Author: BTMBeta

Levi left the house to meet up with Azure Dragon, whom he had instructed to wait for him outside the house.

\”What can I do for you, Sir?\” Azure Dragon asked.

\”I want you to contact these companies.\” Levi handed him a list of company names.

The following morning.

Zoey was woken up by Aaron in the wee hours of the morning.

\”Where the hell is Levi? I presume he was out last night to source for funding, but what’s taking him so long to come back?\” Aaron said disapprovingly, \”He just can’t do anything right. He’s a born loser, a good-for-nothing!\”

It angered Zoey to think that Levi did not even bother to inform her when he knew he would be out the whole night.

\”We’d better sign the contract before it’s too late. Let’s meet up with Harry now!\”

Harry and his men were already standing by at the family mansion when Zoey and her family arrived.

An euphoric smile hung on their faces as they greeted Zoey and her family.

It was all too gratifying for Harry and company to see the three of them come begging with their tail between their legs.

\”You should have known better than to make a fool out of yourself, Aaron.\” Henry and Fabian jeered at him, \”Can’t you see that there’s no way you guys could ever get the investments?\”

Aaron lowered his head and said feebly, \”We’re here to sign the contract, dad.\”

Anger welled up in his chest when he thought of Levi.

Had it not been Levi who advised them to hold back for three more days, they would have signed it on the same day when it was offered to them, It would have seemed more like a respectable deal at that time.

It had become anything but respectable in the eyes of Harry and his company now that Aaron had to beg them for the contract. Knowing the contract was now the last resort for Zoey, it would only make Aaron looked desperate and defeated in the eyes of the Lopez family.

Aaron and his family had never felt such humiliation before. This is all thanks to Levi.

\”Yes, we are ready to sign it now, grandpa.\” Zoey informed Harry.

\”Sure, we can sign the contract. But there will be a change of terms.\” Harry’s expression changed and he curled his lips into a grim smile, \”We are no longer asking for ninety but ninety-five percent of the profits now. The remaining five percent would be yours.\”

\”What? Didn’t we agreed on a ninety percent cut for you and ten percent for us?\”

A sudden terrible pang of shock hit Zoey as she stared at Harry incredulously. Harry had just dropped a bombshell on her.

\”Don’t you know the terms changes accordingly?\” Harry said scornfully, \”That’s our offer. Take it or leave it.\”

Knowing the ball was now in his court, Harry knew it was he who called the shots. The change of terms seemed justifiable to him since it was Zoey who desperately needed the contract.

Zoey winced at the cold-bloodiness of these people!

She bitterly resented her grandpa for his callous and selfishness.

\”Fine then, I’ll pass! I’ll give up the project altogether!\” she said in a fit of rage, \”Nobody would get a dime out of it!\”

\”How could you say that, Zoey? Five percent would still give us fifty million, at least there’s something for us!\”

\”Your mum is right, Zoey. We can’t afford to lose it, just sign it!\”

The relentless pestering from Aaron and Caitlyn left Zoey with no choice but to sign the contract.

\”Stop! Don’t sign the contract!\”

Just as Zoey was about to ink the contract, Levi showed up and halted her.

\”There’s still time before the deadline,\” he wrung away the pen from Zoey’s hands, \”why do we have to sign it now?\” he questioned.

\”What do you think you’re doing, Levi?\” Aaron almost wanted to slap Levi across the face \”Why are you stopping us from getting the fifty million? Is it because you’re jealous you’ve got nothing for yourself?\”

\”Ten minutes! just give me ten minutes! Once the time is up you can do as you please.\” Levi glanced at his watch and said, \”You can sign it in ten minutes’ time!\”

\”Alright! I’ll give you another ten minutes to prove yourself!\” Aaron muttered through gritted teeth, \”Make sure you produce something in ten minutes’ time, or I’ll never forgive you for the rest of my life, much less allow Zoey to stay with you!\”

\”Okay!\”

The unyielding attitude of Levi intrigued Harry. He was curious to see what would happen in ten minutes’ time.

\”Alright, let’s wait for another ten minutes.\”

Henry and the rest giggled with excitement. They could not wait to get their popcorn ready to watch some hilarious comedy in ten minutes’ time.

Ten minutes passed in a flash. Everything was at status quo.

\”Just sign it!\” Henry threw the contract in front of Zoey. He was certain there would be no white knight coming to her rescue.

Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!

At the same moment, a thunderous roar of engine noises filled the whole of the Lopez family mansion.

It attracted the curiosity of everyone to step out of the building.

What greeted their eyes was a succession of luxury cars making their way into the Lopez family mansion. They all came to a halt when they reached their building.

\”Don’t think we are ignorant of what you’d done to the Garrison family,\” Aaron scoffed, \”they have warned us to prepare ourselves for a bloodbath.\”

\”Why do you have to piss off the Garrison family? Are you looking to get yourself killed?\”

Caitlyn and Aaron were raving mad.

\”If it’s not for Zoey, I’d have kicked you out of our house a long time ago.\” Aaron spat with such fury that his veins stood out in his neck, \”You could have been sleeping at the streets by now!\”

Zoey did not want to aggravate the hostility of his parents towards Levi, but she felt Levi had acted too rashly as well.

We were lucky to have Azure Dragon bail us out this time. But what about next time? Will we get lucky again?

\”Who are you to step on the toes of the Garrison family?\” Caitlyn glared at Levi with total contempt, \”You don’t even have a place to stay on your own!\”

\”Mum, Levi actually has the villa…\”

Zoey was trying to explain to her mum that Levi had just got his villa back, but Caitlyn cut her off abruptly, \”Don’t give me that crap about his villa. He’s simply a ticking time bomb, you shouldn’t hang around with him all the time. I’d rather you use your time to source for investors instead!\”

\”You should know well that the Garrison family is untouchable, not even the Lopez family could hold a candle to them. We’ll be doomed should the Garrisons decide to come at us. I’m warning you, Levi, I’ll get Zoey to seek a divorce with you if you ever dare to infuriate the Garrison family again!\”

The next day.

Zoey and Levi planned to source for investors for their upcoming project. They were about to leave the house when Caitlyn reminded Zoey, \”It’s going to be the National holidays soon and your cousin is coming over to spend the holidays with us. Can you go and pick her up as your dad and I are too busy with our chores?\”

\”Sure, mum.\”

Levi knew both Aaron and Caitlyn had got their hands full at the moment. Caitlyn worked in the hospital while Aaron had just started a small business.

It was another frustrating day for Zoey. Every investor she met had snubbed her proposal.

However, Levi watched quietly without interfering. All he did was take down the names of those companies who had snubbed Zoey’s proposal.

The string of ill-luck days for Zoey had left her with no choice but to hold back her project as long as she could, since she could not source the investments she needed to kick-start her project. She was just three days away from the commencement date, as stipulated in the contract.

It had definitely stressed Zoey to the extreme.

Aaron and Caitlyn were exasperated and wore a worried look on their faces.

