biggest issue now is that we have no idea who this person sniping Heavenly Dragon Real Estates is. Maybe Dawson found someone to lean on, but we still have to make a move no matter what.”

“No sht!” Sylva scoffed, speaking in a grim tone, “Heavenly Dragon Real Estate is one of our family’s main assets. You have no idea how many of your uncles and cousins are dying to get their hands on it. With the sht you’ve gotten into today, I’ve already received four to five calls from them.

“The Hanks family may be strong, but these uncles of yours are hardly easily placated.

“Any mishandling of this will result in a grave loss to the family. Screw this up and you can forget about succeeding my place in the family.”

Zayden banged his fist on the office desk and growled. “I don’t care who this person is, but I’ll make sure I won’t let them get what they want! I can tell you for sure that they’re here for the sole purpose to crash the market!”

“This person has enough funds, which means that they came prepared or perhaps have been plotting against us from a long time ago. That’ll explain why money isn’t his objective. What he wants is to crush Heavenly Dragon Real Estate.”

“Give me some funds, Dad. This person has accumulated enough shares today, so I’m sure he’ll crash the market right off the bat tomorrow morning when it opens. We can’t just stand by and watch it happen.”

“What if all he wants is to make a fortune? Won’t you just be walking into their trap with my money?” Sylva asked.

Zayden shook his head and replied with certainty, “No way. Heavenly Dragon has been low-profile this entire time. There’s nothing to profit off of it.

“From what happened today, this person’s still accumulating shares even as the stocks are at a 9.99% increase. They’ll control the stocks at the lowest possible price if they’re doing this for the money. There’s no other explanation but to crash the market.”

Sylva fell silent for a moment before he asked, “So how much money do you need?”

“One billion!” Zayden’s words were shocking.

“We’ll have to take from the family’s assets if you want to withdraw that much money. Are you aware of the consequences?” Sylva’s expression was solemn.

Zayden clenched his jaw. “If we succeed, our family will suffer no losses.”

“We can take advantage of the 600 million I invested in the beginning for profit, coupled with my own money that I put in. It’ll accumulate to a total of 1.7 billion dollars of capital. It’ll be enough to crush them, and I’ll have at least two billion to spare when we’re done. I won’t lose.

“We can’t delay the situation with Schuler anymore. I’ve decided to push the plan forward and immediately publicize Schuler Group’s broken cash flow. There’s no doubt that Schuler Group will be over.

“If the person in the stock market is the one Schuler is leaning on, then they’ll be attacked by both sides. They can’t possibly take care of both ends at the same time, so they’ll lose!”

Seeing the confidence in Zayden, Sylva fell deep in thought for a moment before he made a decision.

“Alright. I’ll support your decision. The money will arrive in your account by the time the market opens again tomorrow. Don’t forget that this is a battle you cannot lose. Win, and no one will be able to steal the spot as heir from you, but lose, and my place will be affected by your actions as we.”

Zayden gave a wretched smile and replied, “Don’t worry, Dad. There’s no way I’ll lose. Schuler Group will be ours, and I want Wendy too.”

A lustful look flashed through Zayden’s eyes as he began to salivate at the thought of Wendy’s ethereal features and alluring figure.

…

While Zayden returned to Hanks Residence, Jasper turned the computer off back at Schuler Group.

“How’d it go?” Dawson asked Jasper straight-forwardly as he did not understand stocks too much.

“Not too bad. Zayden reacted quickly and has enough funds, so he was able to pull at least 100 million more at the last minute.

“But most of my shares were bought when the prices were close to the down limit and almost all of them seemed to have increased to the daily limit now. As such, I ended up earning more than ten million today.”

Jasper was in a good mood.

It was not a daily occurrence where the enemy provided you ammo.

“You’ve earned more than ten million in just a few hours?” Dawson was astonished.

His company was in the supermarket industry. It was a legendary cash cow that guaranteed profits every year.

Still, excluding expenses, Schuler Group earned a net profit of no more than a million every day.

