Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Justin Hale Makes a Move
Seraphina Sterling waited until evening to see Felix Gallagher return to the inn. Had it not been for Philip Hale’s predicament, Felix Gallagher would never have stayed in such a small inn.
The discovery of a massive, rare domestic jade mine in Tollan Town had caused a national sensation. The Stone-Selling Convention, in particular, drew jewelers and stone gamblers from all across the country. The town didn’t have many inns to begin with; if Felix Gallagher hadn’t arrived early, he might not have even found a room in this small one.
"Mr. Gallagher, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time." Seraphina Sterling held a glass of water in her hand. It was already her third; if Felix Gallagher hadn’t returned soon, she figured she’d be full from the water alone.
"Seraphina?" A smile touched the corners of Felix Gallagher’s lips; he appeared to be in high spirits. He was, however, slightly taken aback as to why Seraphina Sterling was waiting for him here.
"I’d like to propose a business deal, Mr. Gallagher. And, I’d also like to ask for a small favor." Once Seraphina Sterling stated her purpose, Felix Gallagher immediately led her to his room. Outside, the walls had ears. He instinctively felt that whatever Seraphina wanted to discuss must be important. Subconsciously, Felix Gallagher had already begun to see her as a business partner of equal stature.
After they entered the room, Seraphina Sterling said nothing and simply opened her backpack.
Staring at the various types of jadeite, Felix Gallagher’s mouth twitched. ’Has high-grade jadeite become as common as cabbage now?’ Others struggled to obtain even a single piece, yet she had spent just one morning on the second floor and acquired an entire backpack full! Felix Gallagher truly felt the world had gone mad.
Of course, he was also more certain—or to be more precise, he was utterly shocked—by Seraphina Sterling’s talent. Even the old-timers at the research institutes couldn’t boast a perfect track record, much less cut this much jadeite in such a short amount of time!
"Mr. Gallagher, I know you’re in dire need of jadeite. I can sell all of this to you at market price. You can even pay me for it later! However, there is one thing I’ll need your help with." This was the true reason Seraphina Sterling had sought out Felix Gallagher.
Felix Gallagher concealed the shock in his eyes, his usual business shrewdness returning. "For you to make such a generous concession, this favor can’t be a small one."
"You don’t need to worry, Mr. Gallagher. While this is a huge matter for me, for you, it should be a trivial affair." Seraphina Sterling’s smile was warm and brilliant. ’I know exactly what kind of person Justin Hale is. I don’t need Hughes to remind me that I have to prepare beforehand. Otherwise, all that awaits me is ruin!’
"Oh? Do tell. As long as it’s within my power, I won’t refuse." ’What kind of trouble could someone her age possibly have that would require my help?’ Felix Gallagher wondered.
"I want the Hale Family’s assets!" Seraphina Sterling didn’t beat around the bush, stating her goal directly. Her soft voice did nothing to diminish her powerful, determined aura.
"The Hale Family?" The first person to flash through Felix Gallagher’s mind was Justin Hale. ’The Hale Family of Aethelgard?’ He couldn’t even begin to conceal his shock.
"Philip Hale! Not the Hale Family of Aethelgard! The Hale Family of Aethelgard has immense financial power. Legend says they control thirty percent of the nation’s businesses. They’re not someone a small figure like me can touch." Seraphina Sterling’s gaze darkened. ’I can’t touch them now, but as for the future... that remains to be seen.’
A peculiar feeling rose in Felix Gallagher’s heart. He was well aware of the Hale Family’s influence in the business world, but for some reason, he got the sense that Seraphina Sterling didn’t take them seriously at all.
"Philip Hale may just be a merchant in Tollan Town, but his business is substantial. Besides raw stones and jadeite, he also has considerable operations in antique collection, auctions, and appraisals. If no one from the main branch of the Hale Family had shown up, given your talent for amassing wealth these past few days, and considering the significant compensation Philip Hale has recently paid out to clients, taking over his assets would be within your reach."
Felix Gallagher’s assessment was spot-on. "But now Justin Hale is here. His objective is undoubtedly Philip Hale’s assets as well. Philip is from a branch of the Hale Family. No matter what, his first choice will be Justin Hale, the young master of the main family—not you!"
"And that’s precisely why I need your help, Mr. Gallagher!" Seraphina Sterling’s smile grew even more radiant. "Philip Hale won’t sell his businesses to me. But if you were to step in, it would be a different story."
"Even if I make an offer to acquire Philip Hale’s businesses, it’s not a given that he’d forsake his own family and sell to me. Besides, he’s under police investigation, his shop has been shut down, suppliers are demanding compensation, and clients are canceling their orders—all because of this incident. Philip Hale must hate my guts. Why on earth would he agree to sell his assets to me?"
Felix Gallagher frowned, not having much faith in Seraphina Sterling’s plan.
"Who’s to say?" Seraphina Sterling smiled mysteriously. "I’ll handle everything else. I just need you to agree to be the public face of the deal, Mr. Gallagher."
Moonlight was descending by the time Seraphina Sterling left the small inn.
The late autumn night air carried a distinct chill.
The bright moonlight cast a mysterious hue over the small town, stretching her slender shadow long across the ground.
The sky grew darker and the road ahead dimmed, but Seraphina Sterling walked with unwavering resolve, never hesitating.
’This path was already rough and uneven, and countless dangers lie ahead. But no matter what hardships I encounter, I will keep walking forward, unswerving and resolute!’
The moment Seraphina Sterling stepped inside, she found Ginny Gable waiting in her house with two police officers.
"Seraphina Sterling, Philip Hale accuses you of framing him for selling fake stones. Please come with us to the station to assist with the investigation." Ginny Gable’s expression was grim; clearly, he hadn’t expected matters to escalate this far.