\”Don’t be too worried, Mum, Dad.\” Levi gave a placid smile, \”I’m sure the investors would show up when the time comes.\”

He said it with an air of confidence, since he knew he had made all the necessary arrangements.

\”You should just keep your mouth shut!\” Aaron flared, \”Of course it’s easy for you to say that, since it’s none of your business!\”

Ding Dong…

The doorbell sounded. It surprised them to see Shaun at their doorstep.

\”It’s good that you’re all here, Uncle Aaron and Aunt Caitlyn. Grandpa would like all of you to come for a family meeting tonight.\”

Shaun left promptly after he had relayed the message.

Shortly after, Levi, Zoey and her parents came to the family complex of the Lopez family.

It was a vast complex that comprised several buildings. Its structure and scale were one of the most affluent and lavish in North Hampton.

Zoey instantly felt animosity in the Lopez family’s members looks when they greeted her. It was as if she had just snatched away the love of their lives.

It dawned on Zoey and her family that they were no longer seen as part of the Lopez family anymore, now, they are seen as enemy who had taken their cake away and have it all to themselves.

\”Come over here, Aaron and you guys. Take a seat.\” Harry and the rest of them greeted them with an unusual friendliness.

\”How’s your project going along, Zoey?\” Harry asked once everybody was seated.

\”There’s a major issue with the funding, grandpa!\” Zoey sighed, \”We’re just three days away from the commencement date but I’ve yet to rope in investors for the project.\”

\”Hahaha….Didn’t I told you that this is too large of a project for a small company like Imperial Meadows?\”

\”That’s right, it’s good to know your own limits. Don’t act like some big guns when you’re just nothing but a soft and limp fry!\”

…

Everyone started to mock Zoey when they heard about her funding problem.

Zoey and her family could only put up with their sarcasm in silence since she could find nothing to rebuke them. The lack of funding had now put her entire project into jeopardy.

\”I can’t figure it out too, since they told me Trey and Ashton had brought over a hundred men with them. So what caused Ashton to end up in such a bad shape?\” Bryan shared with them his findings, \”I’ve checked with Trey but he refused to say a word about it. All he did was warn us to stay away from Levi and don’t mess around with him.\”

\”What? How could this be true?\” cried Ben in disbelief, \”Doesn’t this show that Levi had scared the shit out of Trey? There must be something about Levi that made Trey said such a thing.\”

\”Judging by his words, it sounds like Trey is terrified of Levi.\” Joseph nodded, \”What’s going on here? Wasn’t Levi just released from prison? Where did he find the support to oust Ashton and Trey from the villa?\”

Bryan’s wife, Victoria, was quick to offer her opinion, \”I bet Levi must have become mates with some crooks when he was in prison and garnered their support, dad.\” she gave a sly smile, \”That could have given Levi the ammunition to stand up to Trey and his men.\” While Trey might hold some influence, he was pale in comparison with the real big crooks on the streets.

It was probably one of those crooks who had teamed up with Levi to take out Trey and his men. I mean, didn’t Levi issued us a warning during the banquet to celebrate our share listing last time?

He demanded us to repent and offer an apology in one month’s time, or we will have to defend with all we have if we refuse to apologize. It all pointed to the possibility that Levi must have garnered the support of some influential and powerful crooks to back him up.

\”Yes, I’m sure that must be the case!\” Joseph could not agree more with Victoria, \”Levi must have found some real big shots while he was in prison to back him up, so he’s now coming after us!\”

\”Looks like we’ve underestimated this little b*****d.\” Ben stroked his chin and said meditatively, \”He’s no pushover indeed.\”

\”I don’t give a heck what big crooks that’s backing him up,\” Jaycob snorted, \”I’ll get even with him for turning my son into such a horrible state!\”

Vengeance and hatred had blinded Jaycob.

\”There’s no way we would let him off, Uncle Jaycob.\” Bryan pointed out, \”But we need to get a good grasp of the situation before we strike. We must find out who is backing him and what tricks he has up his sleeve. Even though we are not afraid to confront him directly, we still need to do it the smart way.\”

Joseph nodded in agreement, \”Bryan’s right. We should play our cards wisely.\” Levi is too naive if he thinks he could triumph over us simply because he had ousted Trey. What a joke! Trey is nothing more than just one of our lackeys. Our family is almost untouchable in North Hampton.

Besides, we have powerful connections in all kinds of sectors including politics, business, military, and even the mafias and thugs. So what if Levi had some big crooks as his backup? There’s no way he could hurt our family, he won’t be able to harm even a single hair of the Garrison family!

\”You’re right. Levi is too gullible to think he could trample over us with the help of some big guns.\” Jaycob’s eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty look, \”I’ll flip open all his cards so he’ll never be able to play any tricks on us again. That’s when we would make him pay with his blood!\”

\”But I have a bad feeling about this.\” Rick said with an ominous tone, \”Levi is someone who is cold and calculative. I’m pretty sure he must have it all worked out inside his head. We’d better not be too reckless about it.\”

\”I think you’re getting a little paranoid about it, Uncle Rick.\” Bryan smiled over it, \”There’s nothing for us to fear given our status and influence now. We are as solid as they come. Whatever tricks Levi try to play on us will never work.\”

\”I agree with Bryan.\” Joseph chimed in, \”There’s no need to be too worried by that, Rick.\”

\”I don’t know about this, but I think it’s better to be safe than to be sorry,\” Rick sighed, \”it’s just that I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong!\”

It was against Rick’s reticent nature to say such a thing, but he had an awful premonition that something bad was going to happen.

He knew there was more to Levi than meet the eye. Levi is simply no pushover in any aspect!

…

At night.

Aaron lashed out at Levi the moment they reached home. \”What do you think you’re doing? Are you looking to get Zoey into trouble?\” he snarled, \”Get out of my house if you don’t want to stay here!\”

\”What’s going on, Dad?\” Zoey and Levi were astounded, \”What did Levi do?\”

\”I’ve already told you at the family banquet before,\” Levi nodded, \”I am the God of War.\”

\”There you go again.\” Zoey dismissed his words and rolled her eyes, \”You and your blabber.\”

She did not believe his confession, and thought that he was just trying to brag around.

\”Alright,\” Levi said with a helpless shrug, \”I have nothing to do with them.\”

\”But then how did you get Azure Dragon to show up with just a phone call?\” she asked, puzzled, \”Not to mention he even brought an entire regiment with him?\”

\”It was all a coincidence, when I was here last night and found out that Azure Dragon was staying in the same vicinity, I was sure that the God of War must be nearby as well.\” Levi made up an explanation, \”I know Ashton is bringing his men to the villa today, so I tipped off the authorities in advance. I told them that somebody is trying to harm the God of War, that’s why they sent over an entire regiment to protect him.\” he could only put up a lie to appease her.

\”That makes perfect sense to me now.\” Zoey found his explanation plausible, \”I recalled Azure Dragon said the God of War lives around here, which explains why he’s on high alert when Ashton and his men came to the villa.\”

\”Do you want to take any of the stuff home with you? There’s no way I’m going to stay here!\” Levi said with an air of disgust.

