Chapter 1654

Chapter 1654:

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Austin, feeling joyful, clenched his little fists and declared, “Mommy, now I can protect you!”

Nicole and the others didn't want to dampen Austin's enthusiasm. Although his health would always limit him, they let him enjoy the moment.

Roscoe gently stroked Austin's head, his smile full of warmth. "Austin, I can't wait to see you get stronger."

Austin smiled and said, “I will, Roscoe.”

Now that Austin had woken up, Jarrod's tolerance for Roscoe's presence had worn thin. In a cold tone, he asked, "Is your company still in business? How do you still have time to hang around here?"

Roscoe sensed Jarrod's attempt to push him away, but kept his composure.

"I appreciate your concern, Mr. Schultz. However, my business is doing well at the moment."

Jarrod was momentarily speechless. He felt no real concern for Roscoe.

On the contrary, he secretly hoped that Roscoe's circumstances would deteriorate to the point where his departure from Ardlens would become necessary.

However, Jarrod felt compelled to maintain a facade of civility, especially since Nicole had named Roscoe Austin's godfather.

Jarrod took care that his son's godfather did not suffer too much.

“Your family’s biggest competitor recently conducted an inspection in Raytown,” Jarrod said brusquely.

A slight wrinkle formed on Roscoe's brow, indicating his surprise. He hadn't been aware of it.

The Raytown project, currently in its final stages of negotiation, was critical to his company. If the rival company had visited Raytown now, it could mean an attempt to undermine his project.

Given that both companies were operating in the same sector, competition was to be expected, but the timing – just before the completion of the Watts Group project – seemed particularly murky.

After a brief silence, Roscoe simply said, “Thank you.”

Jarrod scoffed in response, stating: “Survival of the fittest. “If you can’t keep up, don’t blame anyone.”

The implication was clear. If Roscoe thought Jarrod's past actions were personal, he was wrong. Even in Jarrod's absence, others would have targeted the Watts family during their vulnerable period.

Even a dying camel is bigger than a horse. Despite their setbacks, the Watts family still had considerable value, and securing their contracts could benefit any emerging company.

Jarrod's interventions had destroyed many opportunists. Trying to compete with him was futile.

His power did not consist only in dominating Ardlens: it was his ruthless methods and strategies that made him almost invincible.

Jarrod was a true strategist, once closing a publicly traded company in three hours.

No one dared to provoke him without risking serious consequences.

Unwittingly, his actions had bought Roscoe the crucial time he needed to defend his company. Fighting one formidable opponent was much easier than fending off several at once.

Ironically, Roscoe's survival of Jarrod's assault had elevated his standing in the business world. As a result, many potential adversaries who might have harbored malicious intentions were now deterred.

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