Chapter 5
In early autumn, the afternoon sunlight shines gently, bringing a warm feeling throughout the body.
In the elegant courtyard, everywhere is lush and green. The breeze ripples the lake’s surface, creating sparkling waves.
In a room, at a purple sandalwood table, Steven Hazlett sat opposite a tall and robust man.
The two people stared intently at the chessboard in front of them, their brows frequently furrowing as they showed signs of deep thought in their eyes.
It seems that the Black Dragon has gained a significant advantage, having surrounded its enemies completely.
If one is not careful, the white pieces will result in a complete loss, with no chance of any further movement or evasion.
However, after much thought, the old man picked up a white piece and placed it down quietly.
Suddenly, a crisp “snap” sound was heard on the desk.
And that seemingly hopeless chess situation has now found a way out of despair—survival in the face of death!
“Nothing can be established without breaking something first. This is exactly the right move to make!”
Seeing that he had once again turned the situation in his favor, the burly old man smiled triumphantly and swept away a large group of black pieces.
In the voice of vicissitudes, there’s a sense of utter fulfillment and joy.
“Ah…” Steven Hazlitt shook his head helplessly and sighed deeply.
“I’m simply not as good as you, Father.”
“I have to admit, the old ginger is still the spiciest.”
Upon hearing this, the old man laughed even harder: “You slippery talker!”
“In the world of chess, how can it be that the older one becomes better? If you lose, then you lose. Don’t be unwilling to accept defeat!”
It’s well-known among the upper-class circles in Mannheim.
Pamela Hazlitt, the head of the Hazlitt family, never had any interest in wine or women. Her only passion was the struggle between good and evil.
It was a great honor for the young men of Mannheim to be able to play a game of chess with Mr. Hazlitt and receive his praise.
Steven Hazlitt bent over, his usually rude, fat face now covered with a kind smile.
No matter how powerful he was within his clan, he never dared to act recklessly in the presence of his father, whose authority was unquestionable.
Immediately afterwards, he pretended to be careless and deliberately made a foolish move.
With this move, the black pieces, which had previously been in a strong position, were completely defeated.
Pamela Hazlitt moved her pieces swiftly, her cloudy old eyes fixed intently on the board, completely absorbed in her efforts to capture territory.
After struggling to hold on for a while, Steven Hazlitt, with a grim expression, put down the chess piece in his hand:
“Dad, I give up! I admit defeat!”
In the elegant courtyard, once again, the old man’s hearty laughter could be heard.
While the father and son were drinking tea and resting, Pamela Hazlitt glanced at the lake and suddenly said:
“How’s things going with that piece of land we discussed with Changhai?”
Steven Hazlitt’s eyes lit up. He quickly replied, “I’ve already instructed my son to go and sign the contract today.”
“Father, please rest assured. Everything is going well.”
Pamela Hazlitt nodded in satisfaction and said slowly, “You need to be more careful.”
“My grandson is still young after all. He lacks composure and has very limited insight.”
“Yes, Father, please rest assured,” Steven Hazlitt quickly nodded in agreement.
“That piece of land in the city center is a crucial part of the Hazlitt family’s grand plans…”
Pamela Hazlitt stroked her chin beard as she described in detail the grand blueprint in her mind:
“As long as it’s managed and developed properly, it’ll become a never-ending source of wealth!”
“With just this small piece of land, my Hazlitt family can thrive for ten years!”
Upon hearing this, Steven Hazlitt also narrowed his triangular eyes, his gaze gleaming with intensity.
It seemed to him that he could already see the glorious future of his vast family, growing stronger under his leadership.
It was a figure in a hurry, appearing in the sight of the two people.
Upon seeing his father, Curtis Hazlitt, who looked utterly dejected, suddenly quickened his pace.
But when he saw that his grandfather, Pamela Hazlitt, was also there, a flicker of panic passed through his eyes.
“Xu Er, come here.” Pamela Hazlitt looked up and waved her hand.
Curtis Hazlitt swallowed hard and stepped forward obediently.
“I just heard from your father that you went to Changhai to sign the contract today.”
“So, did that Mr. Ning give you any trouble?”
Pamela Hazlitt glanced at her grandson indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Curtis Hazlitt’s pent-up anger burst forth, and he wanted to tell everything that had happened in Changhai as it really was.
But as the words came to his lips, his heart suddenly skipped a beat. He quickly changed his tone and said:
“Of course not, Grandpa. Mr. Ning treats me with great courtesy.”
“I doubt he would dare.” Pamela Hazlitt chuckled. “What about that contract?”
Curtis Hazlitt gave a helpless sigh of regret. “Ah, this trip was in vain. Mr. Ning happened to be at the headquarters for a meeting.”
