CHAPTER 41: CHAPTER 41: MR. JING: THE HOUSE OF GOODMAN? HARDLY WORTHY

Thinking this, Alexander Goodman picked up his phone and quickly headed to the car. Just as he was about to open the door, his hand paused.

His face was ashen. Lord Jing had already made a move. At this point, he could only see if this project could still be resumed and run normally.

"Old Yu, give it to me straight, can we still go ahead with this resort project?"

Alexander Goodman held a sliver of hope as he called his friend, his hand trembling uncontrollably as he spoke.

The person on the other end sighed, "It’s likely a no-go. Director Li has not only been found guilty of bribery, but someone has also reported that this cooperative development project was a front for money laundering."

Upon hearing this, all of Alexander Goodman’s hopes were shattered. What was there not to understand? For someone in a high position, accepting bribes was a definite no, and now that it involved money laundering, the authorities were bound to investigate thoroughly.

"I understand," Alexander Goodman said weakly.

The person on the other end pondered for a moment and suddenly asked, "Old Goodman, did you offend someone? This matter progressed unusually quickly."

Logically, even if there was bribery involved, the Discipline Inspection Department would need to gather evidence. But this time, the order came directly from above, with all evidence in hand.

Alexander Goodman gritted his teeth but did not voice his suspicions, only murmuring, "I don’t know."

After hanging up, he stood there in a daze, recalling how, during the bidding, the entire circle in the Capital City, led by Sia Manor, had remained silent. At the time, he was secretly pleased, but now it seemed like he had been too naive.

Oh, what a well-played scheme.

...

The next day, news of the halted Goodman project and the broken financial chain swept through like a storm.

Those in the Capital City circles who heard the news either jeered, were elated, or were filled with trepidation.

They all had quick ears and heard that Julian Sia was somehow involved. Apparently, it was because Michael Goodman had messed with someone he shouldn’t have.

At that moment, Julian Sia was lounging leisurely in the old manor, holding a white Go stone delicately in his long fingers, and placed it down gently.

"I heard you had a hand in the Goodman incident?"

The elder across from him glanced at the Go board, placing down a black stone, seemingly asking casually.

Julian Sia tugged at his collar carelessly, mumbling an indifferent response.

The elder just squinted and smiled, "The Goodmans have been over the line with their actions these years; giving them a lesson isn’t a bad thing."

Julian Sia looked at the Go board and leisurely placed another white stone. He lazily gazed at the elder across from him, a smirk forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Grandpa, you’ve lost."

The elder looked at the board and saw all his black stones completely surrounded with no chance of turning the game around. He tossed the stone in his hand onto the table with faint annoyance as he looked at him.

"You never let me win, do you?"

Julian Sia stood up, one hand in his pocket, and spoke lazily, "Grandpa, you’re just being stubborn. I’m leaving now."

The elder waved his hand, "Get going. Remember to bring my granddaughter-in-law next time."

...

[Lord Jing, you moved pretty fast,] Owen Lawrence couldn’t help but mention someone in the group as soon as he heard the news.

But for a long time, Julian Sia didn’t respond. Instead, the other members were all stirred up.

[Andrew James: So this was really orchestrated by Lord Jing]

[Xiang Nian: What’s happening inside this?]

[Owen Lawrence: Yesterday, Michael Goodman cornered Claire, but after getting beat up, Claire got taken to the police station.]

Seeing this, the group immediately understood. The so-called person he shouldn’t have messed with was indeed Claire.

[Mason Quinn: Wow, such an exciting event, why didn’t you give me a call? I’d have gone to check it out in person!]

Upon seeing the messages in the group, Mason Quinn was instantly intrigued. He grabbed his car keys and headed out.

Then, the Berlin Residence was introduced to a gossip enthusiast early in the morning.

Claire Green came downstairs with a bag on her shoulder. Seeing someone below, she frowned, her tired eyes narrowing slightly.

Her voice hinted at coldness, "You’re really idle."

Mason Quinn was pondering how to start the conversation when the sudden voice startled him; he followed the sound and clicked his tongue.

"Are you planning to go out?"

Claire Green casually tossed her bag onto the sofa, then sat to one side.

With one leg crossed over the other, her chin slightly tucked, she asked, "Where’s my brother?"

Then.

Mason Quinn huffed irritably, saying roguishly, "That’s your brother. How would I know?"

"You come here every day. I suspect you," Claire Green toyed with the item in her hand, the corner of her mouth curving into a faintly mischievous smile.

"Cough—"

Mason Quinn choked on those words, starting to cough. What kind of theory was this? Lord Jing as such a tall figure, could he be kidnapped?

He patted his chest, poured a glass of water, and finally felt better. He pointed incredulously at himself, "Do I look like that kind of person?"

Claire Green raised an eyebrow, indifferently, "That can’t be said for sure."

Fine, forget I said anything.

Mason Quinn leaned against his chair dejectedly, eyes fixated on Claire Green, feeling somewhat aggrieved.

When Julian Sia entered, he saw Mason in such a state and slightly raised his chin, "What’s up with him?"

"Probably having a meltdown," Claire Green replied without any guilt, smiling slightly.

After that.

She laid back on her chair, casually looking at Julian Sia, and said lightly, "I’m planning to return to Bayne City."

Julian Sia’s eyes paused, his voice low and deep, "Okay, I’ll head over after handling my business."

Then, he glanced at the person on the side, "Have Mason go with you."

Sit and get caught in the crossfire. Hearing his words, Mason stared at him incredulously. Why me again?

He just came to ask about the incident, heard nothing, and ended up being tasked instead.

"Can I refuse?"

"What do you think?" Julian Sia replied coolly.

Claire Green squinted her eyes, her lips curving into a thin smile, "No need."

She had things to do outside later, having Mason along would be inconvenient.

Seeing this, Julian Sia didn’t insist. His husky voice passed her a card on the table.

"The key to the Yayuane, you can stay there directly."

Looking at the card, Claire Green raised an eyebrow and looked at the man with interest, accepting it.

"You’re really trusting, brother."

A flicker of a smile passed through the depths of the man’s eyes. He leaned over, picked up the bag on the sofa, and jerked his chin, "I’ll see you to the airport."

Watching the now-empty living room, Mason Quinn sighed. These two really are unfriendly to me.

...

At noon, as soon as Claire Green got off the plane, she received a gentle call from her homeroom teacher, Grace Carter.

"Do you remember what day tomorrow is?"

Claire Green’s eyebrows slightly arched as she headed out with her bag.

She chuckled, "Monthly exam, I’m back."

Grace Carter took a deep breath, her voice still soft, "You really managed to make it back just in time for the exams."

Upon hearing this, Claire Green chuckled lightly, an involuntary smile appearing in her eyes, "Come on, it was a coincidence."

This coincidence is truly remarkable. Grace Carter, knowing she couldn’t argue with her, raised her hand to massage her temple.

"Hurry back to school for lessons."

Claire Green’s eyes half-closed, she responded affirmatively.