NovelStart"Listen up, everyone. Once you leave this room, you'll be cutting ties with Southern Star for good. From now on, you'll no longer be allowed to profit under Southern Star, and the protection you've enjoyed will end the second you walk out." Bella narrowed her eyes, her graceful arms resting elegantly on the armrests.
With a slight push of her toe, her swivel chair turned to face them.
"The underworld is never just about fighting and killing; it's about relationships and connections. You don't actually believe that you've made it this far without trouble because of your reputation alone, do you?" The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSof the less influential members started to fidget uncomfortably after hearing her words.
"What do you mean, Ms. Thompson? Are you trying to threaten us?" Jordan narrowed his eyes.
"The only reason the Southern Star Syndicate has been able to thrive all these years is because my father has been secretly supporting the group behind the scenes. Yet, you've somehow convinced yourselves that the group's success is all your own doing. Isn't that just downright ridiculous?" Everyone was speechless.
They had no idea the Thompson family was secretly backing the Southern Star Group.
"The Thompson family has been providing each of the thirteen branches with $10 million each year to keep your operations running. This is all on record. I'm not making it up," Bella said with a sweet smile as she rested her delicate fist against her cheek. "Since you no longer want to be part of Southern Star, my family will also stop supporting you. As for the medicine you depend on to get by, well, that's another story." Bella's laugh sent chills down the spines of those old men.
"My brother, Ralph, is the captain of the criminal investigation team. Everyone here has probably heard of him. Now, imagine if I asked him to drop by your operations from tto time, audit your accounts, and maybe even search your premises under the pretext of cracking down on illegal substances. What do you think will happen to your business then?" She continued, "He's a perfectionist, you know. Once he's got someone in his sights, he's relentless until he has completely torn them down." At these words, a couple of the branch leaders who were not as influential as Jordan quietly slipped back to their seats.
Jordan glared at Bella, his eyes practically burning holes through her.
ne However, to back down now would be too humiliating! Others shamelessly returned to their seats, but he could not afford to lose his pride like that. Content belongs to en.sw"Look, Ms. Thompson, I am not a pushover. I've been working with Chairman Jenkins for years, and I'd say that half of Southern Star's success is all thanks to me! Heck, who in the underworld doesn't respect me? Even Chairman Jenkins has to givescredit. For years, we've paid more than enough tribute to the Jenkins family. You talk about spending $10 million a year on us, but how much have we got back? We've been squeezed dry, and now we can't even make a living? We're sick of living this miserable life!" Content belongs to en.swThis man knew how to provoke people.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter all, how could anyone not be angered when told their livelihood was cut off? "Everyone! Let's go!" Though three people had returned to their seats, five still followed Jordan as he left the room.
Just then, Steven suddenly barged in, his cold gaze scanning the room as he entered.
Behind him, two rows of bodyguards in black suits filed in, encircling the entire conference room. The high-ranking executives of the Southern Star Group were all taken aback.
Bella and Sasha were equally surprised.
At that moment, Steven stepped back, politely gesturing for the newcomer to enter.
A tall, stern-faced man in a dark coat confidently strode into the rous met piercing eyes scanning the crowd with a hint of malice. Content belongs to en.sw.net
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