Ch. 431..440
Life at the Top Chapter 431
“C’mon, don’t do that! I was just joking. Besides, I’m usually the one who throws others into the sea. You’re my brother-in-law, you’re not going to throw me into the sea, are you?”
Henry said at once. He used to be and still was fearless, but when he was facing Jasper, he felt a sense of admiration and apprehension.
In fact, Henry always had a really simple outlook on the world.
He would strike anyone who was an eyesore to him, then go to his elders if things went south.
He had been guided by this logic for over 20 years of his life and the tactic worked each time.
Though many times, Anna was the one who played the role of Henry’s elder.
In fact, Zachary knew about all the trivial things he had done.
Old Master Law was equally troubled, but since he went through the same thing when he was young, with his son getting even better than him at this, there was simply nothing he could do.
Otherwise, he would not have handed the important task of educating Henry to Jasper either.
Anyway, when Zachary saw Henry walking through the door in the middle of the night and sitting on the couch dejectedly, smoking without a word, he felt his temples throbbing.
He knew his son all too well. Normally, when Henry behaved like that, he knew that he had done something so bad that even Anna could not solve it.
Zachary glanced curiously at Jasper. He did not understand why Jasper could remain so calm all the time.
He found a cigar and lit it before sitting down across the duo. He said, “Go on then, what did you do?”
Henry sighed. He looked at his father but hesitated to speak. He wore a sheepish look on his face, looking extremely sorry yet at the same time was too embarrassed to tell his elder.
Zachary’s temples throbbed even harder now.
“Spill it!” Zachary roared impatiently.
“Sigh…” Henry sighed, his face full of bitterness. “Here’s what happened…”
Half an hour later, Zachary and Jasper, as well as Henry with a slap print on his face, sat dejectedly opposite Old Master Law and sighed at the same time.
The three long sighs made Old Master Law frown.
After Zachary told Old Master Law the whole story, he rubbed his face and said with a wry smile, “Dad, I know it’s inappropriate for us to trouble you when it comes to things like this, but it’s different now. If the Turners send forth their old master, then with my identity, it’ll be really awkward for me. So I have no choice but to ask you to step in.”
“I was the one who cleaned up your messes when you were young. Now I also have to clean up your son’s messes when I’m already so old. Do I owe the both of you something?” Old Master Law sulked.
Zachary, “…”
Henry, “…”
Jasper nearly burst out laughing.
After that, a solemn air hung over everyone in the room.
The most important thing at the moment was to solve the problem.
“Henry, you’ve disappointed me greatly this time,” Old Master Law said, looking at Henry.
This time, the guilt on Henry’s face was genuine. He stood up and said, “I know, Grandpa. I’ll learn from my mistakes.”
“Hmph.” Zachary harrumphed, saying, “That Turner junior is really despicable. If he’s already resorting to such dishonest practices at such a young age, I can’t imagine what he’ll do in the future.”
“No matter how despicable he is, your son is the one who gave him something to use against him this time. You must admit defeat. Don’t complain,” Old Master Law said mildly.
As he spoke, Old Master Law glanced at Zachary and continued, “This is your son. The problem has to be solved, but the punishment will be carried out nonetheless. What do you plan to do?”
Life at the Top Chapter 432
Zachary gritted his teeth and said, “I’ll dismiss Henry from all his duties and positions inside and outside of the company. I’ll also suspend all his credit cards and property for half a year.”
Henry’s complexion changed. He was just about to beg for leniency when he saw the look in Jasper’s eyes. All of a sudden, his resentment was swallowed back in.
He whimpered for a very long time and eventually squeezed out the words, “Got it!”
Henry’s hatred for Erik had reached an unprecedented level.
Old Master Law nodded, satisfied with the outcome.
“Henry, give me a recount of the things Jasp did in the hotel earlier,” Old Master Law asked suddenly.
Henry suppressed his annoyance and recounted Jasper’s domineering and pompous actions earlier. He grew emotional all of a sudden. He narrated the things Jasper did with radiance and delight.
When Henry described the part where Jasper said that only one of them could win the battle and no peace would be made, Old Master Law slammed the couch’s armrest and said, “Marvelous!”
“All young people should be this domineering and aggressive! You did a marvelous job, Jasp!”
Jasper laughed and said, “I was quite worried that you would blame me for being pompous just to intimidate him.”
Old Master Law said, “Pompous? I told you that you’ve long been an ally of the Laws, and in the future, you’ll still be the Laws’ son-in-law. If you chicken out when you’re supposed to be tough, then I’ll scold you for sure.”
The word ‘son-in-law’ sent Jasper’s heart thumping wildly.
Had Old Master Law found out about the ambiguous relationship he and Anna shared?!
Jasper was a little guilty.
He was just about to speak when Old Master Law continued with a deep voice, “This problem isn’t going to be easy to solve.”
Zachary nodded as well and said, “The Turners are hard to deal with. Besides, Brad is a really cunning old fox. Then there’s also Old Master Turner. If things get out of hand, then the loss we’re going to suffer will be great.
“Even though this situation is difficult to handle, we must get it done immediately or we’ll be at a disadvantage if this goes out to the public.”
Old Master Law looked at Jasper and said softly, “What do you suggest we do, Jasp?”
Jasper mulled it over and said, “The Turners probably won’t fight us to the end. Harbor City’s business group is a sensitive topic at the moment and many tycoons are watching. They won’t take extreme measures during this critical juncture.
“I think we can still negotiate.”
