2026-10-24 22:51:27
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Chapter 259
By noon the following day.Carlson woke earlier than usual, gobbled down a hasty meal, hopped on his tricycle and headed straight for the secondhand flea market.Over the past few weeks he’d saved more than three hundred bucks, most of it earned driving Sage around. He planned to buy a bigger used tricycle and weld a new canopy onto it. When the rush comes after Phoenix Entertainment City shuts down late at night, he could take more short-haul fares and return his cousin’s vehicle sooner.A little past one p.m., Carlson stood inside the market and pointed at a blue used tricycle. “What’s the lowest price you’ll let it go for?”“Three hundred and fifty, no haggling.” The shop owner slouched in his chair and replied.Carlson mentally tallied the cash in his pocket. “Two hundred and eighty, if I’m serious about buying.”“Buddy, this bike’s seventy percent new.” The owner looked troubled and gestured toward the frame. “Pop the cover open and see for yourself. The protective film on the ba
Chapter 258
“Ms. Sage.” Carlson glanced at the screen, confused. “Why are you calling me from this number?”“This is my backup line.” Sage’s voice was soft. “Are you free right now?”“What’s wrong?”“Come pick me up at my place. I need to go out to handle something.”“Sure.” Carlson swallowed a cold multigrain bun in one big gulp, his tone eager. “I’m heading over now?”“Yeah, come right away. Take me to Southmu District. I’ll pay you fifty bucks for the ride.” Sage instructed quietly. “Head straight upstairs when you get here, Room 709.”“Can I get into the building?”“There’s no security on duty downstairs this late. Just come in.”“Alright.” Carlson nodded. “I’ll call you if I can’t find your place.”“No need to call. Come straight up and help me carry a few bags.”“Got it, see you soon.”“See you.”The call ended. Carlson rubbed his frozen palms, pulled on his windproof knit hat, and climbed out from the back canopy of his tricycle.He’d closed up the stall early tonight and missed out on som
Chapter 257
“I will carry out a full evaluation of the pharmaceutical plant project and deliver a comprehensive professional investment report to your mother.” The middle-aged man kept both hands flat against his thighs and bowed. “I ask for your full cooperation.”“Bullshit, I’m cooperating with nothing!”Mercer spat the curse and turned, walking straight out of the office.……Minutes later, Mercer stormed into his car. Not caring whether his mother was asleep, he dialed her number directly.Dozens of seconds passed before his mother’s weary voice came through. “What is it, son?”“Who sent this watchdog to audit my firm? What the hell is this about?” Mercer feared his father, but held no fear for his mother. How submissive he was around his father, so willful he became in front of her.“This was your father’s decision.”“What is he even trying to do?” Mercer raised his voice sharply.“Your father believes you lack sound judgment on this pharmaceutical plant project. He asked me to bring in a pro
Chapter 256
“Pay attention, we’re in a meeting.” The Third Young Master pulled on a smile. “Did you catch everything we just went over?”“Yeah, yeah.” Theodore’s eyes stayed glued to his phone screen as he replied offhandedly. “You set the direction, we handle the execution details. We’ve already laid the groundwork at the Pharmaceutical Authority and Central Bureau. Once the project gets the green light, the approvals will come through right away.”“Any other suggestions?” the Third Young Master pressed.“None. We move forward with your plan.” Theodore shook his head.“Good, this is our tentative path. Pull together as a group and get this project off the ground fast.” The Third Young Master stood up, his voice strong as he rallied them. “Once the pharmaceutical plant is built, I guarantee each of you will clear an eight-figure profit every year.”……A dozen minutes later, the rest dispersed to seek entertainment. The Third Young Master kept Mercer behind alone. The two soaked in the bath, talki
Chapter 255
Carlson dreaded this exact moment. The second the officers stepped into the alley, they barked at him.“I’m not causing trouble!” Carlson threw his hands up at once and shouted.“Get on the ground!” The lead officer sized him up, noting his tattered clothes matching the protesters’, and shouted the order again.“I’m just passing through, honestly.”“Why run if you’re just passing through? Get down!”“Sir, I’m only a street vendor trying to make a living.” Carlson kept his hands raised high. “This has nothing to do with me.”“Take him away.” The lead officer signaled his partners.“Is this your vehicle?” another officer asked.Carlson’s heart sank. “Don’t touch my cart. I told you I didn’t join the protest.”“We’ll sort out your involvement back at the station.” The officer reached to grab his collar.The rest moved toward the electric tricycle.Carlson had a special population registration on file. Once taken into custody, he would have no way to defend himself. He hurried to yell, “S
Chapter 254 The Young Heir’s Predicament
“You drink and carouse with him, calling him your brother. Such a catastrophic event unfolds, yet you hear nothing of it. What in the world is going on inside your head?!”Shaking with rage, the father continued, “The supplier negotiations in Raven City fell apart — you didn’t know. The Young Master’s uncle was murdered — you didn’t know either. One phone call from him, and you foolishly wire over the money!”“Dad, I…”The father kicked Merceron hard in the lower back, his finger trembling as he pointed. “The fortune I built with my own hands is not for you to squander like this. Keep muddling along, and get out of Zone Seven. I never want to see you again.”Merceron hung his head, eyes red, fists clenched, and said not a word.“Get out.” The father roared toward the door.“Dad, don’t get so angry. I’ll look into everything right away and keep close track.” Not daring to meet his father’s gaze, Merceron made a quiet promise and fled the study in disgrace.The father let out a long wea