“But… he kept apologizing on the phone, saying he’d definitely take care of it for me by tomorrow.”
“It’s fine, as long as nothing goes wrong.”
Pamela Hazlitt waved her hand with a smile, declaring triumphantly:
“Looking across all of Mannheim, who, aside from a few individuals, would dare to defy the Hazlitt family?”
Curtis Hazlitt forced a smile and said a few flattering things to the old man.
Without realizing it, he exchanged a glance with his father, Steven Hazlitt, and silently shook his head.
In an instant, Steven Hazlitt’s chubby face twitched with surprise, but he quickly hid his expression.
After the grandfather, grandson, and Curtis Hazlitt exchanged a few words in the courtyard, Steven Hazlitt excused himself and took Curtis Hazlitt to an empty room.
After locking the door from the inside, Steven Hazlitt snapped in a furious whisper:
“What’s the matter with you, kid?”
“Truly, they’re good for nothing but causing trouble!”
Curtis Hazlitt pouted and said, looking aggrieved:
“Dad, you can’t blame me for this.”
“As soon as I entered, that man surnamed Ning gave me a cold look.”
“What nonsense about needing further verification? I have no idea what I could have done to offend him.”
Steven Hazlitt stood with his hands behind his back, his face grim, pacing back and forth in the room.
“What else did he say? Repeat everything word for word!”
Curtis Hazlitt had no choice but to explain everything from the beginning, in a tedious manner.
“What a Juliet Hazlitt.”
After listening carefully, Steven Hazlitt’s eyes sparkled as he gritted his teeth and said:
“Surely they took action so quickly. It seems I’ve underestimated my niece in the past.”
Curtis Hazlitt agreed in a resentful tone:
“Dad, I think she’s the one causing all this trouble!”
“That worthless bitch has nothing else to offer but her body.”
“After I hung up the phone last night, that woman probably went straight to Changhai to offer herself to someone!”
Curtis Hazlitt glared at him fiercely, his face full of disgust at his lack of defiance:
“With death already at our doors, what’s the point of saying such nonsense?”
He reached out and poked Curtis Hazlitt’s cheek, cursing:
“That piece of land is more important than anything in your grandfather’s eyes! And yet, you’re not even able to keep a cooked duck from escaping?”
“To be honest with you, if this contract can’t be signed, not to mention you, even I, as the chairman, will have to step down!”
At this point, Curtis Hazlitt finally became panicked. Stuttering, he said, “How… how could this happen?”
Suddenly, his face turned pale, and sweat began to break out on his forehead.
I just made a bold promise to the old man. If I return empty-handed tomorrow…
When Pamela Hazlitt finds out the truth, she’ll be furious beyond measure! The consequences will be unimaginable!
Suddenly, Steven Hazlitt raised his eyebrows, his smile turning sinister: “Want to fight with me? That little girl is still far from being my match!”
Seeing that his father seemed to have come up with an idea, Curtis Hazlitt’s mood instantly changed from sad to happy.
“Dad, please hurry and say it…”
“At this moment, if you tell me to go east, I would never dare to go west!”
“Listen carefully!” Steven Hazlitt crossed his arms, his face looking terrifyingly grim:
“Later, you should take the initiative to call Juliet Hazlitt and apologize to her. Make sure she gets her job back and signs the contract tomorrow.”
“This…” Curtis Hazlitt hesitated upon hearing this.
I’ve just taken the presidency, and now everything’s being returned to its rightful owner. It would be too embarrassing if word got out.
“Idiot, why are you in such a hurry?” Pamela Hazlitt couldn’t help but curse out loud upon seeing this.
“As soon as the contract is signed, send her back wherever she belongs!”
“Don’t you even have any common sense… How could I have given birth to a worthless like you!”
Curtis Hazlitt didn’t dare to retort. He was scolded repeatedly until his neck went stiff, but his mind remained calm.
Immediately, he took out his phone and called his cousin Juliet Hazlitt.
After waiting for what felt like forever with no one answering the phone, Curtis Hazlitt had never found time to be so unbearable.
“Curtis Hazlitt, what else do you have to say?”
Suddenly, a cool voice came from the other end of the line, yet to him, it sounded like heavenly music.
“Cousin… Cousin! It’s my fault, big brother is wrong!”
Curtis Hazlitt grabbed his phone, eager to speak:
“After reflecting deeply throughout the night, I realize how worthless I am. I sincerely apologize to you here.”
“The position of group president is yours tomorrow if you come here…”
But before he could finish speaking, a cold laugh came from the other end:
“I don’t want that position at all!”
Immediately afterwards, the phone was hung up abruptly.
Curtis Hazlitt opened his mouth in shock, never expecting such an outcome.
He looked up, speechless, and stared at his father, Curtis Hazlitt, with wide eyes.