Henry sulked. “What’s there to negotiate? Just start a war straight away. The Laws have never feared anybody. In Harbor City, even the three other families don’t have the guts to provoke us. If I do it, I’ll hire two men to drag Erik to the back of the mountain and bury him—”
“Shut up! Who said it’s your turn to speak?” Zachary shouted.
Henry clammed up and sat down grumpily without a word.
“Jasp,” Old Master Law said suddenly.
Jasper stood up and said, “I’m here, Old Master Law.”
Old Master Law said, “I need you to make an arrangement tomorrow. Send an invitation to Old Master Turner under my name and invite Brad as well as those involved in this affair this time. I’ll treat them to dinner but I want you to be the host.”
Jasper pondered and nodded, saying, “Okay, I’ll get it done tomorrow.”
Old Master Law nodded with a smile and patted Jasper’s arm amicably, saying, “Henry has failed to live up to my expectations, so I will need your help in many things. This child is perceptive, but before he’s enlightened, I’m not sure he’ll realize all the hard work you’re putting in.”
Jasper glanced at Henry and smiled. “Don’t worry, Old Master Law. He’s not so bad.”
Old Master Law waved his hand and said, “Okay, you should all go. Get it done tomorrow and remember, even though you’re sending out the invitations under my name, you must be the host. You’re the person in charge.”
Jasper nodded slightly.
Old Master Law was planning to lend him his prestige to intimidate the other party!
Life at the Top Chapter 433
Early next morning.
Turners’ residence. Brad’s house.
The scent of cigars permeated the air. Brad listened quietly as his son Erik retold the story of what happened.
“This is how it happened…”
Erik clenched his fists, and even at this moment, he still felt a stifling sensation in his chest.
“Jasper and Henry are too arrogant. They flipped the table straight away even when I held a trump card. They don’t respect me at all!
“Where are we? Swallow Capital! Not Harbor City where they can throw their weights around as they like!”
Erik gritted his teeth and raged. “Dad, I must teach them a lesson this time.”
Brad’s face was clouded in smoke and his expression was hazy, but his voice could be heard. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Erik paused and said guiltily, “It was already late at night yesterday. Plus, you just came back from working outstation, so I didn’t—”
“What about before that? You should’ve informed me first thing when you got your hands on the documents!” Brad’s voice was deep. “If this were something else, then forget it, but look what you got?
“You got the Laws’ stock shares in Swallow Capital’s branch and their Olympic Village project proposal. These two things are of utmost importance. Did you think both of them will keep this between themselves and solve this with you in private? How naive could you be? I can’t believe you even turned up at their door.”
Erik said, unwilling to take it lying down, “I don’t think I did anything wrong. I never planned on returning the things to them anyway. I was just trying to swindle them before handing the things over to our family. What I didn’t expect, however, is that their heads are strong as steel. I can’t believe they want to fight me to death!”
Brad said coldly, “Why do you think you’re able to swindle them?”
Erik replied subconsciously, “That’s because these two things are extremely important. How can they possibly shoulder such a huge responsibility…”
At this point, Erik’s expression sank abruptly.
Noticing that Erik had finally gotten the point, Brad sighed and said, “You’re just getting it now, huh? This is what sets you and Jasper apart.
“I don’t care whether you’re trying to swindle them or whether you plan to hand the stock shares over to us. As long as you didn’t transfer the ownership first thing itself, they can evacuate the company and withdraw the funds at any time. What’s left for you will just be an empty shell.
“If I’m not mistaken, Jasper must’ve already ordered Henry to do so yesterday.
“Therefore, the company’s stock shares mean nothing. The most important thing right now is the project proposal, and confidentiality is the crucial element in a project proposal. Since you have already taken it away and read it, as far as the Turners and Laws are concerned, this proposal is already a piece of trash.
“Just with this point alone, do you think you still hold a card that’s powerful enough to intimidate them?”
“Therefore, the Laws are not actually going to suffer as much of a loss as you think they are, but due to the vile nature of this incident, they won’t let this matter drop so easily.”
As Erik listened to what Brad said, he recalled the various actions Jasper had taken. His face turned extremely gloomy.
He felt as though he had been fooled by Jasper completely.
“It’s precisely because of the vile nature of this matter that things are out of their control, so it must be resolved by the Laws’ elders.
“That little fox Jasper is really cunning. Do you think he would’ve dragged himself into this quagmire for no reason?
“He wins both dignity and vanity, becoming more likable in the Laws’ eyes as well. When he abandons the entire mission, he’s not going to hate you, but instead, he will thank you for creating such a good opportunity for him.”
Life at the Top Chapter 434
Brad sighed, then looked at Erik with great disappointment before saying, “I thought you would learn from your lesson after what happened last time, and if worse came to worst, I figured you wouldn’t underestimate Jasper. That’s why I appointed you to handle Jasper’s affair.
“Looks like you’re still too immature. If you had handed over the documents to me as soon as you got them, then I would’ve locked the Laws’ branch account immediately. A few hundred million would’ve been enough to bring pain to the Laws for a period of time.”
The more Erik thought about it, the angrier and more regretful he became. He said, “I’ll get it done now!”
“It’s too late! The moment you invited Jasper and Henry for dinner, all the company’s funds had been exhausted,” Brad said flatly.
Erik said, unwilling to take it lying down, “What should we do now? We didn’t even get any benefits and still need to be put in a tight spot?”
