Edward Collins's face flushed crimson with rage.
But because he couldn't fully understand Jason, he couldn't counterattack properly. Left with no precise way to retaliate, he redirected half of his anger toward Ethan.
Ethan was irritated as well, but he swallowed it and translated Jason's words anyway—deliberately softening them to avoid completely detonating the situation.
Compared to Edward's arrogance, Ethan was far more cautious. The cooperation between the companies had been profitable, and he didn't want to sever ties over a single incident.
With a stiff expression, Ethan said coldly,"Mr. Carter, this is your final chance. Mr. Collins is genuinely angry. If you don't apologize and offer compensation, this matter will not end here."
Jason replied flatly,"There's nothing to end. Since you don't want to cooperate, neither do I."
"What a piece of trash."
When Ethan translated that—toned down as much as possible—Edward finally exploded.
He slammed the table and roared in English,"Fine! Then we will never cooperate again!"
"You are not welcome at this banquet tonight!"
"If Mr. Cloud were here, I'd show him respect. But you? Someone who just took over and already thinks he's king?"
"Call the manager immediately. Have him thrown out!"
Ethan frowned and lowered his voice."Mr. Collins, there's no need to go that far. Starlight Fashion still has strong domestic connections—"
"I don't care," Edward snapped."I want him gone. Right now."
Seeing Edward completely lose control, Ethan stopped trying to persuade him. He took out his phone and called the club's general manager.
At once, several other bosses rushed over to mediate.
Lewis also walked over quietly and sat beside Jason without saying a word—his stance alone made his position clear.
Jason turned his head slightly and looked at Josh, the general manager of Starlight Fashion Group.
"Who organized this event?" Jason asked calmly."Aren't we one of the hosts? On what grounds is he telling us to leave?"
Josh was sweating. The situation had escalated too fast, and Jason was now the ultimate authority—he could only answer honestly.
"We… we are one of the hosts, yes," Josh said bitterly."But our role is mainly providing the models. The booking and management of the venue itself was handled by Ethan."
Jason nodded, instantly understanding.
He turned to Olivia, who stood beside him, and spoke casually—almost lazily.
"Olivia, contact the owner of this club."
"If the price is right, acquire it. Pay a premium."
Olivia nodded immediately."Understood."
Lewis didn't even blink.
But Josh's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Acquire the club?
Yes, the situation was tense—but with so many industry figures mediating, it wasn't guaranteed they'd actually be forced out.
Starlight Fashion still carried significant weight in the industry. Worst case, he could call Mr. Cloud, whose connections would smooth things over.
Even if this venue became unusable, there were plenty of other luxury clubs and private resorts in the city. Relocating the models wouldn't cause any real embarrassment.
And yet—
For something this trivial…
Jason Carter was prepared to buy the entire club.
Josh suddenly realized something.
This wasn't a clash of business interests anymore.
This was a lesson.
This club occupied over 65,000 square feet, and its interior design, layout, staff, connections, and steady flow of high-end clientele had all been cultivated painstakingly by its owner over many years.
Business was booming, with profits soaring annually.
If someone wanted to take it over, the price would easily reach twenty to thirty million dollars, and that was assuming the owner was even willing to sell. In reality, a hefty premium would almost certainly be required.
Operating a luxury club wasn't simple. Even if you bought it, there was no guarantee you could manage it better than the original owner. Paying a premium often meant burning money outright.
Josh, the general manager of Starlight Fashion Group, understood this well.
Yes, Jason Carter had spent over five hundred million acquiring Starlight Fashion—but that had been a calculated business move, backed by long-term strategy.
This, however?
Spending tens of millions just to settle a grudge?
That felt reckless.
Josh wanted to say something—but Jason casually raised a hand, cutting him off before he could speak.
A moment later, Olivia connected with the owner of the club, Skyline Pavilion.
At that exact moment, Ethan and Edward Collins arrived with the club's general manager, Mr. Hughes.