\”No, let’s leave them here.\” Zoey shook her head, \”It would only cause mum and dad to get curious if they see us moving our stuff home.\”

At Rivervale Mansion, North Hampton.

It was one of the most luxurious mansions in North Hampton. The place was the family mansion of the Garrisons, who had just listed their company shares on the stock exchange.

It had yet struck nine o’clock in the morning and it was still early for the Garrisons to leave for work.

Most of them were still in the house when they carried Ashton into the mansion.

Soon, every member of the Garrison family knew something terrible had happened to Ashton, and they immediately sent him to the hospital.

Joseph, Jaycob, Ben and everybody else rushed to the hospital.

\”How’s Ashton doing?\” Joseph asked.

\”I’m sorry, Mr. Garrison.\” the doctor sighed after he had examined Ashton’s condition, \”I’m afraid Ashton is not showing any response, he’s now in a vegetative state.\”

\”What do you mean he’s in a vegetative state?\” Jaycob could not believe his ears, \”You mean my son has become a vegetable?\”

\”Ashton suffered from an extremely severe impact that turned him into a vegetable.\” the doctor explained.

\”Who was the one who sent Ashton back to the mansion?\” asked Joseph, who had slipped into a dark look.

\”They were two guys we’ve not seen before, dad.\” Ben lowered his voice, \”They left as soon as they sent Ashton back to our house. But they did leave a message…\”

\”What’s their message? Spit it out now!\”

The aura from Joseph was one of pure oppression.

\”They said that this is the first present sent by Levi.\” Ben promptly spilled out the words.

\”What? You mean this is a present from Levi?\”

\”So it was Levi who’s behind all this?\”

\”I’m going to skin you alive, Levi!\” Jaycob flew into such a rage that he almost flipped the table.

\”Tell me, where is Levi now? I’m going to bash his brains in and squash him like the disgusting roach that he is!\”

Jaycob was cursing and swearing like a madman, oozing violence and malice.

\”Hold on, Jaycob.\” Joseph mused over the message from Levi, \”Levi said that this is just his first present, so we should expect for his second and third present to come in no time. Looks like Levi has just turned the tables on us, he’s letting us know that he’s now the one calling the shots instead!\”

Joseph placed his hands behind his back and gave a brittle laugh.

\”I’ve asked Bryan to find out what actually happened, dad.\” Ben informed Joseph, \”I’m sure he’ll update us soon.\”

Soon after, they saw Bryan come running towards them, panting for air.

\”I’ve found out what happened, grandpa, dad, Jaycob.\” Bryan rasped, \”Ashton and Levi had gotten into a brawl because of Royal Villa, which left Ashton being beaten up by Levi.\”

\”How could this be possible?\” Joseph bemoaned, \”Didn’t Ashton used to hang around with Trey, that triad leader? How could Levi have beaten the both of them and turned Ashton into a vegetable?\”

Thump!

Thump!

…

Ashton, Trey, and Matthew, along with over a hundred of their men went down on their knees.

\”It was all a misunderstanding. Just a misunderstanding…\”

It was quite a spectacular scene to see over a hundred men going down on their knees, bending over their bodies and slamming their heads on the floor as they beg for forgiveness.

Zoey was so choked with fear that she almost fainted.

The turn of events could not be more theatrical than this.

How could so many thugs all turn into a bunch of crying babies all at once?

\”Zoey, why don’t you get inside the villa and let them do their stuff?\” Levi suggested.

The petrified Zoey gladly took his advice and dashed for the villa.

\”Sir, please, I really have nothing to do with this. I’m just somebody who was hired by Mr. Garrison to act under his instructions…\”

\”Yeah, we’ve got nothing to do with this!\”

…

Trey and his men were desperate to draw a line from Ashton by shifting all the blame to him.

Ashton was so contorted with fear that he spat out a mouthful of blood.

\”Let them go!\”

What came as a shock to Ashton, Trey and Matthew was when they saw it was Levi who gave the order.

His order prompted Azure Dragon to wave them away, \”Get your ass out of here and don’t let me see you again!\”

It was clear as day that it was not Azure Dragon, but Levi, who was calling the shots. Could it be that Levi…

It all pointed out to one scary truth they all dreaded to know.

Trey and his men tumbled and stumbled as they fled the scene at their quickest pace, fearing they could end up with a bullet in their heads.

\”Please let me go, L-Levi, I’m innocent as well. It was Ashton who…\” Matthew tried to dissociate himself from Ashton as well.

\”Tell me, Azure Dragon, how do we punish a traitor?\” Levi turned to Azure Dragon and smiled abruptly.

\”All traitors would be slaughtered!\” Azure Dragon gave a deafening roar.

Matthew was on the verge of a complete collapse.

But he knew it was all too late. This was the fate for traitors. Matthew must die!

The doomed fate of Matthew scared the daylight out of Ashton, who instantly got down on his knees to beg for his life \”We are family, my dear brother. Please forgive me for not knowing your true identity.\” cried Ashton, \”We are all waiting for you to come home. I’m sure everybody would be thrilled to see you home again!\”

Ashton played the emotional card as his last resort to save his own life.

\”Don’t you remember how you guys have broken all my limbs and threw me to the streets like a dying dog?\” Levi said sarcastically, \”Is that how you’re supposed to treat your family?\”

\”Oh, that’s just a misunderstanding, my brother.\” Ashton was almost to tears, \”I’m sure it’s nothing but a misunderstanding!\”

\”Didn’t you just said that you want to sleep with my wife too?\” said Levi as he walked closer towards Ashton.

\”That’s just a joke, you know,\” Ashton felt his legs were going jelly as he stuttered, \”nothing but a j-joke, my brother…\”

\”What makes you think you can joke about something like this?\”

Levi struck a killer punch right into Ashton’s face, which made him see stars and blacked out instantly.

\”Send him back to the Garrisons! Tell them that this is my first present for them!\”

Levi ordered, his face devoid of expression.

\”Understood, Sir!\” Azure Dragon replied subserviently.

\”Well done, Steven Shaw.\” Levi eyed him with satisfaction.

\”Greetings to you, Sir!\” A yelp from Steven Shaw led the whole of First Metallic Regiment to raise their right hand uniformly to present a military salute.

Levi reciprocated with a standard salute.

When he entered the villa, what greeted his sight was Zoey all curled up on the sofa, quivering with fear.

The spectacular scene today had left her numbed with shock.

She did not even have the courage to glimpse out of the villa.

\”It’s alright now, Zoey.\” Levi hugged her, \”Everything’s over. The villa now belongs to us.\”

\”Are you sure?\” Zoey lifted her head, her tone was uncertain.

\”I’m sure!\” Levi reassured her, \”But I plan to tear down the house completely and rebuild from scratch. There’s no way we can move in now after those thugs had stayed in the house before.\”

\”I need to ask you something, Levi.\” Zoey asked after she had recomposed herself \”I want you to be absolutely upfront with me.\”

\”Sure, what do you want to know?\”

Zoey bit her lips in hesitation, \”What is your relationship with the God of War and Azure Dragon?\” she demanded, \”I need you to tell me nothing but the truth!\”

Levi’s villa unit belonged to lot A-88.