Brad said lightly, “Well, you can’t say that we didn’t get any benefits at all. Families like us and the Laws pay great attention to reputation. That’s worth more than billions of dollars.
“If the news that you took all the shares from the Laws’ Swallow Capital branch spreads, then Old Master Law’s reputation will drop to at least half of what it was before. That will be our bargaining chip.”
Erik’s eyes lit up when he heard what he said and asked eagerly, “What do we do now, Dad? We must teach Jasper a lesson this time. If I don’t trample him to death this time, it’ll feel like a bone is stuck in my throat. I won’t be able to sleep at night!”
Brad was about to speak when someone knocked on the door.
Erik frowned and grudgingly said, “I’m discussing urgent matters with my father, don’t interrupt!”
Outside the door, the butler said reverently, “Master, a young man called Henry is here to send you an invitation.”
As soon as those words were heard by those in the room, both Brad and Erik’s expressions changed at the same time.
“Take him to the reception room, I’ll be there soon,” Brad said in a deep voice.
When the butler left, Erik said eagerly, “Dad, that brat is such an insufferable bully. How dare he come to our house?!”
Brad said solemnly, “The Laws have probably started taking action. Let’s see what they’re up to.”
Soon, Brad and Erik were at the reception room.
As soon as Erik entered the door, he saw Henry staring at him. His eyes were narrowed, and he was crossing his legs while shaking one of them.
He was like a jackal admiring its prey.
A wave of anger surged from the depths of Erik’s heart for no reason.
“Why are you looking at me like that?!” Erik asked with a roar.
Henry grinned. He was leisurely leaning on the couch and said, “Oh, so your face isn’t meant for people to look at?”
Erik’s eyes turned cold. He was just about to speak when he noticed Brad darting an indifferent gaze at him.
Erik gritted his teeth, swallowing his words grumpily and resentfully.
“Why are you here today, Henry?” Brad asked flatly.
“We’re hosting a banquet tonight and would like to extend an invitation to you, Uncle Turner.”
Despite addressing him as ‘Uncle Turner’ politely, Henry was not polite at all. He pulled out an invitation with a gold stamp on it and tossed it directly onto the coffee table.
The atmosphere in the reception room condensed following Henry’s snobbish act.
Life at the Top Chapter 435
Erik looked at Henry’s smirk and felt as though his chest was about to explode.
“This is Swallow Capital, Henry Law! You’re at the Turners’! Not in Harbor City or the Laws’ house! You’d better show my father some respect!” Erik raged.
“How am I not respectful?” Henry curled his lips and stretched, saying, “It’s just because I’m a casual person. What’s wrong? Can’t stand it?”
Creak… Erik could not wait to punch Erik’s annoying face right now.
Erik’s face was flushed due to anger and grievances. It was really hard to hold back.
Henry was gloating even more when he saw Erik’s expression. “Hey, Mr. Turner, you have a really ruddy complexion. Looks like you’ve been in a pretty good mood lately?”
Those words sounded so familiar.
Erik had said something similar to him just last night, a little over ten hours ago.
This alone made Erik feel as though his fury had burned off the last bit of sanity he had left.
“The Turners are not people you can disrespect. Do you think we will accept your invitation just because you delivered it to us? I’ll kick you out!”
After hearing Erik’s remarks, Henry sneered and said, “You’re really brainless, indeed. Can you take a look at the name inscribed in the letter before you speak?”
Brad had opened the invitation by now.
[Brother Jason Turner, it has been more than a decade since we last met and I can’t wait to see you again. Today, I specially invite you, Brother Jason, as well as your good nephew Brad and grandson Erik to have dinner together at six o’clock in the evening at Swallow Capital’s InterContinental Hotel’s Imperial Ballroom.
[Sincerely, Tom Law and Jasper Laine.]
When Brad saw the invitation, his face grew tense.
Jason Turner was Old Master Turner’s name.
Tom Law was Old Master Law‘s name.
This was an invitation letter from Old Master Law inviting Old Master Turner to a banquet.
Brad had no right nor the guts to decline an invitation of such scale, let alone Erik.
What upset Brad the most was immediately after Old Master Law’s name was Jasper Laine’s name.
What was this supposed to represent?
It meant that Old Master Law had pushed Jasper up to a level that was much higher than Brad.
Erik walked over to take a look at the invitation, and just a mere glance was enough to turn his complexion ghastlier than if he were to swallow iron.
He was shocked, horrified even, by the fact that Jasper’s name was able to follow closely behind Old Master Law’s name. At least if Henry’s name appeared here, he would not feel as conflicted as he did at the moment.
There was another thing that he found it hard to accept—the banquet was being held in InterContinental Hotel’s Imperial Ballroom!
This was where Jasper had humiliated him last night.
Did Jasper choose the location, perhaps?
To humiliate him deliberately?!
Erik’s head started ringing, and he felt a surge of blood rising in his chest, making him feel extremely uncomfortable inside.
However, Erik knew that neither he nor his father had the right to decline this invitation, hence he had no choice but to endure Henry’s arrogance.
Clenching his fist, Erik glared bitterly at Henry. No one knew what he was thinking about.
“I’ll take this invitation and inform my father at once. Please send my regards to Old Master Law, Henry,” Brad said calmly, closing the invitation. His expression had returned to normal.
Henry chuckled and said, “Sure. I’ll definitely send your regards, Uncle Turner. Since I’ve delivered the invitation to you, I’ll leave now.”
