Chapter 34
Bartholomew gave a slight smile and smoothly changed the topic, “I heard the Saxon Group is eyeing the land west of the city. I brought the contract today and can transfer it to you right now.”
With that, he pulled out the contract, and Joseph’s eyes lit up instantly.
With the market saturated, the Saxon Group needed to break new ground and diversify its projects to climb higher.
Meanwhile, the Gibson Group dominated the tourism industry, and the land in the west of the city, ripe for development, was in their hands.
Seeing Joseph’s greed shine through without restraint, Bartholomew felt confident the deal was sealed. He took out a pen from his left chest pocket and placed it on the table.
“Young people these days aren’t like us back then–they act on a whim. If the Saxon family issues a statement that Aria and Liam’s marriage is contractual, we’ll transfer this land to you for free. Plus, we’ll prioritize the Saxon Group for future tourism collaborations.”
The Saxon family’s rise into the top four clans wasn’t just about strategy but also shrewdness.
In Mandino City, where integrity mattered most, the Saxon Group was second to none.
With its stellar reputation, it was a safer bet than other companies.
Collaborating would be a win–win, and eliminating potential risks for the Gibson Group–a no–brainer.
As Joseph skimmed the contract, he nodded immediately. “Deal.”
“No way!” Caleb suddenly interjected, “Grandpa, Aria and Liam didn’t marry for convenience–they’re in it for life. A lawsuit would hurt Aria.”
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Bartholomew jumped in eagerly, “From what I know, Daniel agreed to return the 150 million in full plus an extra 50 million as compensation- 200 million total. But she wasn’t satisfied, which is why they haven’t divorced yet.”
Joseph frowned, glanced at the contract, and signed without hesitation.
“Grandpa!” Caleb tried to stop him, but it was too late.
Bartholomew smirked faintly, “Looks like your grandson’s calling the shots
now?”
Being challenged by his grandson in front of his rival, Joseph darkened his face instantly. “I call the shots. Don’t worry. The statement will be out by 6
PM.”
Looking at his stubborn grandfather, Caleb felt utter despair.
Seeing Caleb in such a state, Nathan didn’t get it but feared angering their grandpa, so he pulled Caleb to the window. “Caleb, Grandpa’s doing this for the Saxon Group, and Aria isn’t losing out. Why stop him?”
Caleb shot him a sarcastic look, asking, “You think Aria deserves just 200 million?”
“Two years for 50 million–not bad, right?”
“Aria holds 4% of the Cole Group’s shares, worth 15 hundred million by market value. 200 million? That’s a joke!”
Nathan’s eyes widened. “How does she have the Cole Group’s shares?”
With no turning back now, Caleb felt drained and didn’t bother explaining. further, turning to leave without a word.
‘No one could stop Grandpa’s decisions. Maybe Aria won’t be back in this lifetime, he thought bitterly.
Caleb’s leaving didn’t change the course of things.
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The deal was sealed, and Bartholomew gave Mr. Marshall a look.
Andrew quickly pulled out a gold–inlaid box and placed it solemnly on the table. “Mr. Saxon, I only found out after work that my daughter accidentally hurt your granddaughter. She feels really guilty and regretful.
“This is a necklace once used by the Queen of Erenoland, globally unique. I hope Silvia can forgive Delilah.”
Joseph was slightly stunned, not expecting the Marshall family to offer such an expensive gift to apologize.
Mrs. Marshall’s eyes were red. “Delilah always treated Silvia as a bestie, standing up for her more than once. She didn’t mean to push her.
“She is too naive, deceived by Ryan. We’ve already sent that scumbag behind the bars, and as for Aria…” she paused tactically. “Delilah spoke disrespectfully to Aria first, so getting slapped was only fair.
“Luke, but my daughter has already spent a night at the police station. Please, have mercy!”
Finishing, she made a move to kneel, but Nathan stopped her.
Joseph picked up his cup, took a light sip, and then spoke. “I can’t decide on this. Nathan, go bring Silvia over.”
“Got it, Grandpa.” Nathan hurried upstairs to call both his mother and sister down.
Despite the expensive apology gift from the Marshall family, Zoe didn’t want to forgive them, but she couldn’t make the decision for Silvia.
She couldn’t let her personal feelings deprive her daughter of what she
wanted.
“Silvia, you decide for yourself,” she said.
The ruby diamond necklace was Silvia’s favorite piece of jewelry.
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Looking at the necklace, she felt a strong urge to claim it for herself, but eventually suppressed it. “Mom, I want to ask Aria’s opinion.”
Zoe’s tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly as she nodded. “Okay.”
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Meanwhile, after Aria signed the legal draft, Owen pushed the prepared materials in front of her.
“There’s something odd. When I was collecting these evidences, it all went so smoothly, as if someone had prepared them in advance just to hand over to me,” he asked.
Aria was momentarily stunned, then smiled as an idea crossed her mind. “Someone wants me to smoothly get this fifteen hundred million dollars. Don’t worry, Mr. Shaw, if they offer, you take it.”
“Alright, go through it first and let me know if there’s anything that needs. to be added.”
Aria picked up the documents, her gaze drifting to his forearm.
It was still a bit hot. Owen rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, revealing a sturdy forearm. A faint half–circle of tiny teeth marks was barely visible. where the sleeve covered.
“Ms. Saxon?”
Aria snapped back to reality, a vague memory fading from her mind.
Owen pulled down his sleeve, picked up his pen, ready to speak when Aria’s phone suddenly buzzed.
She was about to hang up when she saw the caller ID, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“Why would Silvia be calling me?‘ she wondered.
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Seeing her conflicted expression, Owen said, “You can take the call.”
“Thanks.” Aria pressed the answer button. “What’s up?”
“Aria, the Marshall family came to apologize. Should I forgive them?” Silvia asked.
Aria’s tone was calm. “You’re the one who got hurt. You decide whether to forgive or not.”
“Thanks, Aria.” Unlike Aria’s aloofness, Silvia’s voice was sweet, just as her appearance was–completely non–threatening.
Aria said softly, “Mhm, I gotta go if there’s nothing else.”
The call ended, and Aria continued reviewing the documents, signed after confirming everything was fine. “Mr. Shaw, thanks.”
“No problem. I’ll send you an electronic copy of the finalized documents.”
“Okay, thanks again.” With that, Aria stood up and left.
Just as she closed the door, her gaze swept over Owen’s profile, her thoughts momentarily frozen.
In the next instant, an image of a face smeared with oil paint flashed in her mind.
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