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Chapter 125
Mason Blackthorn had never trusted coincidences.A coincidence was simply an event whose cause had yet to be discovered. Sometimes the explanation was harmless. Other times, it was the first indication that someone had begun moving pieces on a board he couldn’t see.The report concerning Mr. Cross had arrived less than an hour ago.Now Mason stood in the private study of the Blackthorn residence, reading it for the fourth time.Across from him, Gwen sat with a folder resting on her lap.“The informant hasn’t changed his account,” she said. “He saw a man matching Mr. Cross’s description near the former Vance property. The man arrived in a black vehicle, spoke briefly with someone at the entrance, and left.”“Did he recognize the other person?”“No. He was too far away.”“Did he hear their conversation?”“No.”Mason lowered the report.“Then we know almost nothing.”“We know Mr. Cross may have been near one of our properties.”“May have been.”His tone made the distinction unmistakable.
Chapter 124
The morning sun had barely risen when Sebastian arrived at the private residence Isaac Rutherford maintained on the outskirts of Cloud City.Unlike his main estate, which regularly hosted business associates and influential guests, this property was quiet and secluded. Security personnel patrolled the grounds, but none approached the black Cadillac Escalade as Bruce drove through the gates.Sebastian stepped out of the vehicle and adjusted his coat.“Is Isaac inside?”“Yes, my lord. He has been waiting for you.”Bruce led him through the entrance and into a private study.Isaac stood beside the windows, a tablet in his hand. Several documents had been arranged across the desk, and a large display on the opposite wall showed a collection of corporate records.He turned as Sebastian entered.“My lord.”Sebastian took a seat.“You asked me to come.”“I have an update on the Harlan investigation.”Isaac placed the tablet on the desk.“After the Rutherford banquet, I instructed our people
Chapter 123
Amelia Lockwood had spent most of the morning reviewing documents related to Riverside Heights.By the time Lisa entered her office, three folders lay open across her desk, each containing property records, legal correspondence, and reports prepared by the Lockwood Group’s legal team.Amelia barely looked up.“What did you find?”Lisa placed a thin file beside the others.“More than I expected. Less than I wanted.”Amelia raised her eyes.“That sounds encouraging.”“It isn’t.”Lisa pulled out a chair and sat down.“Our lawyers reviewed the ownership documents submitted by Meridian Crest Properties. On the surface, everything appears legitimate. The company has a registered transfer, a chain of ownership, and supporting documents that passed the initial checks.”“And Richard Hale?”“His father’s records are incomplete. We have copies of two older property agreements, but neither is sufficient on its own to establish that the disputed parcel was transferred illegally.”Amelia leaned bac
Chapter 122
The Blackthorn residence was unusually quiet.Mason Blackthorn stood before a large screen in his private study, reviewing a series of documents concerning the Vance family's former assets. Several weeks had passed since the acquisition, yet the full value of the deal had barely begun to reveal itself.The Vance family had once enjoyed considerable influence in Cloud City. Its businesses, properties, and commercial relationships had given it access to circles that ordinary families could never enter.Now, most of those assets belonged to the Blackthorns.But Mason had never been interested in the acquisition for its own sake.It was an opportunity.And opportunities were only valuable when they could be turned into something greater.Behind him, Gwen Blackthorn entered the study carrying a tablet.“The preliminary arrangements are complete,” she said.Mason turned from the screen.“How many have agreed?”“Three of the five parties we approached are willing to participate. The other tw
Chapter 121
The auction had ended.But Sebastian’s night was far from over.The Celestial Frost Metal had been transferred to a secure private room beneath the Celestial Exchange.Sebastian stood before a reinforced table while Bruce remained near the door.A small black case sat between them.“This is the artifact,” Bruce said.Sebastian nodded.“Leave it.”Bruce immediately stepped back.Sebastian waited until the door closed behind him.For several seconds, he simply stared at the case.Eight hundred million dollars.That was what the artifact had cost.To an ordinary person, the amount was enough to change their entire life.To Sebastian…It was irrelevant.He reached forward and opened the case.A faint chill immediately spread through the room.The Celestial Frost Metal lay inside.It looked exactly as it had on the auction stage.A dark silver fragment with no visible markings.Sebastian reached for it.The moment his fingers touched the metal…His expression changed.A cold current surged
Chapter 120
The auction hall had fallen completely silent.Four hundred million dollars.Sebastian’s bid still hung in the air.Nobody expected it.Even the experienced bidders in the room exchanged stunned looks.Four hundred million dollars for a piece of unidentified metal was an absurd price.Daniel Mercer remained composed on the stage, though even he couldn’t hide the faint surprise in his eyes.He looked toward the anonymous bidder.The man sat quietly in his seat.For several seconds, he didn’t move.Then…He slowly raised his bidding card.“Four hundred and fifty million.”A murmur swept through the hall.Bruce’s expression tightened.Sebastian remained completely calm.He had expected it.The man wasn’t going to surrender easily.Sebastian raised his card.“Five hundred million.”The hall became even quieter.Someone quietly whispered,“Who is that man?”“No idea.”“Five hundred million for that?”“He must know something.”Sebastian ignored the voices.His attention remained on the anon
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