A Life Debt Repaid By Cheng Xiaocheng Chapter 373

Cordy closed the company dossier Patrick gave her, her expression determined after getting the answer.

“I’m sure you’re aware of my connection to your family, Mr. Stuart,” she said.

“Of course,” Patrick replied cheerfully. “That’s why I came to you, seeking a partnership.”

As Cordy raised a brow, he flashed a refined smile in return. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend—isn’t that what Jessica and Noel Sachs’ partnership was based on?”

Cordy studied him-to think that he knows so much about Jessica and Noel’s partnership.

Still, it was precisely his ability to find out everything about her and those around her that made her feel incapable of partnering with him.

Before Cordy could speak, however, Patrick added bluntly, “You don’t have to reject me in a hurry, Miss Sachs. Why don’t you hear me out and understand what I hope to achieve with our partnership, and why I have a bone to pick against Jessica?”

Cordy stopped herself right then.

With that, Patrick began to explain. “Decades ago-during my great greatgrandfather’s time, the family made an arrangement: Monty Stuart, my grandfather, would work in politics, whereas William Stuart, Jessica’s grandfather, would work in businesses.

Decades went by with the arrangement being implemented without a hitch, and both branches of the family would always help each other.”

“In the last ten years, however, William has set his sights on politics and started to get involved in various political events in the capital, with James Stuart at his side.

Though he’s the heir to the Stuart Holdings, Jessica is in fact the one in charge of everything.”

“Their objective in doing so was to set up their own separate dynasty, while usurping our influence in politics. It certainly was ambitious of them, but William’s strength alone wouldn’t be enough for that push. He needs support from multiple factions, and William’s first target is the Levines—the richest family of North City, which led to the sudden announcement of Jessica and John Levine’s engagement.”

Watching Cordy, Patrick asked, “You might be wondering-the Levines are only involved in business, so how would that affect politics, yes?”

Cordy stayed silent, so he continued on his own. “First and foremost, politics isn’t all about influence. Huge capital is always needed. Even if William’s side of the family had plenty of money, no one ever complains about having too much money. Likewise, the path for them to establish themselves in politics is still rocky. Not only do they need someone they could fall back on, but they also need to ensure that Stuart Holdings would never fall. The Levines are therefore to become a strategic ally in that cause. So don’t blame John Levine for turning from you-and it’s not just him either.

Even Alan Levine has no say in the matter.”

Cordy looked up at him, surprised that he would defend John.

“And that brings us to the second point-the man named John Levine,” Patrick continued. “I’ve done my research on him, and it turned out that his father was a prodigy like him. It was terrible to lose that man so early, but there was also that time when everyone was presuming that Levine Ventures would fall when things looked so bleak forthem. However, John himself brought them back from the brink at twenty. It was a legend in commerce, hence why William had his eyes on John and was eager to bring John into his fold. In short, there are times when being too capable is bad.”

“And that brings us to the present.”

Despite having said so much, Patrick didn’t seem interested in Cordy’s response and simply continued, “My side of the family has stopped William’s march into gaining a political foothold. You should understand. Miss Sachs, that things work differently in politics than in business. There are only so many political seats, especially on top of the hierarchy. If I’m to make it even more blunt—my grandfather would fall if William rose to the top. I’m sure you know how that works.”