To earn such an amount was already considered impressive at such a time, but it seemed so inferior in comparison to the over ten million Jasper had earned in a few hours of doing absolutely nothing.

That was the reason why Dawson was so impatient to introduce his company to the stock market. Sure, Dawson did not understand the market, but he knew that legally, the fastest way to increase his capital would be through stocks.

“I told you, didn’t I, Dad? Jasp is really good at this.” Wendy began to boast again as if she would never grow tired of doing such a thing.

“So what happens tomorrow?” Dawson asked.

“Zayden doesn’t have a choice. All he can do now is withdraw and pool money so that he has more available cash than me. However, there’s no way he’s winning in terms of liquid cash.”

Jasper chuckled lightly and spoke, “He’ll definitely do everything he can to accumulate as many stocks as he can tomorrow, which is why I’m going to close my position and drive his cash flow into a drought.”

Life at the Top Chapter 45

“You’re not going to hammer the market again?” Wendy asked, astonished.

“If even you assume that I’ll hammer the market, then there’s no doubt that Zayden will think so too. He has to save Heavenly Dragon Real Estate, while all I want is to crush him.

“Not to mention that I’m not interested in playing in such a small pool with him. Heavenly Dragon Real Estate is hardly any high-quality stock. It’ll only be a matter of time before inflated stock prices would plummet. He has no shot at saving this market.”

Dawson agreed with Jasper’s words.

Despite not understanding how the stock market worked, doing business was built on the same idea. When a company only had so much to provide, it did not matter how people hyped it, for the company’s market price would not exceed its performance by too much.

After all, investors were not fools.

“Alright then. That’s it for today, we’ll deal with it again tomorrow. Come back with us for today, Jasper, you can stay at our home.” Dawson’s words were shocking.

Wendy made a small sound and began to shuffle on her seat. She glanced at Jasper then back at Dawson.

The more conservative part of Wendy told her that it would not be very ‘ladylike’ of her to have Jasper stay over at their house.

However, Wendy’s heart did not reject the notion.

In fact, her thoughts began to spiral in a fanciful direction… ‘Isn’t this… cohabitation?’

Wendy’s cheeks flushed greatly at the word that drifted through her head and she turned her face away so that no one would see the ripple of emotions in her eyes.

“It would be my pleasure.” Jasper gave a small smile as he took in Wendy’s embarrassed yet charmingly unrestrained appearance.

Dawson laughed aloud and brought the two of them downstairs.

After exiting Schuler Group Headquarters and getting into Dawson’s Maybach S600, Jasper stared at the sight of the province around him.

In the year 2000, while it was still appointed the province, it had hardly begun to develop. Low-story housing could be seen everywhere and the roads were still narrow. Sites of private constructions could be seen everywhere.

Thinking back to how the province looked in his past life, Jasper suddenly spoke, “If you’re interested, Uncle Schuler, I think you could consider something in the real estate industry? This industry will inevitably be the pillar industry of the nation’s economy in the future. You’ll earn great revenue by dabbling in it while it’s still early.”

Now that Jasper held a strong enough place in Dawson’s heart, Dawson would genuinely consider the words he said.

“I’ve thought about it before, but while Schuler Group has quite a smooth cash flow, we’re still wary when it comes to the real estate industry. It takes too many funds and it’s not liquid enough.”

Jasper was not surprised by Dawson’s explanation.

“Think of it this way, Uncle Schuler. Sure it may require a considerable amount of funds to build real estate, but you don’t have to come up with every cent of the funds.

“With your connections, Uncle Schuler, I’m sure it won’t be too difficult to fish out a few plots of land with good potential. You could mortgage the land and borrow money from the bank in return.

“Using the money you borrowed from the bank for construction, you’ll only need to pay 35% of the whole cost. Let the contractor pay the rest of it in advance, and only pay them back after the construction is completed.

“In that case, Schuler Group will only need to come up with 20,000 at most for a project requiring 100 million in funds.”

