After Mr. George and his son offered their toasts, they tactfully excused themselves.
When Jason said there was enough room if they squeezed, the implication was clear — it was inconvenient for them to stay longer. Anyone with a bit of emotional intelligence would understand that he was politely asking them to leave.
Jason didn't report them to the Mayor; he had no desire to meddle too deeply in political affairs.
Besides, the two now had a handle in his grasp — keeping them around might prove useful later.
At this point, Jason's second stage of converting wealth into influence was a complete success.
The results were nothing short of remarkable.
First, the acquisition of the Hospital had brought him public benefit, reputation, and social standing — all while helping the people. It also placed Dr. William, the vice dean of University, firmly in his debt.
Second, he had reached a clear consensus with Mayor Harrison, placing both men on the same side and binding their interests together. As the Harborview Bay Development Project progressed, Jason's standing in the city would only rise further.
Third, his network had grown stronger than ever, securing mutually beneficial ties with the Pantec group and Jazura, two of the most influential corporate families in the region.
Fourth, he had neatly handled Rick and his father, while gaining a permanent hold over them should the need arise.
Fifth, Mia long-standing personal troubles were finally resolved, her emotional bond with him deepening — her favorability rising to 87.
Just as Jason was about to relax and enjoy the remainder of the banquet, the general manager hurried over again.
Unlike when George arrived earlier, this time his pace was almost frantic.
He leaned close to Jason and whispered something.
Jason's brows lifted slightly. After a short pause, he gave the general manager quiet instructions. The manager then made his way toward Victoria, whispered a few words, and after listening, Victoria raised her head and exchanged a knowing glance with Jason.
Both stood up and headed together toward the adjoining conference room.
Inside, a young man in a casual designer suit sat comfortably at the head of the long table. When Jason and Victoria entered, he didn't even bother to stand — only offered a lazy nod.
"Mr. Carter, Ms. Victoria," he greeted with a faint smirk. "Pleasure to meet you."
Jason and Victoria maintained calm, courteous smiles as they took seats opposite him — Jason to the left, Victoria to the right.
The man folded his hands leisurely. "Let's skip the small talk and get straight to it," he said, his tone confident and faintly dismissive.
"Mr. Carter, your Harborview Bay project is impressive — and ambitious. But to finish it quickly, you'll need massive financing. Even if investors line up to join, they'll need substantial bank loans."
He smiled faintly. "And I think you know my family's influence in the financial world."
"If I decide to obstruct, your loan approvals will crawl to a stop. But if I assist, things will move fast — and at favorable interest rates. Together, we could form an unstoppable alliance."
Then, turning to Victoria, his tone hardened slightly. "As for you, Ms. Victoria — your Panji Construction has been doing fine work in the region, but I'll be frank. My family wants the construction rights to this land. I hope you'll show some courtesy and give us this opportunity. In return, I can make your future financing much smoother."
His words carried an open threat, wrapped in arrogance.
The Jones Family, one of the oldest and wealthiest financial clans in the country, had made its fortune in banking and trade for generations. They now held major stakes in multiple regional and national banks. Compared to them, even the Pantec, powerful as they were, looked relatively local.
As the Jones Family's heir, Nathan Jones had every reason to be arrogant.
He leaned back, watching Jason and Victoria with a hint of expectation, as if waiting to see discomfort or fear on their faces.
But neither moved. Their expressions remained utterly composed. Their eyes didn't even settle on him — instead, Jason and Victoria looked at each other, faintly smiling, as though silently inviting the other to make the first move.
Victoria tilted her head slightly. "Mr. Carter, what do you think?" she asked in her calm, measured tone.
Jason's lips curved in a light smile. "I'd rather hear your thoughts first, Ms. Victoria."
Victoria chuckled softly. "At a time like this, shouldn't the man be the one to take the first step?"
Jason Carter grinned, "Normally, yes — but Victoria's talents speak for themselves. She's more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with any man; I'm the one who's outclassed."
Victoria pursed her lips and let a small smile show. "Alright then. Let's put it on paper and open them together — see if our answers match."
"Perfect." Jason nodded.
Olivia had already produced paper and pens at the first instant, handing one set to Jason and another to Victoria without missing a beat. The two moved with the economy of people used to quick deals: they wrote, folded, and exchanged their notes.
Jason unfolded Victoria's paper. Four large, confident characters stared up at him: Nothing to fear.
Victoria's smile deepened. She turned to Nathan Jones and said, cool and composed, "Mr. Jones, you're new to the world of large projects. You have influence in finance, yes — but influence in banking doesn't automatically let you dictate terms in real industry."
She set her tone like a blade. "Finance can shake markets, but it can't build bridges where no supply chain, no contractor network, and no community support exist. If you interfere with my family's construction allocation, I will simply invite your competitors to form alliances and make the Jones Family's balance sheets feel very uncomfortable."
"You're not some lone wolf of a family; I know how your house works. This feels personal. I hear you've been overexposed in the markets lately — losses happen, and desperate moves follow. If this is your bluff, you'll pay the price."
Nathan's confident mask faltered at her words. He hadn't expected Victoria to call his bluff so casually, and for the first time his arrogance showed cracks. Turning to Jason, he tried to regain ground with forced bravado: "Look at the partner you've chosen; this kind of arrogance will bring trouble sooner or later."
Jason didn't answer — there was nothing to be gained by arguing with someone who'd already revealed his insecurity.
Victoria peeled open Jason's note and read. Her eyes widened fractionally, then the corners of her mouth lifted into a laugh that had no warmth for Nathan.
She flipped the paper over and showed him: two blunt words written in decisive handwriting — Get out.
Color drained from Nathan's face. If Victoria had brushed him off, Jason had treated him like dirt. In the hush that followed, the chemistry between Jason and Victoria shifted from polite negotiation to a quiet, mutual amusement: they both understood the tone and the stakes, and both were pleased.
Victoria's favorability toward Jason ticked upward: Favorability +20.
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