Chapter 34

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Bartholomew gave a slight smile and smoothly changed the topic , “ I heard the Saxon Group is eyeing the land west of the city . I brought the contract today and can transfer it to you right now . ”
With that , he pulled out the contract , and Joseph’s eyes lit up instantly.
With the market saturated , the Saxon Group needed to break new ground and diversify its projects to climb higher .
Meanwhile , the Gibson Group dominated the tourism industry , and the land in the west of the city , ripe for development , was in their hands .
Seeing Joseph’s greed shine through without restraint , Bartholomew felt confident the deal was sealed . He took out a pen from his left chest pocket and placed it on the table .
“ Young people these days aren’t like us back then – they act on a whim . If the Saxon family issues a statement that Aria and Liam’s marriage is contractual , we’ll transfer this land to you for free . Plus , we’ll prioritize the Saxon Group for future tourism collaborations . ”
The Saxon family’s rise into the top four clans wasn’t just about strategy but also shrewdness .
In Mandino City , where integrity mattered most , the Saxon Group was second to none .
With its stellar reputation , it was a safer bet than other companies .
Collaborating would be a win – win , and eliminating potential risks for the Gibson Group – a no – brainer .
As Joseph skimmed the contract , he nodded immediately . “ Deal .”
“ No way ! ” Caleb suddenly interjected , “ Grandpa , Aria and Liam didn’t marry for convenience – they’re in it for life . A lawsuit would hurt Aria . ”
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Bartholomew jumped in eagerly , “ From what I know , Daniel agreed to return the 150 million in full plus an extra 50 million as compensation- 200 million total . But she wasn’t satisfied , which is why they haven’t divorced yet .”
Joseph frowned , glanced at the contract , and signed without hesitation .
“ Grandpa ! ” Caleb tried to stop him , but it was too late .
Bartholomew smirked faintly , “ Looks like your grandson’s calling the shots
now ? ”
Being challenged by his grandson in front of his rival , Joseph darkened his face instantly . “ I call the shots . Don’t worry . The statement will be out by 6
PM . ”
Looking at his stubborn grandfather , Caleb felt utter despair .
Seeing Caleb in such a state , Nathan didn’t get it but feared angering their grandpa , so he pulled Caleb to the window. “ Caleb , Grandpa’s doing this for the Saxon Group , and Aria isn’t losing out . Why stop him ? ”
Caleb shot him a sarcastic look , asking , “ You think Aria deserves just 200 million ? ”
“ Two years for 50 million – not bad , right ? ”
“ Aria holds 4 % of the Cole Group’s shares , worth 15 hundred million by market value . 200 million ? That’s a joke ! ”
Nathan’s eyes widened . “ How does she have the Cole Group’s shares ? ”
With no turning back now , Caleb felt drained and didn’t bother explaining . further , turning to leave without a word .
‘ No one could stop Grandpa’s decisions . Maybe Aria won’t be back in this lifetime , he thought bitterly .
Caleb’s leaving didn’t change the course of things .
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The deal was sealed , and Bartholomew gave Mr. Marshall a look .
Andrew quickly pulled out a gold – inlaid box and placed it solemnly on the table . “ Mr. Saxon , I only found out after work that my daughter accidentally hurt your granddaughter . She feels really guilty and regretful .
“ This is a necklace once used by the Queen of Erenoland , globally unique . I hope Silvia can forgive Delilah . ”
Joseph was slightly stunned , not expecting the Marshall family to offer such an expensive gift to apologize .
Mrs. Marshall’s eyes were red . “ Delilah always treated Silvia as a bestie , standing up for her more than once . She didn’t mean to push her .
“ She is too naive , deceived by Ryan . We’ve already sent that scumbag behind the bars , and as for Aria … ” she paused tactically . “ Delilah spoke disrespectfully to Aria first , so getting slapped was only fair .
“ Luke , but my daughter has already spent a night at the police station . Please , have mercy ! ”
Finishing , she made a move to kneel , but Nathan stopped her .
Joseph picked up his cup , took a light sip , and then spoke . “ I can’t decide on this . Nathan , go bring Silvia over . ”
“ Got it , Grandpa . ” Nathan hurried upstairs to call both his mother and sister down .
Despite the expensive apology gift from the Marshall family , Zoe didn’t want to forgive them , but she couldn’t make the decision for Silvia .
She couldn’t let her personal feelings deprive her daughter of what she
wanted .
“ Silvia , you decide for yourself , ” she said .
The ruby diamond necklace was Silvia’s favorite piece of jewelry .
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Looking at the necklace , she felt a strong urge to claim it for herself , but eventually suppressed it . “ Mom , I want to ask Aria’s opinion .”
Zoe’s tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly as she nodded . “ Okay . ”
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Meanwhile , after Aria signed the legal draft , Owen pushed the prepared materials in front of her .
“ There’s something odd . When I was collecting these evidences , it all went so smoothly , as if someone had prepared them in advance just to hand over to me , ” he asked .
Aria was momentarily stunned , then smiled as an idea crossed her mind . “ Someone wants me to smoothly get this fifteen hundred million dollars . Don’t worry , Mr. Shaw , if they offer , you take it .”
“ Alright , go through it first and let me know if there’s anything that needs. to be added . ”
Aria picked up the documents , her gaze drifting to his forearm .
It was still a bit hot . Owen rolled up his sleeves to his elbows , revealing a sturdy forearm . A faint half – circle of tiny teeth marks was barely visible . where the sleeve covered .
“ Ms. Saxon ? ”
Aria snapped back to reality , a vague memory fading from her mind .
Owen pulled down his sleeve , picked up his pen , ready to speak when Aria’s phone suddenly buzzed .
She was about to hang up when she saw the caller ID , her eyes narrowing slightly .
“ Why would Silvia be calling me ? ‘ she wondered .
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Seeing her conflicted expression , Owen said , “ You can take the call . ”
“ Thanks .” Aria pressed the answer button . “ What’s up ? ”
“ Aria , the Marshall family came to apologize . Should I forgive them ? ” Silvia asked .
Aria’s tone was calm . “ You’re the one who got hurt . You decide whether to forgive or not . ”
“ Thanks , Aria . ” Unlike Aria’s aloofness , Silvia’s voice was sweet , just as her appearance was – completely non – threatening .
Aria said softly , “ Mhm , I gotta go if there’s nothing else .”
The call ended , and Aria continued reviewing the documents , signed after confirming everything was fine . “ Mr. Shaw , thanks . ”
“ No problem . I’ll send you an electronic copy of the finalized documents . ”
“ Okay , thanks again . ” With that , Aria stood up and left .
Just as she closed the door , her gaze swept over Owen’s profile , her thoughts momentarily frozen .
In the next instant , an image of a face smeared with oil paint flashed in her mind .
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