Chapter 71: Chapter 71 - Unwelcome Advances
He took a couple of sips of wine and didn’t speak for what felt like an eternity.
"Mr. Schultz, if it’s troublesome, please forget I mentioned it," I raised my wine glass and spoke cheerfully, trying to ease the tension.
"No, no, no," Jack Schultz vigorously shook his head. "Mr. Raymond, you’ve got it wrong. The Hill family is indeed a major client of our bank, but I hold veto power."
"Carter Hill is visiting our bank tomorrow. You should come with me to see him," Jack proposed, lifting his wine glass in a toast.
I quickly nodded, genuinely grateful. "Thank you very much, Mr. Schultz!"
"Mr. Raymond, please, it’s nothing—just a small matter," Jack replied with a warm smile.
Without this loan, the Hill family’s financial chain would collapse, and they would essentially self-destruct.
After dinner, I left the Schultz residence with Victor Green.
"With this herb, plus the one Mikael Gutierrez gave me, I might be able to attempt advancing directly to the Foundation Establishment Stage," I thought, unable to contain my excitement.
Though the Foundation Establishment Stage and Qi Refining Stage were separated by just one level, the power difference between them was immense.
The more I considered it, the more thrilled I became. I couldn’t wait to discover what kind of abilities the Foundation Establishment Stage would bring.
Victor and I found a hotel and booked a room.
Just then, my phone suddenly rang.
Glancing at the screen, I saw Jessica Pauley’s name.
When I answered, her delighted voice came through clearly: "Mason Raymond, I’ve got wonderful news! My cousin has arranged a job for me. I can interview tomorrow!"
"Really? Congratulations," I replied with a genuine smile.
Jessica made a sound of agreement before asking, "Mason Raymond, if you’re free, would you like to go for a walk?"
I frowned slightly and declined immediately. "Sorry, I’m tied up right now. I don’t think I can make it."
Jessica responded with noticeable disappointment, "Well, alright then. We’ll plan something another time."
After hanging up, Victor teased, "Mr. Raymond, we’re not doing anything important right now. Why did you turn her down?"
I sighed deeply. "I don’t want to become too close with any woman besides Miss Sean."
Victor rolled his eyes dramatically. "Aren’t you overthinking this? She’s new in town and doesn’t know anyone."
"Maybe," I responded with a light chuckle.
That night, I retired early.
These past days had been incredibly hectic, and I hadn’t properly rested in quite some time, so I slept deeply and peacefully.
The next morning.
I woke up early and prepared for my visit to Chuzzle Bank.
I wanted to bring Victor along, but he was still sound asleep, so I decided against disturbing him.
After leaving the hotel, I hailed a taxi and headed straight to Chuzzle Bank.
As the largest bank in Chuzzle province, it naturally attracted a constant flow of customers.
Reportedly, their deposit volume ranked among the highest nationwide.
At the entrance, luxury vehicles lined up—Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Maybachs—all business models that reflected Chuzzle Bank’s status among entrepreneurs.
Just as I was about to enter the bank, I felt someone tap my shoulder.
"Mason Raymond? You’re here too!" Turning around, I saw Jessica Pauley standing with a man.
I asked, somewhat surprised, "Jessica Pauley? What brings you here?"
Jessica replied with a bright smile, "I’m here to work. My cousin is taking me to meet their manager today to process my onboarding."
"And you? Aren’t you here for work too?" Jessica inquired curiously.
I shook my head. "No, I’m meeting with the bank president."
"The bank president?" Before Jessica could respond, her cousin burst into laughter.
"Friend, you must be joking. Do you have any idea who the Chuzzle Bank president is?" her cousin said, shaking his head dismissively.
I simply smiled without offering any explanation.
"Mason Raymond, if you’re job hunting, my cousin might be able to help," Jessica suggested with a friendly laugh.
"Great, thank you very much," I replied casually.
The three of us chatted while walking toward the bank.
During our conversation, I learned that the man’s name was Jaiden Nick, Jessica’s cousin from her uncle’s side.
To help Jessica secure employment, Jaiden had pulled numerous strings to arrange a meeting with Chuzzle Bank’s manager.
Since Jack Schultz hadn’t arrived yet, and I had nothing pressing to do, I followed Jessica into the manager’s office.
"Stay quiet in there. Manager Seth is a big shot. We can’t afford to offend him," Jaiden warned us before entering.
Jessica nodded quickly. "I understand, cousin. Don’t worry."
"You too," Jaiden added, giving me a pointed look.
I acknowledged with a nod.
After these warnings, we entered the manager’s office.
Upon entering, we saw the manager holding a professionally dressed woman in his arms. When she noticed us, she quickly scrambled off the manager’s lap.
"What’s wrong with you people? Don’t you know to knock before entering?" Manager Seth snapped irritably.
Jaiden laughed nervously, clearly trying to smooth things over. "I apologize, Manager Seth. We were careless."
Manager Seth waved dismissively and turned to the woman. "You should go now."
"Of course, Manager Seth," the woman nodded and hurriedly left the office.
After her departure, Jaiden pushed Jessica forward.
"Manager Seth, this is my cousin, Jessica Pauley. I mentioned her to you previously," Jaiden said, bowing respectfully.
Manager Seth looked Jessica over, his eyes brightening visibly.
What a beautiful woman!
"This is your cousin?" Manager Seth’s demeanor changed instantly.
"My goodness, she’s gorgeous." Manager Seth eyed Jessica lewdly.
Jessica quickly said, "Pleased to meet you, Manager Seth."
"Oh, no need for formalities. Have a seat!" Manager Seth stood personally and guided Jessica to a chair.
"Little Jessica, how many family members do you have? Where do you live? How old are you?" Manager Seth held Jessica’s hand, asking these questions with an inappropriate smile.
Jessica’s face flushed with embarrassment. She pulled her hand away and answered his questions briefly.
However, Manager Seth grabbed her hand again and leered, "You don’t need to call me Manager Seth. Just call me Brother Seth. Little Jessica, if you’re free tonight, how about we have dinner together?"
Jessica replied uncomfortably, "Manager Seth, I don’t think... that’s necessary..."
"Why so shy? It’s perfectly normal for a brother to treat you to a meal..." Manager Seth said while moving his hand toward Jessica’s leg.
"Manager Seth!" Jaiden called out urgently, seeing what was happening.
But Manager Seth ignored him. Without hesitation, he placed his hand on Jessica’s leg.
Jessica immediately knocked his hand away, stood up and declared firmly, "Manager Seth, please respect yourself!"
Seeing Jessica’s reaction, the smile on Manager Seth’s face gradually disappeared.
