Kaeden's speech certainly showed the world Curtis Autos' ambitions, and the decision to use Curtis' name showed that the two families weren't just betting their reputation on this project, but also Curtis'.After that, Yolden and Matilda took the stage as well. As the CEO and the CLO respectively, they each spoke about their perspective and determination for the project.Matilda's presence alone proved Curtis Autos' determination—no other carmaker had ever appointed an elite veteran lawyer as their CLO off the bat. In fact, most wouldn't even worry about it since one never actually needed legal assistance… That was, until they paid through their nose for it.Like ecommerce, the automotive industry was a hotspot for commercial disputes, and one was always vulnerable to pitfalls without a formidable team of lawyers. It wasn't just a matter of intellectual property—even the names of car models could lead to trademarking and copyright disputes. It was like exporting a car model name, on

Charlie then continued, "Does anyone remember that one Oskian startup in the States that netizens dubbed the pioneer of new energy automotives? For ten years, they have called him that, and for ten years, they've awaited his triumphant return to the throne."However, all his factory managed to produce was twelve units, and every last one was recalled due to various defects. Hell, those netizens who kept fawning over him might even beat him at his game."Pausing, he chuckled as he remembered something often discussed online. "As for Ricebolt, just because the owner never announced the prices at launch, so many netizens were speculating that things would go south for the poor man immediately."And yet, he sealed a deal worth a year of seals on his first day in office, and all those netizens were forced to eat their words as if they had never said anything. In short, one might not necessarily break and fail just because of online criticism, and few, if any, have a handle on the absolut

The cameraman deliberately moved the camera to capture a close-up of Edmund's crying face. For kidnappers, such raw emotion was the money shot."Cry louder and shed more tears," he even told Edmund. "Snot is even better—your mommy will wire the money as soon as she sees it."Edmund sniffled, "But I'm already crying so much..."The cameraman nodded. "Yes, but you're not miserable enough. Just think about it—you'll be spending decades of your life on a bed in the middle of a kennel, your body riddled with syringes. Hopeless just thinking about it, don't you think?"Edmund was soon bawling like a child, his tears raining while some of his snot splattered on his father beside him.Satisfied, the cameraman said, "Alright, that's enough. And now, we will edit the video and send it to your family… let's see if blood really runs thicker than water, or they'd rather save their money."Turning to the other soldiers, he gestured with his chin, "Take them back inside."And with that, Salem

Sighing, Harrison continued, "Look, Jennie, it's especially during a crisis that you must be rational. One billion is too much even for your family, but it's definitely worth it if you can save your husband and son and get them back. However, you're saying it's just to keep them alive? That's just ridiculous."Jane was stunned. "A-Are you telling me to give up, sir?""No, of course not," Harrison promptly said. "You're getting the wrong idea here. I'm just telling you to be prudent, because it's up to you to decide what needs to be done in the next 48 hours."There's no way we can get them back that quickly, and we're talking about a moving vessel that could have moved a thousand nautical miles in 48 hours. That means even if we pinpoint the location of that video, we have to search a circular area with a radius of a thousand nautical miles… Do you know your math? How much is the total area?""That'd be 4.16 thousand square miles…" Jennie mumbled before she knew it."That's just it!" H

After some further exchange of pleasantries, Julien hung up and called Charlie. Charlie was on the way to the Scarlet Manor as Vera had texted him ten minutes ago, saying that there was something they should discuss face-to-face.She was as attentive as ever, offering to brew tea, to which he happily agreed.Once Charlie answered, Julien quickly said, "Mr. Wade? My father just called me and said I could return stateside. It seems that I can't stay to share your burdens anymore."Charlie chuckled. "There's really nothing to share. You should hurry and return since he's calling.""Can I buy you dinner before I go?""No, it's really fine. I'll take a raincheck."Julien paused, but he soon chuckled, "Oh, but I really hoped you would say yes…"Charlie sighed and asked, "Well, when are you heading back?""Tomorrow, if nothing important comes up," Julien replied. "Otherwise, I would have trouble explaining it to my father since he thinks I can't stand this place.""Then, how about