With that, Henry stood up and swaggered toward the door. When he walked past Erik, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Henry leaned closer to Erik and smiled, saying, “Idiot, just wait and see. I’ll end you! Weren’t you so proud of yourself? C’mon then, let’s call our parents over and see whose parents are more dope!
“Old Master Turner may be really powerful, but you’re not his only grandson. My grandpa only has one grandson. How can you compare to me? Silly.”
Having said that, Henry walked off while laughing boisterously.
Erik paled abruptly, unable to hold back his rage any longer. He smashed his fist on the coffee table.
With a thump, Erik’s fist bled like a flowing river. The pain numbed his nerves, and his gaze grew even more bitter.
“I can’t take this lying down, Dad!” Erik roared.
Brad looked equally sullen, chiding him, “If you can’t even stand this, how are you supposed to achieve great things in the future? If you have anything to say, then we’ll talk after the banquet tonight. Don’t say anything, don’t do anything—just watch!”
…
In the evening at Swallow Capital’s InterContinental Hotel.
A Mercedes-Benz slowly pulled over in front of the hotel lobby. Immediately, a waiter trotted forward and opened the door respectfully.
The ones who got out of the car were Norman Gardner and Ian Hull’s families. Ben was not present today because he was still being treated at the hospital.
“I’m sorry, sirs, InterContinental Hotel has already been booked today. Did you make a reservation? Didn’t you receive our call?” the waiter said politely.
Norman frowned. He, who had been apprehensive for a day after receiving the invitation, grew confused. “Is there a mistake? The invitation states that the dinner is being held here, in the Imperial Ballroom.”
The waiter was pushed away by the manager before he could speak.
“Looks like you’re the distinguished guests here to attend the banquet. Come in. Mr. Laine has booked the entire hotel today so that we can serve you properly.”
Under the manager’s almost flattering and obsequious behavior, Norman and the group entered the hotel feeling quite confused.
Although Norman and the rest were also from wealthy families, they were only in charge of a branch of the Haddock Chamber of Commerce. Though they were capable, there was simply no way they could manipulate their way into Swallow Capital.
What was more, a large and renowned hotel like InterContinental Hotel could choose to ignore them completely.
They had never been received so respectfully by InterContinental Hotel’s manager before either.
“Who did you say? Mr. Laine?” Lisa’s heart clenched as she held the manager and asked.
The manager nodded and said, “Yeah. Didn’t you already know that? Mr. Jasper Laine booked the entire hotel.”
The group had already arrived at the lobby by now. Before they could express their astonishment at the fact that Jasper had booked the entire InterContinental Hotel, they were already greatly astounded by more than ten gorgeous waitresses who were standing reverently on both sides waiting to serve them.
Lisa stared blankly at the grand scene before her eyes. Although she was a trust fund baby herself, she had never seen such a grand scene in InterContinental Hotel.
Life at the Top Chapter 436
InterContinental Hotel had been operating for nearly a decade now and had received a lot of big shots in the past, but never had anyone booked the entire hotel for an entire day.
This was not just a question of money, but a question of status and identity.
At this moment, both the Gardners and Hulls felt a mixture of emotions.
Norman and Ian exchanged glances with each other, noticing the regret and unease from each other’s faces.
When they received the invitation today, they had been so frightened that they nearly ran away from Swallow Capital.
That invitation was sent by Old Master Law himself!
If this invitation had come some other time, then it would no doubt be a great honor. Even the invitation card would be worth being framed and mounted to the wall.
Now was not the time, though!
The Turners and the Laws, both representing the local faction and Harbor City’s business group, were currently fighting each other!
All the other magnates had hidden for fear that they would suffer, not to mention both of them who were only a tad bit bigger than a shrimp at best!
“Sigh, we really shouldn’t have meddled in this in the first place.”
In the elevator, Norman sighed with an obscure expression.
Norman felt a deep sense of powerlessness when faced with the two behemoths, the Turners and the Laws. He did not have the slightest courage to go against them at all.
However, now that he had chosen to stand with the Turners, Norman simply had no idea how he was going to respond to the banquet invitation.
“It’s too late for that.” Ian was calmer than Norman.
“Whatever happens later during the banquet, we will both remain transparent. Don’t make your stance easily no matter what both parties say later!”
After hearing what Ian said, Lisa said nonchalantly, “You’re making a fuss, Uncle Ian. The Laws must’ve deemed us worthy and that’s why they sent us an invitation. There’s no need to be so careful around them.
“Besides, you know how close I am to Erik. The Turners won’t just stand on the sidelines and watch the Laws bully us.”
Lisa’s words made Ian frown. He said flatly, “If the other party is really afraid of the Turners, then Ben wouldn’t be lying in the hospital right now.”
When he mentioned that Ben was currently lying in the hospital, Lisa’s expression sank. The fury in her eyes flashed as she gritted her teeth and said, “Ben is injured and I won’t let this matter drop so easily!”
As she spoke, the elevator door opened.
They were swept by a tense atmosphere.
Norman, Ian, and Lisa looked up and saw Erik and Brad confronting Henry and Zachary.
Although they had no idea what had just happened, everyone present on the scene was no fools and could easily tell that the air hovering over their heads was extremely tense.
“Erik!” Lisa called out to him, eager to show everyone that she shared a unique relationship with Erik. She rushed up to Erik and took his arm, asking softly, “Are you okay? ”
Erik was extremely annoyed, but he found it inappropriate to remove Lisa’s hands in front of Norman and Ian, hence he said with a cold expression, “I’m fine. I just bumped into an annoying man, that’s all.”