Unbeknown to Ashton and his men, the troops had formed a squarish formation surrounding the lots of A87, A88, A89 to B88.

Each of them stood on full alert, armed with fully loaded firearms that are ready to fire the first strike.

All they need was a command.

Outside the villa.

\”So what’s the situation now?\” Ashton was still grinning his grotesque grin as he taunted Levi, \”Where are your men? Are they all having cold feet now?\”

Levi signaled with a click of his fingers.

The next moment.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The ground seemed to move under their feet as a synchronous marching of troops roared across the silent air.

\”What’s going on here? What’s all that sound?\”

Trey’s men looked around frantically, bug-eyed and tense as dogs.

The marching was getting denser and louder, the rhythm was so uniform and disciplined that it almost turned into a deafening boom.

\”What the hell is that?\”

Trey’s men froze when they saw the approaching troops coming at them from four corners.

Matthew, Trey and Ashton were shell-shocked and rooted to the ground like statutes. Everybody was muted with horror.

Never had they seen such a formation in front of their eyes. The soldiers aligned themselves in uniform rows, each armed with the deadliest weapons fit for a war!

Thud! Thud! Thud! The thumping continued.

Soon the troops stood in position, forming a human barricade as they occupied the four corners and fenced everybody in.

Everyone lifted their guns and aimed their barrels straight at Ashton and his group of men.

Crack!

Racks of heavy machine guns were set up with their positions adjusted accordingly to point straight towards Aston and his men.

Not to mention those massive weapons that include mortar and artilleries…

Clang! Clang!

The clanging sound of rods and other metal weapons resonated in the air. Trey’s men had dropped their weapons and raised both hands in fear.

A few of them had even pissed inside their pants.

A strong, pungent smell of ammonia suffused the air.

Trey himself had dropped the walnuts and lifted his hands as well.

For decades, he had ruled the underground triads with his brutality and violent means. He had seen it all and had never been fazed by any opponent.

He could take down dozens of men in one go, breaking their ribs and even slashing their throats. These were all cakewalk to him.

Yet the scene in front of him belonged to a totally different league. War that was confined to the television was now playing out right in front of his eyes!

Thump!

Matthew dropped to the floor on his knees and pleaded, \”Please let me go. I have nothing to do with this!\”

Ashton stared at the guns pointed at him. Those soulless clanks of metal stared back at him like a plethora of ghostly eyes. It made his face turned ashen and his legs wobbled with fear.

\”N-Neither do I. I have done nothing as well.\”

The unexpected twist of events had absolutely stupefied Ashton. He had never imagined Levi could summon an entire regiment with just one phone call…

Zoey was blown away as well by the dramatic turn of events. She needed a while to recompose herself before she turned her gaze to Levi.

She felt like she saw a magical halo glowing above Levi.

How is it possible that he summoned such a huge regiment with just a phone call?

A man stepped forward among the troops.

He had two gold stripes and three stars embroidered on the shoulder of his military uniform.

They could tell he was an army official.

\”Steven Shaw, Colonel of North Hampton’s First Metallic Regiment, reporting for duty, Sir! We are here to protect the God of War, Sir!\”

Steven Shaw cast an ambiguous glance at Levi as he raised his left hand to present a military salute.

Another man in military uniform stepped up from the opposing direction. He had a large gold star embroidered on his shoulder and a group of soldiers at his heels.

He had the colossal air of a warrior, he was none other than the King of War.

\”The First Metallic Regiment had completely surrounded the compound, General Azure Dragon! Awaiting further orders, Sir!\”

Steven Shaw ran up to Azure Dragon and present another military salute.

Azure Dragon took off his gloves and asked in his impersonal voice, \”Do you know who owns this villa?\”

\”C-Could it be that it belongs to the G-God of War?\” replied Ashton with a tremulous voice, while his body jerked uncontrollably as if he was having a seizure.

\”Bingo.\” Azure Dragon gave a set smile, \”All the villas in this area belong to him.\”

Ashton sucked in a deep breath. He was so gripped with fear that he almost passed out.

Trey was palpitating in horror when he heard the name. It drained his face of all color and immobilized his body, it was as if his soul had departed and left him with a hollow shell.

He would have never dared to step foot in here if he had known this area belonged to the God of War. It was as good as stepping into the gates of hell.

\”Why did you bring your men here?\” Azure Dragon glared at Ashton and Trey, \”Are you trying to take down the God of War?\” he snarled.

If truth be told, it was a matter of Levi’s words regarding the investments.

\”Oh yeah, don’t you worry,\” said Zoey suddenly. \”I’ll pay back the five million; hopefully we can reel in some investments as soon as possible.\”

\”There’s no need for that. Why are we even discussing this topic?\”

Levi smiled.

\”But you also have to pay back the money, no? How are you going to do that? You haven’t got any money.\”

At that, Levi nodded.

\”Once we earn enough money from this project, I’m planning to get a house. It’s inappropriate of us to stay with Mom and Dad,\” Zoey added.

\”Do you still remember our marital home?\” asked Levi, remembering suddenly.

\”I do. You designed that villa yourself, and it was perfect! What a waste,\” Zoey sighed.

\”I’m going to take back that villa,\” Levi said.

\”That villa belongs to the Garrison family now, Levi. Don’t do anything reckless. You can’t fight them,\” Zoey persuaded.

\”Don’t worry.\”

Levi was determined to take back what the Garrison family took from him.

The next day, Zoey was busy looking for investment while Levi stayed home. He wanted to let Zoey run into a stone wall before making the necessary arrangements.

Aaron and Caitlyn looked at Levi who was smoking on the couch, their brows furrowed and they looked sullen.

\”Put out the cigarette and come with me! I have something to tell you!\” said Aaron coldly, glaring at Levi in revulsion.

Levi stubbed out his cigarette and followed suit.

\”Dad, just fire away!\”

Aaron’s brows knitted tightly together into a deep frown. \”Are you not aware of our situation now?\”

\”I think we’re good.\” Levi smiled. \”We got the project and as long as we reel in some investments, Zoey and our future will be bright as day.\”

\”Yeah, and it’s because Zoey has a promising future, you’re at risk.\”

\”What?\” Levi’s expression changed from delight to puzzlement.

\”You should know that once this project is accomplished, Zoey’s net worth will increase by a few billion. She’ll gain a foothold in North Hampton in the future. Do you think you’ll still be worthy of her then?\” Aaron said solemnly. \”I’m not questioning your abilities, but you have to understand that you just came out of prison and things are different from six years ago. It won’t be easy to start a business again. The gap between you and Zoey will only grow.\”

\”That’s right,\” Caitlyn agreed. \”You’re lazing around and doing nothing all day! You don’t even have a decent job. Do you think you’re worthy of my daughter?\”

\”Exactly! Just imagine how humiliating will it be for Zoey if you’re still her husband by then.\”

\”We will find a proper time to discuss this with Zoey regarding your divorce! This is for the best, for both you and Zoey! Just prepare yourself,\” Aaron sighed.