Mr. Hughes wore a stiff, forced smile."Mr. Carter, you were not on the invitation list. I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave the venue."
Jason didn't move.
Neither did the bodyguards behind him.
Olivia calmly lifted her phone and turned the screen toward Mr. Hughes.
It was a live video call.
The moment Mr. Hughes saw the person on-screen, his expression changed instantly.
"B–Boss…"
The man on the screen, Richard Langford, spoke evenly."Hughes, wait a moment. I need to speak with Mr. Carter."
Mr. Hughes straightened immediately."Yes, sir. Take your time."
At this moment, Ethan stepped forward with a smile."Mr. Langford, long time no see. I'll treat you to a drink next time."
Richard Langford laughed heartily."Ethan, it's been a while indeed. When I'm back in Harbor City, we'll get together. How could I let you treat me? I should be the one paying."
Ethan glanced at Jason, a hint of smug triumph flashing in his eyes—as if to say this is my territory.
Edward sneered in English,"Hahaha. Trying to talk to the owner of Skyline Pavilion without knowing he's also an old acquaintance of ours."
Jason remained completely calm.
He leaned slightly toward Olivia and whispered a few words.
Olivia nodded, continuing her conversation on one phone—while discreetly operating another.
Her efficiency was flawless, multitasking effortlessly.
Jason, however, made a mental note:Time to recruit another top-tier assistant.
A few minutes later, Olivia's expression subtly shifted.
She leaned in and spoke quietly to Jason.
The problem was clear.
Based on Skyline Pavilion's profitability and prospects, twenty to thirty million dollars was a fair valuation. Even adding a premium would be reasonable.
But Richard Langford had suddenly demanded fifty million.
At that price, it was pure exploitation.
On the video call, Richard Langford smiled faintly."Mr. Carter, if you want to talk, speak to me directly. Sending a secretary lacks sincerity."
"And before we discuss anything—apologize to Edward and Ethan."
"Then, perhaps, I'll consider it."
The mockery in his tone was unmistakable.
Edward and Ethan both looked increasingly pleased.
Jason smiled calmly."My secretary is more capable than most people. Having her negotiate is sincerity."
"But business is business. Adding personal conditions is petty."
Richard chuckled."Mr. Carter, you're from Coast City. You may not understand how things work here in Harbor City."
"We do business based on loyalty."
"No apology? Then fifty million."
"Otherwise, deal's off."
"And since Ethan reserved this venue—you were never invited. Please leave."
Jason didn't respond immediately.
He simply turned to Olivia.
Olivia nodded and switched the video call to another phone.
Jason took the phone, smiled at the screen, and said calmly:
"Mr. Shaw, have you received the payment?"
On the other end, a bald middle-aged man lit up with excitement."Received! Received in full!"
"You're decisive, Mr. Carter."
"The electronic agreement is informal, so I'll come over immediately to sign the paper contract. I'll bring the property deed, and we can complete the transfer tomorrow."
Richard Langford froze.
That voice—
It sounded exactly like his landlord.
And transfer?
Jason turned the screen slightly toward Richard.
"Mr. Shaw, your tenant Richard Langford is also on the call. Would you mind informing him as well?"
Richard's face drained of color when he saw the man on-screen.
He hadn't misheard.
It really was his landlord.
He forced a smile instantly."M–Mr. Shaw… hello."
Mr. Shaw laughed warmly."Richard, what a coincidence."
"I'll just inform you directly."
"The Skyline Pavilion property—65,000 square feet—has been sold to Mr. Jason Carter."
"From now on, any matters regarding rent, renewal, or operations—you'll need to discuss them with Mr. Carter."
"As for the lease renewal we discussed earlier, that arrangement is canceled. You'll have to renegotiate with him."
Richard Langford's expression collapsed completely.
Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief.
Edward, not understanding what had happened, urgently asked Ethan in English,
"What's going on?"
And for the first time tonight—
Ethan didn't know how to answer.
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