Lisa turned to look at Henry and sneered, “Look, you invited us and we came. Is this how you treat your guests? By blocking them at the door?”
Henry glanced at Lisa. “Shut your stupid mouth, witch. Know your place. Who says it’s your turn to talk?”
Lisa’s face changed abruptly. With the Turners as well as her elders around, Lisa was filled with a surge of confidence that she had never experienced before. She said at once, “The Laws invited me, so why can’t I speak?
“Your grandfather sent the invitation, so who are you to criticize me? You’d better stop putting on airs and talk to me nicely. Otherwise, when I see your grandfather later, I’ll ask him what went wrong with his family education!”
As soon as she said those words, the expression of everyone on the scene changed abruptly.
Especially Noman and Ian. They knew that Lisa was in trouble and were eager to cover her mouth.
Was this the kind of thing that one could say casually?
Even Erik and Brad looked at Lisa as though she was an idiot.
Brad, especially. In order to gain support from Norman’s Haddock Chamber of Commerce, he had even planned to make Lisa his daughter-in-law, but right now, it seemed like this woman was too risky to be married into the family.
Zachary looked at Lisa. Judging from his status and identity, nothing Lisa said could infuriate him, let alone make him strike or lecture her himself.
That did not mean that Zachary could tolerate it when Lisa insulted the Laws.
“There’s something wrong with the Laws’ family education? I suppose the Gardners have really good family education then?” Zachary asked mildly, looking at Norman.
Norman’s complexion paled abruptly. He had already grown accustomed to all kinds of storms out there, yet even so, his legs still continued to shake and quiver.
“I can explain, Mr. Law. I’ve failed to discipline this young lady. I will teach her a lesson right away. I kindly ask you to let this matter drop. Take no offense at a child’s babble—”
Before Norman could finish his sentence, Lisa said loudly, “You don’t need to apologize, Dad. Do you remember how Henry treated us when he came to our house? He infuriated you so much and nearly put you in the hospital. He’s even more arrogant out there!
“Since the Laws’ elders are here today, I will say it!”
Henry narrowed his eyes at Lisa and asked, “I’m arrogant? How?”
Having said that, Henry raised his hand and struck Lisa’s face without warning.
The slap came down so hard that half of Lisa’s face nearly twisted out of shape.
There was a loud and crisp sound, followed by Lisa’s ear-piercing scream.
Henry stared at Lisa and said coldly, “You witch! Do you really think I won’t drag you to the back of the mountain and bury you alive, huh? You think I won’t lay a finger on you just because your father and Erik are here?”
After the slap, there were strings of blood hanging on the corner of Lisa’s mouth. She covered her face, her head ringing. Under the tremendous humiliation and pain, she felt as though she was about to go crazy.
“You’re hitting me again, Henry Law? Are you going to put me in the hospital after hitting my cousin?”
“You witch! I guess you’re not that dumb after all!”
Henry lifted his leg and kicked Lisa’s stomach, cursing and roaring, “I don’t usually hit women. But you’re really something, aren’t you? You forced me to make this exception for once. Motherf*cker, how dare you say that the Laws are uneducated?”InterContinental Hotel had been operating for nearly a decade now and had received a lot of big shots in the past, but never had anyone booked the entire hotel for an entire day.
This was not just a question of money, but a question of status and identity.
At this moment, both the Gardners and Hulls felt a mixture of emotions.
Norman and Ian exchanged glances with each other, noticing the regret and unease from each other’s faces.
When they received the invitation today, they had been so frightened that they nearly ran away from Swallow Capital.
That invitation was sent by Old Master Law himself!
If this invitation had come some other time, then it would no doubt be a great honor. Even the invitation card would be worth being framed and mounted to the wall.
Now was not the time, though!
The Turners and the Laws, both representing the local faction and Harbor City’s business group, were currently fighting each other!
All the other magnates had hidden for fear that they would suffer, not to mention both of them who were only a tad bit bigger than a shrimp at best!
“Sigh, we really shouldn’t have meddled in this in the first place.”
In the elevator, Norman sighed with an obscure expression.
Norman felt a deep sense of powerlessness when faced with the two behemoths, the Turners and the Laws. He did not have the slightest courage to go against them at all.
However, now that he had chosen to stand with the Turners, Norman simply had no idea how he was going to respond to the banquet invitation.
“It’s too late for that.” Ian was calmer than Norman.
“Whatever happens later during the banquet, we will both remain transparent. Don’t make your stance easily no matter what both parties say later!”
After hearing what Ian said, Lisa said nonchalantly, “You’re making a fuss, Uncle Ian. The Laws must’ve deemed us worthy and that’s why they sent us an invitation. There’s no need to be so careful around them.
“Besides, you know how close I am to Erik. The Turners won’t just stand on the sidelines and watch the Laws bully us.”
Lisa’s words made Ian frown. He said flatly, “If the other party is really afraid of the Turners, then Ben wouldn’t be lying in the hospital right now.”
When he mentioned that Ben was currently lying in the hospital, Lisa’s expression sank. The fury in her eyes flashed as she gritted her teeth and said, “Ben is injured and I won’t let this matter drop so easily!”
As she spoke, the elevator door opened.
They were swept by a tense atmosphere.
Norman, Ian, and Lisa looked up and saw Erik and Brad confronting Henry and Zachary.
Although they had no idea what had just happened, everyone present on the scene was no fools and could easily tell that the air hovering over their heads was extremely tense.