Levi chuckled. \”Mom, Dad, is this what they mean by burning the bridges?\”

\”What do you mean, burning the bridges? Do you really think that it was you who secured this project? You only butt in a little. It’s because of Zoey’s ability that we got this project, okay?\”

\”Yeah. In simpler words, this matter has nothing to do with you!\”

Levi could only give a half-suppressed laugh in this regard.

\”Rest assured, Mom and Dad. I’ll make Zoey the happiest woman in the world!\” Levi proclaimed.

Caitlyn glared at him. \”And how do you intend to do that? You don’t even have a house! I could have believed when you had that big villa before, but now? You’re just a pauper with zilch! Not to mention you’re staying at my house! Aren’t you ashamed?\”

\”Just leave for a few days. I don’t want to see you for a while.\”

\”Yeah, Zoey has been busy recently, and she’s easily distracted when you’re around,\” Aaron added on.

Having been kicked out of the house, Levi wasn’t angry.

This was what he owed Zoey.

Downstairs, a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled over.

Azure Dragon got out of the car and greeted, \”God of War, after you!\”

Levi got into the car.

\”Aaron, come, quick!\” Caitlyn, who was watching through the window, suddenly shouted. \”I think Levi just got into a luxury car.\”

Aaron hurried over and saw a Rolls-Royce driving past his house.

\”That’s a Rolls-Royce Phantom! The car owner must be a big shot! How could’ve Levi gotten into this kind of car?\” Aaron said quickly.

\”I just saw a figure from the back who looked a little like him. I guess I worried too much,\” said Caitlyn with relief. \”If he can afford to drive a Rolls-Royce, would we even be staying in this hundred square meters dumpster?\”

Aaron snorted. \”You’re still hoping on this gigolo?\”

\”Yes. I hope he starves to death.\”

In the car, Azure Dragon asked, \”Where to now, Sir?\”

\”To the Royal Villa!\”

I must take back my villa!

\”Sir, I’ve found out that the person living in your villa right now is Matthew Green! He’s the current general manager of Skyline Media under Garrison International!\”

\”He’s currently Ashton’s trusted aide! After betraying you, he immediately devoted himself to Ashton.\”

Ashton was Levi’s Uncle, Jacob’s son. He had a reputation for being a man about town. And it was he who said that he wanted to marry Zoey at the banquet that day.

He had been coveting Zoey for a long time now.

Levi’s gaze went cold at the mention of Matthew.

He was once his trusted aide, his henchmen.

It was Levi who promoted him. If it hadn’t been for him, he would have committed fraud and gone to prison.

Levi could still remember that after his downfall, Matthew had become the Garrison family’s lackey who immediately contacted the media reporters to smear his name.

He had even forged a good deal of evidences of Levi’s ‘supposed’ crime and successfully sent him to prison.

Thinking about how Matthew once looked respectful before him, Levi found it ridiculous.

Very soon, he arrived at the Royal Villa.

Standing before the villa that he personally designed, rage bubbled just below the surface of his mind.

The nerve of him to stay at my marital home!

Die!

Upon noticing the two of them, the villa housekeeper came out and asked, \”What are you people doing here and who are you looking for?\”

Levi grinned. \”I’m here to look at my house!\”

\”What? Your house? Are you sick in the head?\”

\”I’m telling you, the owner of this villa is Matthew Green, Mr. Green of Skyline Media!\” the housekeeper sneered.

Levi tugged his lips into a wider grin. \”Then did Matthew tell you who was the previous owner of the villa?\”

\”You think I care? I only know Mr. Green!\”

Right at that moment, a Porsche Panamera pulled in.

The housekeeper immediately went to open the door.

Matthew, dressed in a suit, came down with a secretary supporting him at the side. The secretary, who was dressed in business attire, was hot. Her long legs wrapped in black stockings were especially attractive.

Seeing that they came back together, it was obvious they were up to some shenanigans.

\”Who are these people?\” Matthew asked, displeasure was written all over his face as he looked at the two people standing in front of the villa.

Levi slowly turned around. In the split second when their eyes met, Matthew got the shock of his life.

It just so happened that he had gone on a business trip during the Garrison family’s celebration banquet, so he didn’t meet Levi until today.

Meeting Levi right now, he could feel nothing but blind terror.

It differed from the rest of the Garrison family. Matthew had a psychological fear and awe for Levi.

Especially since he had done something despicable toward him; he couldn’t look Levi in the eye.

\”Life seems good, eh, Mr. Green?\” Levi asked with a smile on his face.

\”W-W-What are you doing here?\” Matthew asked, trembling.

\”I’m here to have a look at my house!\”

Levi sized up the villa.

\”This villa has nothing to do with you now. So leave!\” Matthew said, bracing himself and looking at Levi.

Levi smirked. \”And if I don’t?\”

Matthew’s secretary, Queena, glowered at Levi. \”Who do you think you are? How dare you behave like a barbarian? Leave now! Or I’ll inform Mr. Ashton, and you’ll be sorry for this!\”

At the mention of Ashton, Matthew suddenly got a newfound courage and he retort, \”Levi Garrison, taking into consideration that you were my boss, I will not make things difficult for you. So please leave now!\”

\”Who do you think you are to make things difficult for me?\” Levi disparaged.

\”Why don’t you take a look at yourself in the mirror, Levi? You’re a nobody now! How dare you talk to Mr. Green like that?\” Queena sneered. \”Get down on your knees and crawl your way out!\”

\”Slap them!\”

Levi ordered softly.

Azure Dragon stepped up and gave a tight slap across Queena’s face.

His slap came with such shearing force that it knocked her off her feet and sent her flying almost eight meters away.

It ripped her flesh apart with deep cuts across her skin, and a few blood-stained teeth popped out from her mouth. Her hysterical screams filled the air, which sounded as if she was being butchered.

Matthew was stunned.

\”D-Don’t you even dare lay a finger on me,\” he quivered, \”or I’ll call the security…\”

Slap!

The slap from Azure Dragon came thick and fast, which made him see stars. Blood spurted out like a fountain from Matthew’s mouth. It almost knocked him out.

\”P-Please don’t kill me….please don’t kill me…\” Matthew shriveled and pleaded.

Gone was his usual shrewd and bossy demeanor when he was the big daddy of the corporate world. He was now just as powerless and utterly hopeless like a trapped animal!

\”I want you to move out of the villa by eight o’clock tomorrow morning.\” Levi ordered, \”Or you’ll live to regret for not heeding my call.\”

\”This is my villa and I shan’t let anyone stain it and pollute the place.\” Levi said with a cold spark in his eyes.

The villa had been the den of Matthew and his guys for the past six years. Levi dreaded to think what kind of filth they had brought with them to the villa – which was absolutely intolerable for someone like him, who had an obsession for cleanliness.

\”What?\” Matthew could not believe his ears.

What makes you think I’ll give you back the villa, you little rotten punk? You’re just someone who’s fresh out from prison!