What Jasper spoke of was a common trick that many real estate companies would employ in the future. It may not seem much to him, but it had opened a large door to Dawson when the latter heard it.

“That’s… very promising!” Dawson was extremely sensitive when it came to sniffing out good businesses, and with Jasper’s reminder, he realized that this was a viable option after a moment of thought.

“Would you be interested, Jasper? My connections with your funds, we can do this together,” Dawson suddenly said.

Jasper’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion.

While Schuler Group did have an issue with funding, it would no longer be an issue if Jasper were to help them meet the requirements. Once the matter of funds was resolved, it would no longer prove to be impossible for Schuler Group.

Life at the Top Chapter 46

Dawson making such a suggestion was an evident act of reciprocation so that Jasper would be benefitted as well.

The most crucial part of the plan was connections, for it involved the bank, the contractors, and official dealings. These were all things that Jasper could not perform as he was still a rookie in the field.

Dawson, however, was different.

Perhaps, Dawson was doing more than just returning the favor. Perhaps there was something deeper to it.

Jasper glanced at Wendy who sat next to him. She seemed secretly elated about something he had no idea about. Slowly, he found himself understanding what his future father-in-law’s intention was.

He was using his own connections to pave a path for Jasper.

“Sure. We can talk about this officially another day,” Jasper replied.

Dawson nodded in satisfaction. There was no need to explain himself too much when he was talking to someone smart, for they caught on pretty quickly.

The car sped away, leaving the heart of the city and entering the outskirts. As the richest family in the province, the Schuler’s residence was luxurious and spacious.

Dawson had bought this piece of lush land and built a villa amidst the mountains and bodies of water. It occupied a large plot of land, and the front courtyard itself amounted to thousands of square feet.

The first thing that met them when they walked in was a fountain and two wide paths for cars in the middle of the grass lawn. The paths stated clearly which was to drive in and which to drive out.

Driving past the fountain was a villa built in a way that resembled a palace. Servants had already arrived and opened the door.

Despite already readying himself for the sight, Jasper could not help but admire the depths of the richest man in the province’s wealth as he stared at the villa that was so luxurious it was nauseous.

Dawson had initially planned to eat dinner with them once they returned home, but he received a phone call that changed his plans.

“A lot of people in the group are asking about credited payments. I have an inkling that Zayden must have let the news out now that he’s panicking.

“Not to mention that now I have an idea of the transferral of funds, I’ve got to deal with this in person. You guys should eat first at home, I’ll be back later.”

Hearing Dawson, Jasper replied, “Do what you need to, Uncle Schuler. Just tell me if there’s anything I can do to help.”

Dawson waved his hand dismissively. “It’s not a big deal, I’ve got this. The name Dawson Schuler itself is a brand of its own in the province. I’ll definitely push this back down, don’t worry.”

Then, Dawson quickly left.

Watching the car drive off, Wendy asked worriedly, “My dad will be fine, right?”

“There’s no way your dad will let this whole empire he created by himself end just like that. Relax, it’s just one Zayden Hunt. He can’t do much to your dad.” Jasper comforted.

Wendy then turned to look at Jasper and asked, “What about you? I’ve never seen you panic since I met you again. Is there nothing you can’t resolve?”

“There is.” Wendy had not expected Jasper’s reply.

“What is it?” Wendy asked curiously.

“You.”

“The question of your happiness and future is a very important problem to me.” Jasper stared at Wendy and smirked.

Staring blankly at Jasper, Wendy’s fair and dewy cheeks blushed red before Jasper’s eyes.

Wendy staggered backward in embarrassment. “You sweet talker!”

With that, the beauty fled, her initial angelic and calm composure was long thrown out the window.

Life at the Top Chapter 47

Watching Wendy’s fleeing figure, Jasper’s eyes were filled with mirth.

The most fantastical period between a man and a woman was during this blurred and ambiguous time.

Jasper had already regarded Wendy as his own to love, and Wendy showed no intention of rejecting. There was no way this relationship would meet the same fate as in his previous life—over the moment it began.