“Erik!” Lisa called out to him, eager to show everyone that she shared a unique relationship with Erik. She rushed up to Erik and took his arm, asking softly, “Are you okay? ”
Erik was extremely annoyed, but he found it inappropriate to remove Lisa’s hands in front of Norman and Ian, hence he said with a cold expression, “I’m fine. I just bumped into an annoying man, that’s all.”
Lisa turned to look at Henry and sneered, “Look, you invited us and we came. Is this how you treat your guests? By blocking them at the door?”
Henry glanced at Lisa. “Shut your stupid mouth, witch. Know your place. Who says it’s your turn to talk?”
Lisa’s face changed abruptly. With the Turners as well as her elders around, Lisa was filled with a surge of confidence that she had never experienced before. She said at once, “The Laws invited me, so why can’t I speak?
“Your grandfather sent the invitation, so who are you to criticize me? You’d better stop putting on airs and talk to me nicely. Otherwise, when I see your grandfather later, I’ll ask him what went wrong with his family education!”
As soon as she said those words, the expression of everyone on the scene changed abruptly.
Especially Noman and Ian. They knew that Lisa was in trouble and were eager to cover her mouth.
Was this the kind of thing that one could say casually?
Even Erik and Brad looked at Lisa as though she was an idiot.
Brad, especially. In order to gain support from Norman’s Haddock Chamber of Commerce, he had even planned to make Lisa his daughter-in-law, but right now, it seemed like this woman was too risky to be married into the family.
Zachary looked at Lisa. Judging from his status and identity, nothing Lisa said could infuriate him, let alone make him strike or lecture her himself.
That did not mean that Zachary could tolerate it when Lisa insulted the Laws.
“There’s something wrong with the Laws’ family education? I suppose the Gardners have really good family education then?” Zachary asked mildly, looking at Norman.
Norman’s complexion paled abruptly. He had already grown accustomed to all kinds of storms out there, yet even so, his legs still continued to shake and quiver.
“I can explain, Mr. Law. I’ve failed to discipline this young lady. I will teach her a lesson right away. I kindly ask you to let this matter drop. Take no offense at a child’s babble—”
Before Norman could finish his sentence, Lisa said loudly, “You don’t need to apologize, Dad. Do you remember how Henry treated us when he came to our house? He infuriated you so much and nearly put you in the hospital. He’s even more arrogant out there!
“Since the Laws’ elders are here today, I will say it!”
Henry narrowed his eyes at Lisa and asked, “I’m arrogant? How?”
Having said that, Henry raised his hand and struck Lisa’s face without warning.
The slap came down so hard that half of Lisa’s face nearly twisted out of shape.
There was a loud and crisp sound, followed by Lisa’s ear-piercing scream.
Henry stared at Lisa and said coldly, “You witch! Do you really think I won’t drag you to the back of the mountain and bury you alive, huh? You think I won’t lay a finger on you just because your father and Erik are here?”
After the slap, there were strings of blood hanging on the corner of Lisa’s mouth. She covered her face, her head ringing. Under the tremendous humiliation and pain, she felt as though she was about to go crazy.
“You’re hitting me again, Henry Law? Are you going to put me in the hospital after hitting my cousin?”
“You witch! I guess you’re not that dumb after all!”
Henry lifted his leg and kicked Lisa’s stomach, cursing and roaring, “I don’t usually hit women. But you’re really something, aren’t you? You forced me to make this exception for once. Motherf*cker, how dare you say that the Laws are uneducated?”
Life at the Top Chapter 437
No one stopped Henry from slapping and kicking Lisa.
Even Norman himself could do nothing but suppress his heartache and fury.
After all, Lisa was the one who said the wrong things first, and Harbor City’s top-notch aristocrats were right in front of him. Norman had neither the qualification nor the guts to go against Zachary.
Though when he noticed that Henry was planning to kick her a few more times, Norman had no choice but to step in regardless of his fear of the Laws.
He stepped in front of Henry and begged for leniency with a smile on his face, saying, “Calm down, Mr. Law. Calm down. My daughter doesn’t think before she speaks. Don’t argue with the likes of her.
“It’s a great day today, let’s not ruin our moods for trivial matters like this, shall we? I will apologize on behalf of my daughter.”
When Henry saw how Norman was relentlessly apologizing, he sneered and said, “If your daughter was half as smart as you, things wouldn’t have gotten to this point either.”
Norman gritted his teeth in secret. The anger in his heart was boiling, but the smile on his face remained. “Please forgive my daughter, Mr. Law. Look, why don’t we all go in first?”
Henry narrowed his eyes a little unwillingly. He had planned to use this opportunity to teach Lisa a lesson.
Henry had done many evil deeds since childhood, hence it was impossible for him to feel sorry for a girl, let alone appreciate her.
When fury tore through him, he did not care who the other party was and would hurl punches first thing itself.
What was more, Lisa had provoked and annoyed him over and over again.
Henry had tolerated her for a really long time now.
Just as everyone thought that this was all over, Imperial Ballroom’s door opened.
Jasper and Anna walked out while talking and laughing.
“Why are you guys standing here and not going in?” Jasper swept his gaze across the scene and could roughly guess what was going on. Yet, he still asked the obvious.
When Lisa saw Jasper, her eyes turned scarlet.
In her opinion, Jasper was the culprit for all the things that had happened.
If it were not for Jasper, she and her cousin would not have provoked Henry, let alone be dragged into this series of events.
