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.”

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

is it?” Marcus

called Chad? Then go and think of a plan

…

and Adkins families were terrifyingly powerful in Reed City. The following night, Jasper received a phone

Jasper and Julian arrived at a skewers stall and

bud

polite as before, Chad was also speaking to Jasper with a shred of respect

yet important change and glanced at the small pool of cigarette buds on the floor beside Chad with a smile.

“You don’t have to address

tell you

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

were farmers. I don’t care much about how cheap the food is, especially when it comes to supper. Nothing’s

Chad’s eyes brightened and he turned to shout at the owner, “I’ll have

He also handed Julian a few bottles of non-alcoholic drinks since he knew that

me, Mr. Wright. What happened?”

to

city to being demoted straight to a small village? Not even to a town first?

Coine family’s work.” Chad scoffed and downed a

unjust I’ve been keeping bottled up inside of me. If the Coine family wants to oppress and dominate, then I’d rather not work

was wondering if I still had a chance?” Chad glanced at Jasper with a look of

to this job he had done for more than half his life, he was not anymore now that he had seen through the truth