Levi took off shortly after he had issued the final notice to Matthew.

Meanwhile, Matthew did not return home but headed straight for Ashton, taking his secretary along with him.

Oblivious to what had happened at the villa, Ashton was having a swinging good time at the club, tucking himself between a blonde on his left and a brunette on his right.

\”Something terrible has happened, Mr. Garrison!\” Matthew shouted as he dashed into the club, \”It’s a disaster!\”

He recounted what happened at the villa to Ashton, making it sound worse than it actually was.

\”There’s nobody but you who can help me now, Mr. Garrison.\” Matthew said piteously, \”Look at how badly we’ve been beaten up by Levi.\”

Indeed, the swollen faces and puffy eyes of Matthew and Queena resembled more like the faces of pigs than human, which threw Ashton into an instant rage.

\”Levi, you son of a b****!\” Aston gritted his teeth, \”Who do you think you are? How dare you beat up my subordinate?\”

He threw a bottle of beer to the floor, smashing it.

\”What a useless piece of crap you are!\” he glared at Matthew scornfully, \”How could you let him trample all over you like this?\”

\”Mr. Garrison, he’s got someone with him who’s a real tough guy.\” Matthew bemoaned, \”He’d even warned he would kill the both of us if we don’t handover the villa tomorrow.\”

\”What’s the big deal? It’s just Levi.\” Ashton huffed, \”He’s just a nobody to me. Let’s see if he’s got the guts to harm me when I bring my men to the villa tomorrow.\”

\”It’d be safer to bring more men with you, Mr. Garrison.\” Matthew advised, \”I’m afraid you’d be outnumbered by Levi’s men at the villa tomorrow.\”

\”Oh yeah? How about I bring Trey along with me then?\” Ashton’s eyes gleamed with bloodlust as he spoke.

\”That would be a slam dunk!\” Matthew said with renewed confidence, \”Everybody knows what Trey is capable of. It’ll be just a piece of cake to him!\”

Trey was the notorious gang leader in North Hampton with several hundred men under him, known for their brutality and savageness.

He had stained his hands with the blood of so many enemies that he had virtually lost count of the exact number.

Trey had a good relationship with Ashton over the years, rendering his services whenever Ashton needed help in one of his malls.

All Trey had to do was to send over his men armed with axes and knives. That would be enough to scare the hell out of anyone and make them pissed in their pants.

Meanwhile, Zoey had just returned home after a long day to find that Levi was not in the house.

\”Mum, Dad, where’s Levi?\”

\”I have no idea,\” Aaron shrugged without even looking up, \”perhaps he has gone to look for a job?\”

\”Let me give him a call.\”

Zoey was about to make the call when Aaron stopped her. \”You should focus on your career instead of wasting your time on Levi, Zoey.\” he advised, \”He would only be a distraction to you if he hangs around in the house all the time.\”

\”What do you mean by that, Dad?\” Zoey stared at her father incredulously.

\”That’s true, Zoey.\” Caitlyn chimed in, \”Can’t you see you’re poised for something huge? You’re in an entirely different league now, and you mustn’t let him smear your name.\”

\”Dad, mum, how could you say such a thing?\” Zoey chided her parents for being ungrateful, \”You know I wouldn’t even stand a chance if it wasn’t for Levi who had given me the invitation card to the banquet. It was Levi who helped me bag the project!\”

\”I know he played a role in this project.\” Aaron agreed, \”But it was your ability and credentials that eventually won you the contract. It has nothing to do with him.\”

\”Levi could give me advise. I have no qualms about his ability.\”

\”So you’re just going to let him cling on to you like a parasite that gives you advise?\” Aaron snorted, \”There’s no way we’d let him stick around with you, unless he elevates his status to be on par with you.\”

\”Yes, that’s absolutely true!\” Caitlyn nodded, \”We’ll never agree to it if he stays in his current condition.\”

\”Argh! You guys are simply unreasonable!\” Zoey shook her head irritably, \”Forget about it, I’ll go look for him myself.\”

Zoey knew that Levi must have been chased out of the house by her parents. She called up Levi and beckoned him to come back.

Soon Levi was back in the house and he followed Zoey to her room.

\”Don’t be mad with my parents, Levi. All you need is a little time to work things out, which I’m sure would help you make your comeback in no time.\” she offered her encouragement.

\”What about your end?\” Levi asked, \”Any luck on roping in the investments you needed?\”

\”It’s frustrating.\” Zoey sighed, \”Everybody has their own demands. It’s impossible to please everyone!\”

\”Don’t worry. Let me come along with you.\” Levi consoled her, \”I’m sure we could make it happen.\”

\”By the way, can you come with me tomorrow, Zoey?\” asked Levi, \”I’d like to take you to a place.\”

\”Sure.\”

The next morning, Levi brought Zoey to the villa. The time was exactly eight o’clock.

\”I’ll be getting our villa back today, Zoey.\” Levi said with conviction, \”This is supposed to be our house after we’re married. There’s no way I’ll let someone else stay in our place!\”

\”Huh?\” Zoey was at a loss.

\”What nerve you have to show up today?\” Matthew grinned with malice when he saw Levi and Zoey.

\”Have you already moved out of the place?\” Levi asked coldly, \”I’m taking back my villa today.\”

\”Who the hell are you to take away the villa from Ashton Garrison? You must be out of your mind!\” A high pitch voice pierced through the air like the shrills of a high-stung cat.

It was the voice of Ashton Garrison, who had brought with him a large group of men.

Immediately, they surrounded Levi and Zoey.

A middle-aged man donned in a classic suit stood beside Ashton. He was cradling in his hands two shining walnuts that gave out a clacking sound. The thick, long scar across his face was impossible to overlook. It exuded an aura of evil.

The man was Trey, the big daddy of North Hampton’s underground society.

Everybody was well aware of his merciless killings and the hundreds of men that worked under him. They would avoid him like the plague.

Trey had brought more than a hundred men with him to the villa today. This was what Matthew had wanted to see.

The ghastly look on the faces of these thugs gave Zoey the chills as she nestled herself closer to Levi.

Ashton was all too delighted to see Zoey at the scene. He leered at her with a lewd smile on his face.

He had set his eyes on her for some time now, and today would be just the perfect opportunity to pin her down. He planned to sleep with her once they had beaten up Levi and made him a cripple.

\”What brings you here, Levi?\” asked Ashton, in his usual smugness.

\”I’m here to take back my villa.\” Levi replied with a stony look.

\”Your villa?\” he screeched, \”What makes you think this villa belongs to you, idiot? This is my villa and I’ve given it to Matthew.\”

\”I’ll never forget how you’ve put me to shame the last time when you pissed off my VIP.\” Ashton stepped up and gave Levi a shove, \”It’s payback time now, kiddo! I’m going to break all your limbs before I take her away and make her mine!\”

\”Let’s go now, Levi\” Zoey pleaded, \”We’re hardly their match.\”

\”Where do you think you’re going? It’s all too late now!\” Ashton shrieked, \”Do you think you’d get away from Trey and his men?\”

Clack! Clack! Clack!