Now, her cousin was lying in the hospital unconscious while she was humiliated in public. Even her father was insulted by Henry.
Jasper was the culprit of all these things!
When she saw how intimate Jasper and Anna were, Lisa stood up immediately and screamed at Jasper’s face, “Jasper Laine! Why are you still flirting with Anna when you’re already dating Wendy? What kind of a man are you?”
Jasper frowned slightly, staring at the wretched-looking Lisa who had gone insane. He said indifferently, “Ms. Gardner, I don’t think you should attend the banquet tonight in this state. I don’t want you to startle both old masters or you’ll be committing a huge sin.”
Lisa sneered. She pushed away Norman whose face had changed as he made attempts to stop her. She screamed, “Stop pretending! Do you think I don’t know that you’re seducing women to climb the social ladder?
“You approached Wendy in Mainland and Anna in Harbor City, both of whom are daughters of aristocrats. You’re pretty smart, aren’t you?!
“I feel sick to the stomach when I see shameless men like you. Who are you trying to show, acting as if you’re morally better than other people?
“When a woman has fallen, we call her a loose woman. Do we have a term for a fallen man? A loose man?”
Lisa’s sharp and maniacal voice reverberated throughout Imperial Ballroom’s corridor.
Everyone fell silent.
Even Henry was staring at Lisa as though she had gone crazy.
Life at the Top Chapter 438
If he put their grudges aside, Lisa impressed him, actually.
She must have a death wish to speak to Jasper like that.
The last person who spoke to Jasper like that was probably buried in a grave with grass that was three feet high by now, right?
Lisa seemed to have gone all out.
She cared for nothing and pointed at Anna, saying, “Do you think this man is really that outstanding? It’s all just for show!
“I’m sure you don’t know this, but he’s dating another woman other than you and her name is Wendy Schuler! You? You’re just a spare!”
Lisa’s face was filled with maniacal resentment and thrill. It seemed as though she would never grow tired of smearing Jasper’s name.
“How ridiculous! I can’t believe that you, the Laws’ daughter, actually got deceived by a man from the Mainland and don’t even know you’re an intruder in someone else’s relationship. Don’t you feel embarrassed at all?”
Norman’s face was ashen, and even Ian looked ghastly pale.
They knew that this was all over now.
Anna looked calm. There was a bone-piercingly cold frost in the depths of her eyes.
“Are you a dead man, Henry?” Anna said faintly.
Henry quivered and pushed Norman away without a word, choking Lisa by the throat while sneering, “You really know how to seek your own doom.”
Knowing that things were going in the wrong direction, Norman pounced forward and yelled, “Don’t, Mr. Law! Please don’t. Stop for my sake.”
Henry pushed Norman away and sneered, “Do it for your sake? Who do you think you are? If you have the energy to beg me for mercy, why didn’t you use it to educate your daughter properly instead?”
Suddenly, Erik spoke, “Know when to stop, Henry.”
Henry turned around while narrowing his eyes, looking Erik up and down. He then grinned from ear to ear. “Are you trying to defend her?”
Erik’s mouth began twitching. He had no intention of intervening actually, but his father Brad gave him a look just now so he had no choice but to step forward.
“The Laws are the host for this banquet tonight and we’re just your guests. As the host, I think it’s a little too much for you to beat your guest. If you have anything to say, we can always talk after our meal, don’t you think? The old masters are waiting,” Erik said.
Henry sneered and said, “Stop talking nonsense. Why should I wait just because you tell me to? Who do you think you are?”
Erik’s expression sank. He was infuriated. Staring coldly at Henry, he said, “Our elders are here, it’s not your place to teach me what to do!”
Henry was just about to retort when Jasper walked up and patted him on the shoulder, beckoning him to let go.
Although Henry was displeased, he was willing to listen to Jasper and let go of Lisa’s neck.
However, only seconds after Henry let go of her, a slap landed on Lisa’s face.
Jasper was the one who hit her.
Lisa cried out. Henry had slapped the left side of her cheek, and now Jasper slapped the right side of her cheek. All of a sudden, her face was so red and swollen that it looked like a pig. Her gaze when she glared at Jasper was vicious.
At the sight of Jasper’s cold eyes, however, Lisa was forced to swallow her resentment back in.
“This slap is to stop you from saying nonsense,” Jasper said flatly.
Having said that, he did not spare Lisa another glance at all and turned around to say to Zachary and Brad, “It’s almost time. Why don’t we enter the Imperial Ballroom first?”
Life at the Top Chapter 439
Jasper’s words eased up the tense atmosphere a little.
Zachary smiled, leading Henry and Anna into the room first.
Brad and Erik followed closely behind.
When Brad walked past Jasper, he stopped in his tracks and sized Jasper up and down. He suddenly said with a smile, “Would you like to come to the Turners’ to have tea some time?”
Everyone else put on a skeptical expression as soon as Brad said those words.
What was that supposed to mean?
Was he trying to draw Jasper over to his side?
Was he trying to mess with the Laws?
Zachary, who had not walked too far yet, smiled without a single care. He then walked straight into the Imperial Ballroom.
If Brad’s method was that useful, then he, Zachary, would have been doomed a long time ago.
Besides, the relationship between the Laws and Jasper was not a simple partnership that outsiders thought it to be. After going through so many trials and errors together, the Laws and Jasper had already become one.
Among the three other richest families in Harbor City, it was common knowledge that if anyone laid a finger on Jasper, then that person was also going against the Laws.