Wendy did not reappear before Jasper until dinner, but even then she still dared not look at him.

It was precisely such shyness that was akin to a lotus fluttering in the cold breeze that made Wendy look particularly enchanting.

As the two talked and laughed at the dinner table, a servant interrupted them with the arrival of a guest.

The message had just been relayed when the door of the villa was pushed open, and a loud couple walked into the living room of the villa.

“Are you back already, Wendy?” the well-dressed, heavily accessorized woman asked in surprise when she saw Wendy in the dining room.

Wendy replied politely, “I just came back today. Uncle Zach, Aunt Luna, are you here for Dad?”

Hearing this, Luna and Zach shared a look before Luna finally asked, “Is your dad at home, Wendy?”

Wendy shook her head and responded, “Dad went out to do something, Aunt Luna. How can I help you?”

Luna chuckled and answered, “Nothing much. I just heard rumors that something came up with the group’s funds. We were wondering how your dad is doing, so we came to visit and check up on him.”

Wendy’s expression turned slightly cold when she spoke, “Don’t worry, Uncle Zack, Aunt Luna. How could such a large group have a funding issue?”

At that, Luna’s expression shifted slightly and she stated bluntly, “That’s where you’re wrong. It’s never impossible for things to take an abrupt turn when it comes to doing business. You never know what can possibly happen, which brings us to the main reason we came today, to ask your dad to pay back what he owes us.

“It’s nothing much, just around one million dollars. It was originally supposed to be settled by the end of next month, but now our food factory isn’t making too many profits and we can’t take the risk.”

Wendy was infuriated at Luna’s words. “It’s not even that big of a deal outside and as my uncle and aunt, as my dad’s brother, not only are you not helping my dad, but you’re also the first to come to ask for money?”

Luna and Zach looked grim when they heard Wendy’s words. Luna shouted, “Bullsh*t! What do you know? You’re just a child. How can you speak to your elders with such an attitude?

Wendy was pissed. “I’ll treat you like an elder the moment you act like an elder. But with how you’re behaving now, what kind of attitude do you expect to get from me?”

“You disrespectful child!” Luna was furious. “Even your dad wouldn’t talk to us like this. Who do you think you are?”

“Since you’re not going to treat us as your uncle and aunt, then I’ll make it clear to you today that your family owes me money. That is a fact. Pay us now, or we’ll start moving our products out of your supermarket overnight!”

Wendy turned pale with anger and spat out bitterly, “You’ve always been in poor health, Uncle Zach, and the situation in your family used to be very difficult. When Dad founded the company, he had never once forgotten to help your family’s situation. Your food factory would have gone bankrupt long ago had it not been for him!

“Not to mention that my dad was the one who sponsored the opening of your factory. He would tell you he lent you instead of giving you that money if you asked him so that it wouldn’t bruise your ego. You’ve earned your fair share of money from my family for so many years, but have you thought of the money from back then?”

Luna raised her finger at Wendy furiously and shouted, “What are you trying to say, you stupid lady? Your father has so much money, and your Uncle Zach is his brother. What’s wrong with giving his brother a little money, huh? I knew that you looked down on your poorer relatives, you stupid girl, I knew it!”

“Don’t act so ostentatious. Your company is facing a problem. I could tell long ago. We’ve already given you leeway and time considering the fact that we waited until today to come and knock on your door.

“No matter how you look at it, isn’t this all your own problems? You should be blessed to be fancied by Zayden from the Hanks family, yet you just had to play hard to get and ignore him. Had it not been for you, Mr. Hanks would’ve solved this problem the company is facing for you long ago!

“So if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for acting all high and mighty!”

Wendy stared at Luna indifferently. “No wonder Zayden managed to find me no matter where I went. You were the one secretly informing him this entire time. You couldn’t wait to see me marry Zayden, couldn’t you?”

