Chapter 100

“Bob?” Emma asked.

Bob was silent for a moment, his eyes revealing a hint of sadness as he saw the purple roses in Emma’s arms. Emma smiled. “I received your sunflowers. They’re beautiful. My classmates made a flower arrangement with them for the classroom.”

Bob’s smile, though warm, didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Good,” he replied.

“Are you here to see someone?” Emma asked.

“Just passing by. I’m looking for Uncle Liam today. May I ride with you?” Bob inquired.

“Of course,” Emma said.

Bob sought Liam to discuss the “Holy Mountain” project, which had been recently disrupted by Brad. Brad’s actions had caused several major shareholders to withdraw their investments, aiming to cripple Liam’s financial resources.

Bob and Liam spoke at length in the study. Emma, after washing up, returned to the bedroom, idly playing on her phone. Around nine o'clock, Bob departed, and Liam returned from the study.

Emma looked up. “Has he gone?”

“Yes,” Liam said, removing his jacket. He placed a hand on Emma’s side and asked, “Did Bob bring you flowers today?”

Emma replied seriously, “Yes, sunflowers. My classmates put them in a vase at school. These are yours,” she added, gesturing to the roses on the bedroom table.

After showering, Emma’s fragrant softness, combined with her gentle expression, sparked a passionate response in Liam. He leaned over, gently pulling her onto the bed. Their kiss was long and fervent, his hand slipping beneath the blanket. Emma nuzzled Liam’s neck. As they kissed, she detected a faint scent of nicotine. “You’ve been… smoking?” she whispered, her words muffled by his kiss. She heard him softly grunt. Is something troubling him? she wondered.

Before she could ask, Liam intensified his embrace, pressing her against the sheets. His love for her intensified daily, as did his desire. Every time he looked at her, he wanted to kiss her; each kiss ignited his passion anew.

They spent the night together.

The next morning, Emma discovered Liam and Bob had discussed the Holy Mountain project late into the night. The faint smell of smoke on Liam the previous evening likely stemmed from this meeting.

After waking, Emma contacted Vere. “Vere, how’s the task I assigned you progressing?”

It was late in Nuverland, but Vere was awake, having compiled the information he’d gathered. He sent it to Emma. “The Dream Group has a major project planned for the Troln City suburbs. Sources suggest a 95% chance it’s the Holy Mountain. At 2:30 p.m. your time today, the Dream Group will announce this. The Austen Group’s share price will react dramatically.”

“Excellent. The data is thorough. Thank you, Vere.” Emma reviewed the charts, confirming the events mirrored her past life.

The Dream Group’s investment in Holy Mountain triggered a land price surge in the entire suburb, becoming a focus of government-approved future development. Liam’s $800 million investment would instantly double, even triple, astonishing everyone. Simultaneously, the Halls Group board was in turmoil.

“Lakeson Group already secured that prime land in the city’s west,” one board member stated. “Mr. Hall, that land was ours. Now that Lakeson has it, our stock will plummet. Who will compensate the shareholders? Who is accountable?”

Lakeson and Halls were long-time rivals in real estate, locked in a bitter battle for the western land. Now, Lakeson had won.

The Halls Group’s stock had been falling for days, its market value shrinking, rendering shareholder investments worthless. They demanded answers from Liam.

“Mr. Hall, after this project, we feel Halls Group no longer needs us,” one shareholder declared.

“Yes, let’s go. Since you don’t need our money, we’re withdrawing our investments,” another added.

In reality, most of the Holy Mountain funding came from Emma and Liam’s personal accounts; these shareholders’ investments were minimal. Brad, however, had spurred them to seek new investments and abandon the project, aiming to cut off Liam’s capital.

“The market opens at three. We’ll see how Halls Group’s shares fall without us,” a shareholder sneered.

They waited to witness Liam’s downfall. But Liam remained silent and impassive, maintaining an air of calm control. His thoughts were unreadable.

Near three o'clock, as the market neared opening, the Halls Group’s estimated stock price had already fallen 5%. Then, just as the market opened, it sharply reversed course, soaring 8%.

The shareholders surrounding the screens were stunned. What’s happening? Why is Halls Group’s stock rising?

The stock price continued its ascent, nearing an all-time high. The shareholders who had withdrawn their investments exchanged bewildered glances.

Then, even more shocking news arrived. Levi turned on the television. The financial news officially announced Dream Group’s ten-billion-dollar investment in a major theme park at the Holy Mountain in Troln City. This news would reshape the industry. The Halls Group’s stock surge was now explained: they owned the entire development area. The board members who had demanded accountability were humiliated.

A stunned silence descended upon the room. They stared at Liam, speechless.

Levi announced, “Gentlemen, Mr. Hall knew of Dream Group’s plans. Their investment, combined with policy benefits, will at least triple our $800 million investment. You, too, would have benefited. Unfortunately, you lacked faith in Mr. Hall.”

They had missed not just a financial windfall—they’d missed a life-changing opportunity. The Halls Group’s stock surge impacted competitors; several rivals experienced significant stock drops. Those who had abandoned Halls Group lost money immediately—some thousands, others millions.

The contrast between the Halls Group's share price chart and their losses was stark. The board sat in stunned silence. Finally, someone pleaded, “Mr. Hall… Knowing this, why didn’t you tell us?”

“That’s right, Mr. Hall. We’re old and out of touch. But you can’t be so cruel,” another added.

“We were your father’s friends,” a third chimed in.

Liam finally spoke, his voice cold. “Halls Group succeeded because of teamwork. Since you chose to side with Brad, you are not my friends. Those loyal to me share the profits. Disloyalty will never be tolerated.”