Chapter 42: Chapter 42

“Everything is still possible; after all, the Sands Project is still in your hands. It’ll work out as long as you manage it diligently,” Casper told Steed seriously.

I can’t afford to pour my attention into this project right now; there are other things for me to do.

Casper was determined to become the heir apparent to the Simpson family. I need to earn the ten billion first.

“Casper, I think your ideas are decent, but we need to think ahead.” Steed paused before continuing in an apologetic tone, “I’m not trying to raise the price on purpose, but I’m in a difficult spot. Darwin Corporations is interested in the Sands Project as well.”

“Darwin Corporations? George Darwin’s company? Why are they interested in this project?”

Casper frowned at the turn of events. He had never expected Darwin Corporations to get involved.

“That’s right, though I believe their motives are different from yours. They’re probably eyeing the land,”

Steed explained thoughtfully.

Taking a sip of his tea, Steed said, “Casper, if you want to buy over the project, I’m afraid you’ll have to contend with Darwin Corporations.”

“I understand. However, I feel like the decision to sell lies in your hands. If you’re interested in selling the project, I’m sure a transaction with Darwin Corporations won’t be hard to achieve. I’m acquainted with the heir of their corporation,” Casper commented.

Suddenly, Casper realized that Steed was playing tricks on him. This cunning old fox.

“I’ll raise my offer by half a million; you should make a decision soon. If you’ve decided not to sell, I’ll get Tristan to drop by for a visit. I’m telling you now that the Firewolf Chamber of Commerce will eventually belong to me,” Casper added when Steed remained silent.

The threat in his statement was loud and clear. Faced with someone as cunning as Steed, Casper thought it was necessary to put him in his place. I can’t have him thinking he’s still the boss here.

“Y-you-”

Steed glared at Casper for a long moment before letting out a resigned sigh. “Fine, I-I’ll sell the Sands Project to you.”

He looked ashen as he uttered those words. He seemed like he had visibly aged in the span of a few minutes.

Everything else progressed smoothly after that. Elena handed the contract to Steed, who signed it and declared all debts related to the Sands Project. Casper was pleased with Steed’s prudent management of the project’s finances; he would not need to trouble himself handling exorbitant loans.

With the signing of the contracts, the Sands Project officially belonged to Casper.

“Mr. Simpson, how should I manage the Sands Project from now on?” Steed asked anxiously.

The Sands Project was his flesh and blood; he would be relieved if he could continue managing its operations.

Casper side-eyed him and said, “I don’t remember it being written anywhere on the contract that I would be hiring you to manage it. You just got an additional half a million from me. Why would you still want to manage this project?”

Steed’s face fell at Casper’s word; his hopes were utterly dashed.

“I guess I wanted too much,” Steed sighed and shook his head.

“Boss, my dad-” Stallion attempted to advise Casper when he saw his dad’s downcast expression, but the words were caught in his throat.

“Stallion, do you want to go into business with me? If you do, I want you to promise me right now that you’ll stop soliciting protection money, and you’ll stop harassing people, especially those who are trying to make an honest living. I’ll put you in charge of the security here from now on; I’ll send some men to help you in a bit,” Casper ignored Steed completely as he addressed Stallion sternly.

Stallion may be a sort of goofy character, but he excelled at collecting intel.

Without Stallion, Casper would not be aware of the happenings in the underground network of Horington.

“Thank you, Boss. I’ll follow your orders from now on. I promise I won’t break any of your rules.” Stallion smiled excitedly, looking like he could almost bow to Casper in gratitude.

“Good!”

Stallion’s eyes burned with passion at Casper’s simple acknowledgment.

After successfully acquiring the Sands Project, Casper and Elena left.

“How was it? I hope I didn’t fall short of my promise to you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Simpson.”

Elena’s gratitude was sincere. They had achieved what they set out to do, and the successful acquisition of the project was but the icing on the cake.

“You don’t need to thank me. Mr. Langston and his neighboring shops on this street should be the ones doing that.”

Casper suddenly thought of something as he asked, “Ms. Schneider, should we buy Horington food street too?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary, Mr. Simpson. That area is old and in disrepair. It might become a losing investment instead.”

Elena’s gaze landed on Casper as she asked in puzzlement, “Mr. Simpson, are you buying the street for me? You don’t have to.”