Chapter 335: The Opening Move

Johnathan turned his head to glance at Wayne. Wayne had always known about Quinn’s existence, but their connection had only extended to holiday greetings and formalities. Back then, when Wayne’s wife wanted to make Quinn her goddaughter, the Wynn family had vehemently opposed it.

Seeing Johnathan look over, Wayne sighed. “People get softer as they age. I watched that child grow up. I heard she’s not doing well these days. If I can help, I will.”

If anyone else had said that, Johnathan might have believed them. But coming from Wayne? Not a single word rang true. He’d been taught by the old man for several years—he knew his temperament inside and out. In Wayne’s mind, nothing mattered more than the glory of the Wynn family. So what did he really want Quinn to do?

Johnathan buried his suspicions and nodded as if nothing were amiss. “There are more specialists here at Grandfather’s place, and with familiar people around, she’ll recover faster too.”

Once the arrangements for Quinn were made, Johnathan finally took his leave. What does the old man want with Quinn? Is he trying to use her as leverage against me? Johnathan couldn’t figure out Wayne’s angle.

Back at the old estate, even the butler looked puzzled as he turned to Wayne. “That woman’s got quite the ambition. Are you really going to bring her into the Wynn family?”

“A chess piece has no inherent value—it depends on how it’s used. Use it well, and it’s a powerful piece,” Wayne replied calmly. He hadn’t liked Quinn from the first moment he saw her. So young, yet so calculating. She knew exactly how to leverage her advantages.

When Johnathan’s wife passed and the eldest grandson fell into despair, Quinn had slipped into the void and carved out a place for herself. By the time Wayne realized it, it was too late; Johnathan was already protecting her fiercely. He couldn’t touch her anymore.

So he’d found another way. He forced Quinn to leave, forbade her from ever coming back. For years, he hadn’t interfered in her life. And yet, she’d snuck back. She’d even come to visit him last time. All it took was one look, and he could tell—Quinn had become even harder to deal with. He had originally planned to eliminate this hidden threat once and for all, but now… he’d changed his mind.

The head of the Wynn family couldn’t afford to have a weakness. He’d always liked Sierra—she was a good girl—but her influence on Johnathan ran too deep. That’s why Quinn was now back in play.

Johnathan had no idea what the old man was planning. But he’d said he’d deal with Shane—and he wouldn’t delay. So he went to visit Jade from the Goodman family.

When they met again, Jade’s attitude was cold, completely different from last time. “Johnathan, you’ve been very busy lately. What are you here to order around this time?”

Seeing that Jade’s expression hadn’t softened, he continued. “But this is easy to resolve. I can back off. I’ll even make up for any losses the Goodman family suffered recently. The only question is—what do you choose? Your nephew? Or the Goodman family’s legacy?”

Jade’s face darkened. “Are you threatening me?”

“Not at all,” Johnathan immediately responded. “I’ve been clear—I don’t want conflict with the Goodman family. I also know the position you hold, and I don’t expect you to hurt him. But I do think it would be better if he weren’t in Capital City. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Only then did Jade’s expression ease, though his mind was clearly turning. Shane was his only child, and that had led to endless tolerance. But Shane had become increasingly reckless. Acting out was one thing, but repeatedly clashing with Johnathan—that was bringing real trouble to their doorstep. Sending Shane away… might not be a bad idea.

Still, Jade didn’t want to give in so easily. Everyone in high society knew that the Goodman family had taken a hit. If he backed down now, it would be a blow to their pride.

As if sensing his hesitation, Johnathan went on, “Like I said, I’m willing to offer compensation. I do hope you’ll forgive my recent… impulsiveness.” As he spoke, he personally poured Jade a cup of tea.

Jade stared at Johnathan for a moment, then finally accepted the cup and said slowly, “Then let me see just how sincere you are.”

“Of course,” Johnathan smiled.

The two of them had reached an agreement. Within just a few days, news broke that Yaeger Corp and Goodman Corp were working together on a new joint development project. Anyone with half a brain could see what it meant: the two sides had buried the hatchet—and it was clear Johnathan had made the first concession.