Life at the Top

Fletcher replied grimly, “No matter what the actual situation was, he did break Ned’s arm. The Adkins family can forget about working in Reed City if I’m not even going to get justice for my son.”

Nodding, Len replied, “Alright, it seems like we’re on the same page, then. The Coine and the Adkins families have been close since our father’s generation. There’s no way I’d stand still and watch as someone bullies Ned.”

“Dad, Uncle Adkins, I don’t plan on giving the city government that 950 million,” Marcus spoke darkly.

“They’re obviously targeting us. The past few years of work would’ve been for nothing if I just gave them that money.”

Len was about to speak when Marcus’ phone rang.

“It’s Mr. Powers from the city government.” Marcus’ expression changed as he accepted the call.

After a moment, Marcus hung up the call angrily and spoke, “Dad, Uncle Adkins, Mr. Powers wants me to pay the 950 million bidding price within three business days as per the regulations. What the f*ck is that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t spout nonsense!”

Len glared at Marcus who did not seem to know how to choose his words properly and growled. “There are some things that you can just keep to yourself, okay? You don’t have to exclaim every single thought that comes to your mind! How old are you, huh? Can you still not tell the difference between what you can and cannot say?”

Marcus replied angrily, “Mr. Powers sounded really stern on the phone. He said that if I don’t pay up, the city government will then sue us and we’ll be brought to court. By then, they’ll even investigate and charge me for defrauding state-owned property! It’s not even that big of a deal and they’re blowing this out of proportion!”

At that, Len’s expression changed as well.

He looked at Fletcher and spoke grimly, “It’s that person who newly took office in the city government, isn’t it?”

Fletcher sneered, “It has to be. He’s the only one who doesn’t like us. They’ve made quite a few moves against us recently so there’s no way they’d let go of this opportunity.”

punching bag.” Len scoffed and turned to Marcus, saying, “You have three more days, right? So before those days

it?” Marcus

this man called Chad? Then go and think of a plan

…

terrifyingly powerful in Reed City. The following night, Jasper received

from the hotel, Jasper and Julian arrived at a skewers stall and

snuffed out the bud

was also speaking to Jasper with a shred of

the small pool of cigarette buds on the floor beside Chad with a smile. “Is

bitterly. “You don’t have to address me so

I’ll tell you as we

Chad smiled at Jasper and spoke, “I love skewers, Mr. Laine, so much

how cheap the food is, especially when it comes to

Chad’s eyes brightened and he turned to shout at the owner,

cracked open two bottles of cold beer. He also handed Julian a few bottles of non-alcoholic drinks since

me, Mr. Wright. What happened?”

I clocked out today. He said that he’s going to transfer me to a

to being demoted straight to a small village? Not even to a town first? That’s unusual,” Jasper commented

scoffed and downed a

I exploded and vented all the unjust I’ve been keeping bottled up inside of me.

you, Mr. Laine. So I was wondering if I still had a chance?”

because he had grown attached to this job he had done for more than half his life, he was not anymore now that he had