Luna sneered, “What’s wrong with Mr. Hanks? You think that because you and your dad are rich that makes you the best in the world? The Hanks family bears power that you cannot possibly compare. It’s your honor to marry him. How could you be so stupid and blind to not even recognize a blessing when it’s right in your face?!”

Disappointed, Wendy did not even bother to reply. “Forget it, there’s no way I can talk to people like you. Leave, my dad isn’t home.”

“What about the money, then!?” Luna shrieked. “Don’t you plan to pay back the money you owe? It’s just over a million dollars! Pay me now!”

Wendy was utterly irritated and was about to refute her when Jasper walked over.

“It’s alright. She’s not worth your anger.” Jasper comforted.

Jasper turned to look at Luna. “If I heard you correctly, the payment is due next month, correct? That makes it unreasonable as well as illegal for you to come and ask for money now. Please leave.”

Luna looked at Jasper doubtfully and sneered, “Where the hell did you come from? Who are you to act so arrogantly in my face? This is a matter between me and the Schuler family. What does it have to do with you?”

Jasper replied calmly, “Wendy’s issues are my issues as well.”

“Haha!” Luna laughed. “Your issue? Sure, then hand over money on her behalf. I’ll leave once I get the money!”

Luna glanced at the two of them while she spoke and sneered. “This rascal is the reason you rejected Zayden, Wendy?”

“Just look at the shabby clothes he wears. What makes you think he’s worthy of you?”

With that, Luna turned to Zach who was silent and sneered, “Won’t you try and control your niece? She’s only so young and she’s already so shameless, simply taking any Tom, Dick, and Harry home. Who knows just how much more shameless things she has done in private?”

Zach frowned and turned to Wendy. “Don’t be fooled by people outside, Wendy. There’s a lot of men outside with nothing better to do who hit solely on daughters of wealthy families like you. They think they’ll get to live their lives in luxury without working hard for it.”

“Exactly. Choose a capable man, not one so shabby-looking like him. You’re just bringing shame to the Schuler family!” Luna sneered.

“If you want to talk about bringing shame, then it’s the two of you who are bringing shame to the Schuler family!”

At the sound of the exclamation, the villa’s doors opened, revealing Dawson. Despite being exhausted, the man walked into the room with a dark look in his eyes.

Life at the Top Chapter 48

“Da-Dawson… You’re back.”

Uneasiness bubbled in Luna and Zach’s hearts at the sight of Dawson.

After all, the couple was only so well off today thanks to Dawson.

“Why wouldn’t I be back? You came here to look for me, didn’t you?” Dawson spoke angrily.

He understood if outsiders wanted to trouble him for their own personal gains now that there was a small issue with the group.

Yet to think that it was his own family, Zach and Luna, who would be the first to come knocking on his door for money.

There was no way Dawson would not be furious. Their actions had chilled his heart.

Luna’s expression shifted between gloomy and bright as she clenched her jaw. “We just want to sustain our family, Dawson. Can’t you just pay the credit first…”

Dawson threw a check at Luna’s face, interrupting her.

“Here. 1,130,000! Take it and leave!”

Luna picked up the check. With the money in hand, she found no need to suppress the things she wanted to say. She clenched her jaw in infuriation. “This is where you’re wrong, Dawson. No matter how you want to see it, we’re still your brother and sister-in-law. What’s with that charitable expression on your face?

“We sell you products and you pay us back. It’s just.”

“Have you no idea about the quality of your products?” Dawson roared.

“When it comes to products of the same kind, yours are the ones with the most complaints! I would’ve thrown all of it out long ago had it not been for the fact that you’re family.”

Luna’s expression shifted. She glared at Dawson and his daughter resentfully. “We’ve had enough of you looking down on us just because you have money.”

“Schuler Group is going bankrupt anyway. I’d like to see what you’re going to do when your luck runs out!”

“The fact that you came knocking on my door for money the moment something went wrong with the group’s funds means that you knew about the news long before I did. You’re dying to see Schuler Group go bankrupt, aren’t you? Just how many benefits did the Hanks family promise you?”

Dawson pinned his gaze on Luna as he questioned darkly.

