RING!RING!The old butler's phone suddenly rang. He immediately pulled it out and answered. "Hello?"He listened quietly for several moments. Then, the expression on his face changed. "Understood." He ended the call and turned toward Gerald, who was still lying weakly against the headboard. "Master, there's someone here to see you."Gerald slowly turned his head, his expression completely indifferent. At this point, he had little interest in receiving visitors. "Who?"The butler hesitated briefly before answering. "Lord Harrington."A trace of surprise flashed across Gerald's emaciated face. "Tristan Harrington?""Yes." Gerald fell silent for a moment. The Cromwell family had some dealings with the Harrington family. Although he wasn't in the mood to entertain anyone, Tristan's status meant he couldn't simply turn him away.After thinking for a few seconds, he nodded weakly. "Let him in.""Yes, Master." The old butler immediately turned around and left.A few minutes later, footste

Gerald looked at him with a faint smile. "What is it?"Tristan gave a wry smile before explaining, "I've actually been considering investing in Sacred Spring Medical Pavilion."Gerald raised an eyebrow. "Sacred Spring Medical Pavilion?""Yes." Tristan nodded. "The Medical Pavilion has been working to develop traditional medicine throughout Highmont. However, their development has been limited by a lack of sufficient funding."He leaned back slightly and continued, "With adequate financial support, they could expand their facilities, improve their research, recruit more talented physicians, and provide better medical services to the people of Highmont."Gerald listened quietly. Tristan deliberately presented the investment as more than just a business opportunity. He made it sound like a chance to contribute to the development of traditional medicine and improve healthcare throughout the city.It was exactly the kind of thing Gerald would be interested in. He had always been passionate

"But what about those who stay?" Augustus asked cautiously."Those who stay will receive a thirty-percent increase."Augustus froze. His eyes widened slightly, and a look of surprise flashed across his face. He hadn't expected Veyron to make such a generous offer to the members who chose to remain.Thirty percent?That was an enormous incentive.If the remaining members were suddenly offered thirty percent more profit, many of those who had been considering leaving would undoubtedly reconsider their decisions.However, Veyron wasn't finished. "Make sure the statement is released immediately.""Okay! I understand!" Augustus nodded quickly.The call ended. Without wasting another second, he began carrying out Veyron's instructions.Within the hour, Ancient Sage Medical Pavilion released an official statement.Any physician or member who voluntarily withdraws from Ancient Sage Medical Pavilion will no longer be eligible for employment or cooperation with the Pavilion in the future. Membe

"Yes." One of the merchants answered without hesitation. "Isn't it just a penalty? We can afford it."His words immediately prompted several of the surrounding merchants to nod in agreement."That's right.""We've already calculated the losses.""The penalty is nothing compared to what we could lose by continuing to cooperate with Raven & Radiance.""We would rather take the loss now than regret it later."Veyron's eyes narrowed slightly. A strange glint flickered within his icy-green eyes as he quietly observed them.Beside him, Iris' brows furrowed deeply. She had been trying to reason with these merchants for quite some time, yet instead of reconsidering their decision, their determination had only become stronger."Everyone, you really need to think about this carefully," she said seriously. "The contracts you signed with Raven & Radiance still have considerable time remaining. If you terminate them now, you'll be throwing away money for no reason.""We know." The merchant's respo

"Even without Cartier's support, Raven & Radiance won't surrender so easily." Iris' voice remained firm and determined.She knew exactly what Tristan was trying to do. He wanted to convince her that Raven & Radiance was completely dependent on Cartier, and that once Cartier was removed from the equation, her company would have no chance of surviving. But she refused to let him see fear in her eyes."You won't surrender?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. A low chuckle escaped his lips."Miss Blackwell, are you overestimating your abilities..." His expression gradually became colder. "...or underestimating mine?"Iris' face darkened. Her fingers slowly clenched at her sides, but she didn't retreat.He took a slow step forward, his confidence growing with every passing second. "Since you seem to believe Raven & Radiance can withstand me, I won't waste any more time explaining myself." His voice carried an unmistakable arrogance. "I'll simply show you."He turned his head slightly toward Raymo