More than a hundred of Trey’s men zeroed in on Levi and Zoey, waving their steel rods and various other lethal weapons as they tried to intimidate the both of them.

Levi was unfazed. He dialed a number and belted out his instructions, \”Azure Dragon, send over a regiment from the North Hampton’s camp now. I want everyone to be armed in full battle gear!\” Levi mumbled in his deep voice.

Gripped with fear, Zoey was hardly paying attention to what Levi had just said over the phone, while the rest of the crowd failed to make out what Levi had uttered with his low, deep voice.

\”So it looks like you’re getting somebody to help you? And you’re even asking them to put on some kind of gear?\” Ashton sneered sarcastically, \”Fine, I can’t wait to see what kind of help you’ve enlisted to bail you out of this.\”

Trey smirked as he looked at Levi with an amused curiosity.

Zoey on the other hand was shivering all over in horror, she felt as if she was standing on the edge of an abyss.

After about ten minutes, the security guards at the gates of the Royal Villas turned wide-eyed and mouth agape when they saw loads of war trucks, one after another, stormed into the premise. Each truck was full of soldiers.

A few of the trucks were even loaded with heavy artillery.

\”Do you think there are more than a thousand soldiers in those trucks?\” asked one guard.

\”Holy cow! This is an entire regiment!\”

Everyone looked at Levi in bewilderment. \”What? Leave it to you? You just got out of prison. Do you have the money?\”

\”I… I’ll come up with something.\”

Levi had a card with him, but he didn’t know how much was inside.

\”Don’t force yourself and do anything that is out of line! We’ll just let it go if things don’t work out,\” Zoey said, looking at Levi worryingly, afraid he would do something extreme.

\”Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it,\” Levi replied, holding her hands.

The next day, Levi went out alone.

As soon as he arrived at the intersection, a Maybach came to a halt at the side.

Azure Dragon got down from the car and ushered Levi to get in.

\”Any updates on the Garrison family? Is anyone coming to apologize?\” Levi asked.

Azure Dragon shook his head. \”Not one of them are repenting.\”

A cold glint flashed across Levi’s eyes. \”It’s time to show them a little something.\”

Arriving at the bank, Levi withdrew five million cash in one go.

The staff at the bank looked at him, appalled, and was especially horrified to see the man in military uniform standing next to him.

That’s the King of War!

Hans, the general manager of North Hampton Bank’s head office, came to serve in person.

In the end, he and Hailey, a tall woman with a pleasant-looking face, helped to carry the briefcases of cash from the VIP passageway.

Hailey couldn’t help but steal a second glance at Levi, who seemed familiar to her.

\”His identity is so intimidating, even our chief almost ran over here.\”

After sending them off, Hans drew in a deep breath.

\”Who was that, Mr. Lowery?\” Hailey asked curiously. \”Is the one next to him in a military uniform someone famous?\”

\”That person is a bona fide King of War! Having the King of War as his follower… Think about it,\” Hans said lowly.

\”Damn!\” Hailey gasped in shock.

\”So don’t mention about today and keep everything confidential.\”

Hailey nodded. \”Understood!\”

\”No matter who asks, just say it’s a loan, and forge a receipt or something.\”

\”Yes, sir!\”

…

At night, when Levi returned home carrying five briefcases full of cash, Zoey and her parents were dumbfounded.

They counted them three times, and lo and behold, there were indeed five million.

\”W-Where did you get so much money? Please don’t tell me it’s from the loan sharks.\”

Zoey freaked out.

\”What loan sharks! Don’t worry about it! Anyhow, I got the money, so use this to solve your urgent problem first,\” Levi said.

\”Yes, let’s solve this first,\” Aaron concurred.

\”But 2.8 million is enough! Why did you get five million?\” Zoey asked in confusion.

\”You’ll see when the time comes.\”

…

Upon hearing the news that they were going to pay up, Henry came to collect the money himself.

\”Damn, Aaron. That was fast,\” Henry jeered. \”You sure there’s 2.8 million? It must be hard on you. I’d thought you couldn’t afford to pay us back.\”

Aaron glared at him. \”That is none of your concern. Anyway, I’ve put together 2.8 million, and that settles our debt!\”

\”Who said it’s 2.8 million?\” sneered Henry, changing the subject. \”We need to take the many days of interest into account. Here’s the IOU. Including the interest, it should be about five million plus, but we’ll just charge you five million.\”

\”What? Five million? How is it five million? Even the loan sharks are not as demanding as you!\”

Aaron and Zoey were thunderstruck.

\”Dad lent it to us unconditionally back then,\” Caitlyn said. \”How can there be interest?\”

\”My dear Caitlyn, you are so naïve! Dad borrowed the money to help you, but we’re all entrepreneurs; let’s not bring familial affection into this matter. What can I do if you people didn’t read the IOU carefully?\”

Zoey and Aaron took the IOU and calculated them, and indeed there was interest.

They finally knew why Levi had brought five million.

However, it was obvious that the IOU had been amended!

How cruel!

I can’t believe Grandpa is doing this to me!

Am I just an outsider to him?

Zoey teared up.

Aaron too was crestfallen.

Is he even my biological father?

How could he use such dirty tricks on us?

\”What? You won’t admit it? Okay, fine! I’ll sue you then!\” Henry sniggered.

\”Why wouldn’t we?! Five million, right? Here, take it!\”

Levi put five briefcases of cash in front of Henry.

After checking them, Henry and a few others were gobsmacked.

Its real money! And there’s exactly five million!

Levi recorded the scene and tore up the IOU.

\”Where did you get five million?\”

Henry was on the verge of doubting reality.

\”That’s none of your business. Get lost!\”

Levi chased them out.

At the Lopez residence, everyone was staring at the five million on the table with eyes and mouth wide agape.

\”How did they get this money? Did they go all out to collect five million just to prevent us from touching that ten billion project?\”

Fabian arrived just then.

\”Dad, I’ve found out that Levi borrowed these five million! He seems to have some property that can be used as a collateral,\” he said.

\”Are you sure?\” Harry asked seriously.

\”I’m sure! The person in charge of this transaction was Ms. Hailey Stinson, the senior director of North Hampton Bank’s head office. I somehow managed to contact her, and she admitted herself it was a person named Levi Garrison who borrowed it. I’d spent a hundred thousand to get a copy of the invoice!\”

After receiving the invoice, Harry confirmed it was true.

\”Haha, borrowed? Let see how he’s going to pay it back.\”

\”The biggest question is, how are they going to work on this project? They would still have to come to us in the end!\”

…

Zoey felt it was too surreal to solve such a big issue.

She was touched when she learned from the Lopez family that it was Levi who borrowed the money to settle their debts.

\”We should bring in investments and start the project as soon as possible!\”

\”But that’s another big problem there. We’ll need lots of funds to develop this project.\”

According to Zoey’s budget, a start-up capital of thirty million would be required and at least seventy million would be needed subsequently.

Aaron gave a low moan of despair. It was too difficult a task to accomplish.