Luna’s expression changed as she shrieked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“You don’t know?”

Dawson scoffed. “Do I look like an idiot to you? You were the one who spread the news to the suppliers, so tell me what exactly the Hanks family promised you? Why are you so ready to work for them?”

“Stop talking crap when you have no evidence! Being rich doesn’t give you the right to slander me,” Luna argued. She did not dare to meet Dawson’s gaze as she pulled Zach away.

Dawson watched the two figures leave and did not block their way.

Now that Luna and Zach had left, Wendy asked, “Did they really go and side with the Hanks family, Dad?”

“I wasn’t sure before, but it seems like it now,” Dawson replied, disappointed.

“But he’s your younger brother.”

Wendy was furious. “Disregarding the fact that they’ve benefited greatly from us all these years, how could they help a stranger the moment something happens at home?”

“Such is human nature.” Shaking his head, Dawson turned to Jasper. “I’ve made a fool out of myself, Jasper.”

Jasper shook his head and asked, “How did it go with the suppliers? Is everything okay?”

Dawson replied confidently, “There’s still some weight to my name, so I managed to hold it off for the time being. But I’ll still need to make up for the lost funds, or I won’t be able to drag this on any longer.”

Jasper smiled. “Victory will be determined tomorrow.”

Dawson chatted with Jasper for a while before he went upstairs and wrapped up the day.

Partially so that he could give Jasper and Wendy some space.

Partially also because Dawson had been under a lot of stress lately and was exhausted.

After Dawson left, Wendy piped up with a concerned look, “Dad doesn’t like looking weak in front of other people, so he doesn’t normally tell me about the kind of stress he’s under. I know that he doesn’t have it easy.”

Life at the Top Chapter 49

“That’s how fatherly love works, weighted and grand!”

Jasper comforted Wendy, saying, “Everything will get better after this.”

“It’s the final fight tomorrow… isn’t it?” Wendy stared at Jasper with a burning gaze.

Jasper nodded. “Tomorrow determines whether we win or lose, whether life or death awaits us.”

“We’ll win, though, won’t we?” Wendy asked seriously.

Jasper smiled. “Yeah.”

Wendy was greatly relieved by that reply and beamed. “Come on. I’ll bring you to your room.”

The following morning after breakfast, Dawson cleared his schedule for the day and sat next to Wendy behind Jasper.

“Their transfer of assets got buffered since we managed to find out about it early, so the most crucial thing now is this battle of stocks. If we lose here, then it’s over for Schuler Group. But if we manage to win, then it’s smooth sailing from here onward.”

Dawson patted Jasper’s shoulder and reassured him, “No matter what happens, don’t give yourself too much pressure.”

Seeing that there were still ten more minutes before the market opened, Jasper nodded. His gaze was tranquil.

At the same time in a mansion, Zayden was talking to three stock traders in front of him. The man seemed slightly nervous as he spoke, “Wake up, wake up. The market’s about to open soon. I’ve already transferred the funds into the account. All you need to do is work the stocks according to my orders.”

He had just received one billion dollars, which was transferred from his family’s account half an hour ago. With this one billion, Zayden had full confidence that he would be able to crush and defeat that party in the market.

Once the ten minutes were up, the market came to life.

The day began.

Jasper squinted slightly as he watched the stock prices for Heavenly Dragon Real Estate begin to rise the moment the market opened, but he did not move to do anything.

Like a cheetah hidden in the depths of the jungle, he waited for the best opportunity for action.

Meanwhile, Zayden ordered his stock traders frantically.

“Buy it! Buy every single stock there is for this price!”

Under the clickity-clack of fingers on keyboards, the stock price showed a smooth upward trend. However, it seemed like the person who fought him yesterday for stocks did not appear.

“Where are they? Where did they go?”

Zayden frowned before he suddenly sneered, “Afraid now, are you?”

“That person has made a move, Mr. Hanks.”

A stock trader suddenly spoke, and Zayden immediately turned to look at the trading interface.