In other words, ‘I, Zachary Law, have a gorgeous and outstanding daughter like Anna. What the f*ck do you have, Brad?’
Norman and Ian both looked at Jasper with a complicated expression.
They did not expect Jasper to be so outstanding that even Brad would extend an invitation to him.
This qualification was so rare that even the two of them who were from the same generation as Brad had never enjoyed such privilege before, let alone their peers.
When Brad finished his sentence, he stared fixedly at Jasper, seemingly looking forward to his answer.
Jasper was not surprised. He smiled and said, “Thanks for the invitation, Uncle Turner, but I have too much to do lately. If I can find the time to make a visit, I would love to drop by and have tea with you.”
He was not disrespectful when he said those words.
It was enough to not make it too embarrassing for Brad as his ‘elder’, but at the same time, Jasper was not accepting the invitation either.
Speaking was an art, and Jasper had clearly gained full proficiency in this art.
Brad was not surprised when Jasper declined his invitation. He had even prepared himself for Jasper’s curt rejection.
On the contrary, he now saw Jasper in a new light because his words did not leave him feeling humiliated at all.
He then smiled and patted Jasper amiably on the shoulder, saying, “Not bad. You’re pretty outstanding compared to your peers. I’ll be waiting for your good news then.”
Brad left after saying those words.
He was, after all, at the same level and status as Zachary, so there was no need for him to be too affected by Jasper.
In Brad’s opinion, Jasper and Erik’s quarrel earlier was nothing more than a fight between children. It was not worth mentioning at all.
Generals would fight against generals, soldiers with soldiers. There was no reason for him, a general, to deal with a soldier like Jasper himself.
Following behind Brad, Erik twitched his mouth before walking ahead. He then said in a low voice, “You don’t know how to appreciate what’s good for you.”
Jasper was still wearing a faint smile on his face as though he did not hear what Erik said.
When the Laws and Turners had entered the Imperial Ballroom, only Norman, Ian, and Lisa were left at the scene.
“Please enter,” Jasper said to Norman and Ian flatly.
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Norman’s expression shifted, and he stared at the embarrassed expression on his daughter’s face with heart-wrenching pain. He took a deep breath and decided. “We won’t be joining you for dinner later.”
Jasper replied calmly, “Why not come in for a seat since you’re already here anyway?”
Norman had a complicated expression on his face. “Benny’s still in the hospital and he has an operation waiting for him. My daughter doesn’t seem up for it today either, and I wouldn’t want to make a fool of myself in front of the two old masters.”
Jasper looked at Norman indifferently. “It’s too late for you to regret it now that you’ve already chosen your stand. Did you think that retreating now will keep you out of the problem?”
Norman growled. “What do you want, then? A fight to the death?”
Jasper smiled. “Your words are a little too harsh for my liking. I much prefer peace, and I’m sure there’s nothing that we cannot negotiate.”
Just then, Ian walked over and stared intently at Jasper. “What do we have to do for you to leave us alone?”
Jasper smiled. “Isn’t it too late to ask me this question? Plus, say that I let you off, what makes you think the Turners will too?”
“Then that is still a problem between us and the Turner family. What I’m talking about right now is your attitude!” Ian bellowed.
Jasper turned to Lisa and saw the utter resentment in her eyes before he suddenly spoke, “No room for discussion then.”
Jasper never had the urge to bully people unwarrantedly, for he had always lived with the motto ‘peaceful unless provoked’.
Yet that did not mean he was some saint.
He knew that if he did not completely destroy people who bore grave distaste for him, they would only cause him more trouble in the future.
Especially when it came to people like the Gardners and the Hulls. These people had both money and power and could create issues for him at any turn.
He knew that Lisa and Ian would not thank him for his mercy if he kindly forgave them but would only take advantage of it to recover and take revenge.
To prevent further complications, Jasper had to make sure that he completely removed any ability they had left to fight back or take revenge.
A flurry of expressions flashed through both Ian and Norman’s faces when they heard Jasper’s words.
There was regret, indignation, and most importantly, fury.
They felt that Jasper was looking down on them.
“If you think that you’ve already crushed both our families, then leave.” Ian’s expression calmed as he looked at Jasper coldly.
Jasper smiled and turned to enter the Imperial Ballroom.
Pushing open the door, everyone could be seen sitting scattered on the sofa in the magnificent and shimmering Imperial Ballroom. The round table had already been repaired after the fight last night, and there was no sign of any damage.
Once everyone was there, Jasper then notified the rest.
There was no way the old masters would wait for others at the hotel, so they would only arrive once they knew that everyone else was there.
More than ten minutes later, Jasper received a notification and relayed it to Zachary and Brad. Then, the three of them went downstairs together.
Jasper and Zachary conversed happily along the way, leaving Brad to glare at the two coldly and silently.
The three waited for a quick moment downstairs before two cars arrived, one closely behind the other.
Old Master Law and Old Master Turner alighted their cars at almost the same time. Both Zachary and Brad went to greet their fathers.
This was the first time Jasper had seen Old Master Turner. Age-wise, he appeared to be six to seven years older than Old Master Law. However, the man would live a long life. From what he remembered of his past life, Old Master Turner only passed at the age of 105 years old.
Now in his 80s, Old Master Turner was still a very lively man and there was no sign of senescence despite his head that was full of white hair.
Old Master Turner was the epitome of ‘old but vigorous.’
Old Master Turner smiled and walked toward Old Master Law, reaching a hand out. “It’s been over a decade since we last met, Tom. How have you been?”