\”Do you have any idea?\” asked Zoey, looking at Levi.

Levi smiled. \”We’ll just look for big companies then. We’ll try door to door. This project is a gold mine! I’m sure many companies will be interested.\”

Zoey nodded. \”I know that, but I’m afraid they’ll ask for a lot in return once they agree. There will be many overlord terms!\”

\”There’s no harm in trying, right? You’ll never know if there’s someone who would invest with no strings attached if you don’t try,\” Levi beamed.

\”How is that possible?\”

Zoey was deeply suspicious.

Everyone in the Lopez family was baffled.

Zoey would have agreed, but with Levi around her, they weren’t so sure about that.

\”What do we do now? Who knows if Zoey disappeared with Levi again. If we don’t find them by afternoon, Mr. Jennings will consider us to have voluntarily given up on the project,\” Samuel said anxiously.

\”Hmph, she’s threatening me! Even going as far as to give me terms!\” Harry retorted, then made a call. \”What’s the meaning of this, Levi? You don’t want this project anymore?\”

\”That’s right, it has nothing to do with me, anyway! Weren’t you guys trying to lay Zoey off? We might as well leave this project alone,\” Levi retaliated.

\”Levi, Grandpa has no other meaning,\” Harry toned down. \”Come and sign the contract with Zoey. In the future, Zoey will be in charge of this development project. That’s what Mr. Jennings wants too.\”

\”Well, I’m not so sure about that. I’m afraid that Zoey would be laid off at any time.\”

\”Name your conditions, Levi. How can I get Zoey to sign the contract?\”

Harry was infuriated, but he couldn’t help it.

\”Conditions? Number one, Imperial Meadows Limited will fully develop this project, and no other companies of Lopez Group shall be directly involved. Number two, Imperial Meadows Limited shall be separated from Lopez Group and become an independent company. But Zoey has agreed to hand over some parts of the development project to you. I mean, we should all make money together, right? As long as you agree to the conditions mentioned, I’ll bring Zoey over to sign the contract right away!\”

Harry blew a gasket after Levi finished speaking.

Levi is getting Zoey to cut all ties with the Lopez family.

In other words, the Lopez family will have nothing to do with this project, and it depends on Zoey if we want to get a piece of the pie.

But at this critical juncture, we should sign the contract first.

I must have this project.

Harry drew in a deep breath. \”Okay, I agree!\”

\”Verbal promises are not enough. We should go through the formalities immediately,\” Levi said.

\”You…\”

How I wish I can skin him alive! He’s not giving me a chance to think.

\”Fine. I’ll send someone to get it done!\”

…

In just three hours, Harry had completed all the formalities.

Imperial Meadows Limited was completely separated from Lopez Group and became Zoey’s company.

\”Okay, we’ll go and sign the contract now!\”

Levi brought Zoey to the bidding site and successfully signed the contract with Orlando.

So I’m in charge of a major project of one billion?

From bankruptcy to taking on such a huge project…

Zoey didn’t dare to think too much about it.

With the contract signed, Harry and the others were overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

\”Isn’t Levi being too ruthless? He’s burning all our bridges,\” Henry said.

\”The nerve of him! Can Zoey even handle this project alone? Can she even sign this contract if it wasn’t for the Lopez family?\”

\”Yeah, she’s monopolizing everything. I refuse to accept this!\”

Shaun, Melanie and the others were upset.

\”Don’t worry, you guys,\” Fabian chuckled. \”We can still get this project! Even if Imperial Meadows Limited has become independent, Dad still owns thirty percent of their shares. Besides, developing a one billion project is not something anyone can pull off. Every bit of human and financial resources is indispensable. It’s impossible for a small company like Imperial Meadows to handle this alone.\”

\”Yeah, Imperial Meadows Limited is almost bankrupt now, and they still owe Grandpa money,\” Shaun said. \”Where will they get the funds to work on this project?\”

\”Well, there’s no need to consider Levi; he’s just a piece of trash, and Zoey has no connections of sorts in North Hampton. They’ll have to beg us to invest in them when the time comes.\”

\”Hahaha…\”

Henry smirked. \”Dad, I think we should impose a little pressure on them and get back the 2.8 million first!\”

Harry laughed heartily. \”You’re the worst, Henry. But that should do it! Shaun, go over in a moment and ask for our money!\”

…

Aaron and Caitlyn had been informed.

They were so excited that they specially prepared a meal and waited for Levi and Zoey to come back.

However, Zoey looked glum despite signing a big contract.

\”Mom, Dad, we’ve completely offended Grandpa this time! I bet they’re going to hate us for life.\”

\”Just ignore them! Our status has been the lowest in the family all this while and your Grandpa doesn’t even care about us! This time, we must make a name for ourselves and prove it to him!\” Aaron said.

\”Yes, I must work hard!\”

\”Levi,\” Aaron said. \”Although you contributed nothing to this incident, our family seems to be doing well after you come back. Come, let’s have a drink!\”

Just as Aaron brought out a bottle of fine wine, Shaun arrived.

\”Grandpa sent me here, Uncle Aaron! This is an IOU. Please return the 2.8 million that you owe us.\”

Shaun’s statement hit Aaron and his family like a thunderbolt.

\”Grandpa said that he’s going to make an appointment with a foreign specialist to seek medical advice, and he has no money now, so he can only ask you guys to pay him back,\” Shaun added. \”It’s a little urgent, so you must settle your debt in three days. Otherwise, Grandpa’s health will only deteriorate!\”

Shaun left after he gave them the distressing news.

\”What’s wrong?\” Levi asked.

Zoey bit the bottom of her lips and said, \”We’re doomed. There’s no money, not at the company nor at home! The company has just started operating again, and we don’t even have half a million in our account. As for the family, we almost couldn’t afford to pay my brother’s tuition fee.\”

Zoey had a younger brother who was studying abroad and was still relying on the family for financial support.

\”I knew it,\” Aaron sighed. \”Dad wouldn’t have let us off that easily. I knew he would drive us into a corner until we pay him back.\”

Zoey’s face was drained of all color and animation. \”It’s not just about paying them back, we also need funds for the development project. We don’t even have the initial funds to start the project. Investment is needed, but it’s difficult. The project may be shelved when the time comes and the other party might even terminate the contract!\”

\”You don’t say! We’ve been warned by the bank and we can’t even borrow a single cent now.\”

Aaron was on the verge of tears.

After all that talking, it all boiled down to this—money!

They could have solved everything if they had the money, but a man without a penny was no man at all.

Besides, it wasn’t just a matter of a penny now, but 2.8 million!

\”I’ve seen this coming,\” Aaron continued. \”Your Grandpa is tricking us into giving them this project by forcing us to borrow money from them and have them invest in us.\”

\”If there’s no other way, let’s just give it up and give it to Grandpa,\” Zoey said helplessly. \”Now that Imperial Meadows Limited is in our hands, let’s take it one step at a time!\”

\”Why should you give it up?\” Levi spoke. \”2.8 million is not a problem! Just leave it to me!\”