Indeed, a large sum of money had been entered and the speedily increasing price suddenly skyrocketed.

Investors were stunned at the sudden jump.

Countless investors began to buy, causing a surge in the investment funds entering. Everyone was afraid to let go of such a good chance to earn money.

“Step it up. I want every single stock there is!”

Zayden’s expression was a wretched one. “You want to compare how much money we have? Sure! I have one billion dollars. It’s enough to bury you alive!”

The stock price continued to rise, and the number of funds Jasper and Zayden had invested was immense.

It was a battle where blood was spilled without the use of firepower.

Both Jasper and Zayden seemed to have lost their minds.

Just as the stock price was about to reach the limit, Jasper was certain that Zayden had already gone mad. Chuckling lightly, Jasper sat in the villa’s office as he sold every stock he had bought over the last two days.

“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for!” The corner of Jasper’s lips curled upward.

Life at the Top Chapter 50

“The bait has been bitten, now it’s time to rein in the net. Zayden’s in for a big loss this time.”

Jasper stated indifferently as he stared at the screen.

By his side, Wendy stared at Jasper’s side profile besottedly.

It was said that a man looked the best when he was buried in work. At that moment, in Wendy’s eyes, Jasper was glowing…

In just two days, the stocks in Jasper’s own account as well as both of Dawson and Wendy’s sub-accounts had arrived at a frightening amount.

Coupling that with how he had cornered Zayden yesterday and pulled the stock price to its limit again just now…

As of that moment, Jasper’s trap had been set.

All he had left to do was give Zayden the illusion that he was here to fight to the death, that he wanted all of Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s stocks.

If that was the case, then he would become the dealer of Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s stocks and Zayden would lose all decisive authority.

That was why Zayden could not give up.

It turned out just as Jasper expected.

Zayden had given his all just to get his hands on circulating stocks before Jasper could.

Just as everything got brutal, Jasper revealed his wretched fangs now that his set-up was complete.

Hidden in the jungle, the cheetah had finally gotten the chance to kill his opponent. There was no room for slip-ups.

He had caught Zayden completely by surprise when he sold his stocks.

It was as if two chess players were trying to out-plan the other, only for one of them to suddenly stand up and forfeit the game.

Zayden’s mind went blank as he watched Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s stocks make a dive.

It was an actual dive that collapsed the platform and bombed the entire battlefield.

Zayden assumed that Jasper would fight to the death with him, so he had never expected the latter to suddenly pack his things and leave.

“The opponent is selling!”

“Our funds have all been absorbed to buy the stocks, Mr. Hanks.”

“We don’t have enough funds, Mr. Hanks! We’re screwed!”

The stock traders’ voices rang out incessantly as they urged Zayden. His chest was engulfed with darkness while his throat had gone dry and raspy. Zayden stared blankly at the backstage of the stock market.

This was the end of the 600 million coupled with the money he had invested yesterday, as well as the one billion dollars he had just put in today.

Just like that, 1.7 billion dollars had turned from liquid cash flow into fixed assets.

Jasper had just cashed in the highest list price in one go.

Staring at the few thousand dollars of funds he had left, Zayden’s complexion paled.

He finally understood.

Jasper had never intended to deal Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s stocks.

His only goal had been to scam Zayden so that he would fall into the other’s trap.

While Zayden had indeed taken the bait, not only did he invest every dollar he had, but he had transferred one billion of the family’s funds as well.

Now the one billion dollars had turned into Heavenly Dragon Real Estate’s stocks of its worth, unmovable and fixed.

“We’ve won.” Jasper chuckled and exhaled, his posture calm and collected.

This battle of funds had come and gone quickly.

In less than two hours, a gruesome battle involving a couple of billion dollars had come to an end.

The most terrifying of all was how investors were not petrified after Jasper sold off all his stocks.

While the investor and the dealer battled, the retail investors were one simple mistake away from losing everything they had. When they saw that the stock price was beginning to fall, everyone began to sell their stocks as if their life depended on it.