Chapter 495: 495: Let's See Who Has a Bigger Temper_1

Copper Sparrow Platform.

Vermilion Bird Hall.

“Sweetheart, don’t forget to come and keep daddy company after the concert is over!”

Beckett Carmichael was sitting on a spacious and comfortable sofa, with his legs crossed and a cigar hanging from his mouth.

At this moment, he was on a video call.

And the person on the screen was none other than Nando Brandon, the current top-tier young heartthrob.

“Got it, daddy. I’m a bit busy right now, and there are a lot of people in the dressing room. After the concert tonight, I’ll come and be with you,” Nando replied.

Facing the portly Beckett Carmichael, the handsome Nando Brandon smiled broadly.

Though he felt disgusted inside, Nando knew very well that without this greasy middle-aged man, he wouldn’t be where he was today.

Two years ago, after graduating from film school brimming with confidence, Nando entered the entertainment industry, thinking he would become famous just like his senior classmates.

But reality taught him a harsh lesson.

He was scorned as an extra, and nobody wanted him even for background roles. As he watched his less talented classmates rise to fame, Nando’s heart crumbled.

Just when he was about to give up on the entertainment industry and lead an ordinary life, fate took a dramatic turn.

Beckett Carmichael, then chairman of Abernathy Group, happened to drive his daughter to the set and spotted the shivering Nando Brandon outside.

Beckett, who was into relationships with young men, thought he had found a new prey.

And Nando, backed into a corner, chose his career over his dignity.

Beckett was a man of his word. After a three-day entanglement in his villa with Nando, he invested one billion to pave the way.

Using his abilities and connections, he quickly won over the media’s favor and made Nando famous.

A background actor who nobody wanted became a top young heartthrob after just a year of grooming and hype, garnering countless fans.

But Nando was very aware that it was easy for Beckett to support him, and even easier to take him down.

If their video ever leaked, that would signify a definite farewell to the entertainment industry for him.

In this world where maintaining a fanbase is crucial, once your public image collapses, no one can save you.

Facing any request from Beckett, Nando had no choice but to agree.

“Perform well at the concert. I’ve already manipulated the trending topics for you. For at least the next half year, you’ll consistently top the Weibo trending charts, increasing your popularity even more!”

Beckett snuffed out his cigar and ended the video call.

“Boss, the young master called to ask, what should we do about the Leocadia family affair?”

Just then, a middle-aged man resembling a steward came over to Beckett Carmichael and asked with utmost respect.

“Tell him to keep a close watch in the capital. As soon as there’s any movement from the Leocadia family, report back immediately!”

After speaking, Beckett muttered to himself, “I wonder how much longer Old Master Leocadia can hold on. This whole situation seems fishy to me. How can a perfectly healthy man suddenly become like this? And why is the Lee Family getting involved as well? Fernando Lee, that wretched guy—he supposedly got beaten up in Five-river Province while pursuing Sophia Leocadia, right?”

As the saying goes, good news seldom goes beyond the gate, while bad news spreads far and wide.

The incident of Fernando Lee’s car getting smashed and his face beaten in Five-river Province swept through the whole capital’s circles in an instant.

As one of Sophia Leocadia’s potential suitors, Fernando’s scandal naturally found many willing to spread the word.

Rumor had it that Fernando had been so frightened that he came down with a persistent fever upon returning home, and the Lee Family paid a hefty price to nurse him back to health.

The man was saved, but the nightmares persisted.

Now, Fernando was like a charlatan, his room filled with talismans, and he even dared not to turn off the lights when he slept. He had to arrange for more than a dozen servants to accompany him day and night.

“Master, should the young master not compete as well? The situation within the Leocadia family is chaotic right now. Though some support the Lee Family, with Fernando Lee in such a sorry state, our Santino Carmichael could definitely succeed if he steps up,” the steward whispered.

Santino Carmichael, Beckett’s son, was exceptionally talented and had become the general manager of the Abernathy Group at a young age.

“No rush! When it comes to handling affairs, the Carmichael family doesn’t need to painstakingly strategize like they do. Once Old Master Leocadia passes on and internal strife begins within the Leocadia family, I’ll throw a heavy punch and gobble up a fifth of their enterprise in one fell swoop. Isn’t that much more solid than some marriage alliance?”

Beckett Carmichael spoke scornfully, seemingly uninterested in such tactics.

“Sir, you…”

The housekeeper looked shocked.

“Indeed, did you think I truly left the capital to find Nando Brandon?”

Beckett Carmichael said with a faint smile, “Although that was part of the reason, the main purpose was to make everyone believe that the Carmichael family is reluctant to get involved in the affairs of the Leocadia family and even less willing to wade into these murky waters!”

“And my staff, they’ve already been poised to act in the capital! Once the Leocadia family falls into chaos, I am confident that within a week, I can consume one-fifth of their enterprise! By then, everyone will be caught off guard!”

With this, he wore a proud expression on his face.

Others say the Carmichael family came from a military scholar background and lacked brains.

But Beckett Carmichael’s thoughts were heavier than anyone else’s.

Otherwise, how could the Carmichael family have reached its peak in his hands over the years?

And become one of the four major openly acknowledged families.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Just then, the door of Vermilion Bird Hall was knocked.

“Who is it! Didn’t we say that no one is to disturb us without our summons?”

The housekeeper shouted impatiently, giving the bodyguard at the door a signal with his eyes.

The bodyguard immediately understood and walked to the door, yanking it open.

“Who is there!”

“The owner of Bronze Sparrow Platform, Aron Jackson, has heard that Boss Carmichael is in Vermilion Bird Hall and has come especially to pay a visit.”

Aron Jackson greeted with his hands clasped.

“So, it’s Aron Jackson. I’ve long heard of your reputation. Please, come in!”

Beckett Carmichael’s brow furrowed slightly as he waved towards the door.

“You, cannot come in!”

The bodyguard immediately stretched out his hand to stop Julius Reed, who was following behind Aron Jackson.

“This is my friend, who also wishes to pay a visit to Boss Carmichael.”

Aron Jackson glanced at the bodyguard.

“I’m sorry, but the orders I received allow only you to enter! As for the other irrelevant people, they are not permitted to come close!”

The bodyguard spoke coldly.

He only listened to Beckett Carmichael’s orders.

“Heh, you’ll regret this.”

Aron Jackson suddenly smiled and looked at Beckett Carmichael, “Boss Carmichael’s bodyguard sure is arrogant!”

“My bodyguard does indeed possess some skill. Aron Jackson, do you have any business to address? If not, I’m going to rest.”

Beckett Carmichael spoke coldly, a mere figurehead from Gonzalez City, but he was the great boss of one of the four major families, how could he take such a lowly thug seriously?

“By the way, my bodyguard really does have a temper. If he does anything excessive, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He bluntly issued an order to leave, one that carried a threat and left no room for doubt.

“Is that so? Well, it happens that I have quite the temper myself. How about we see whose temper is greater?”

Julius Reed stepped out from behind Aron Jackson, grinning as he stood in front of the bodyguard.