Chapter 87: Little Fox Tina
Johnson Gris had been in the industry for decades and had weathered several stock market disasters. He had more than enough experience and professional knowledge to evaluate William's judgment. Before this, he wouldn't have dared to think along the same lines as William.
Now, hearing William's words, the last bit of hopeful denial in his heart shattered. After some rational thought, while he didn't agree with everything William said, he had to admit that the stock market would likely continue to fall. The market had lost confidence.
He slumped heavily onto the sofa in the VIP room, but he didn't stay depressed for long. As a banker who had navigated the industry for decades, Johnson's psychological fortitude was still considerable.
Now that he had accepted the likely outcome, he had to calculate his next move. If William's predictions came true, there were countless opportunities for the Swiss National Bank in the next year or two. They could make hundreds of millions, and it wasn't impossible to make billions or even tens of billions, just as William had.
Money was one thing. More importantly, this could enhance his bank's reputation within the industry and its influence with clients. Such a qualitative improvement would greatly elevate his family's social status in Switzerland.
His thoughts returned to William. He realized he'd had the same judgment before the market crash but had been blinded by the frenzy. Calming himself, Mr. Gris thought it over, then stood and grasped William's hand gratefully.
"Thank you, Mr. Devonshire. Your words have been a great benefit to me. It's true what they say—everything leaves a trace. God, we were all blindfolded by greed."
William understood. In a situation like this, cashing out was the wisest choice, yet it was a simple truth that few could act on.
"Greed is the original sin," Mr. Gris continued. "Only the money in your pocket is truly your own. In the future, if you need anything in Switzerland, please find me. I would be happy to be of service to you. Thank you again, Mr. Devonshire."
William looked at the older man, whose face was now firm and whose eyes were shining. He had regained his confident demeanor, his fighting spirit restored.
"You're too kind, Mr. Gris. The opportunity is in your hands. Perhaps it was God's arrangement that brought you to me today, and that you were willing to listen to the words of a 20-year-old kid like me. I wish you good luck, Mr. Gris."
"Thank you! Just as you said, William. I feel full of energy now, like I'm 20 years younger. I am confident I can lead the National Bank to greater glory. It's even possible I could one day become the president of the bank. The Gris family name will definitely resonate throughout the Swiss banking industry. You are my lucky star, my angel." After speaking, Johnson pulled William into a hard hug and firmly patted his back three times.
This gesture made William clearly understand the weight of Johnson's words. The three deliberate pats were a form of reassurance, a non-verbal promise that he would keep William's secret. Someone who leaks confidential information could never become the president of the Swiss National Bank. More seriously, their family might not even be able to remain in Switzerland.
"Thank you, but I should also thank you for your help, Mr. Gris. If it weren't for your selfless assistance, I would never have been able to secure a 3% margin rate at the National Bank. Therefore, we are friends. And friends should help each other," William said with a smile.
Johnson said happily, "Yes, William, we are friends. And the Gris family will be a loyal friend to the Devonshire family. I must go back and prepare a report immediately. We'll talk again soon."
William walked Johnson out. They parted warmly, but William secretly reminded himself not to get carried away. He would never fully trust these bankers unless the price of betrayal was too high for them to pay.
After sending Johnson Gris on his way, William turned to Philips. "Thank you for all your help these past few months, Philips. This is a personal bonus for you." William took out a check for 2 million US dollars and handed it to him.
Philips accepted the check, glanced at the amount, and said excitedly, "Thank you, Mr. Devonshire! Thank you very much. It has been an honor to serve you."
William patted Philips's shoulder. At last, everything had come to a successful conclusion.
At the Zurich airport, William and Sam stood in the waiting hall. "This is far enough, Sam," William said.
"Alright, boss. Any other orders?" Sam asked, handing William his luggage.
Taking the bags, William thought for a moment before saying, "Give my regards to Brian and the others. After you get Yaiba back to the United States, your assignment is complete. I'll call you if I need you again. Thank you for your help, Sam."
"Of course, boss. We should be thanking you for hiring us. We'll be waiting for your call anytime. Goodbye, boss," Sam said gratefully.
William nodded. "Goodbye, Sam."
Over the past month, William had called Alexander many times, but she never answered. Unwilling to leave her unprotected, William had instructed Brian to watch over her in Brazil.
From Brian's updates, he knew that Alexander had been throwing herself into work to numb her feelings. She hadn't stayed in Brazil for the whole month but had been flying all over the world, accepting any fashion show invitation she received. When a woman gets stubborn, no one can talk her out of it.
Still, William didn't feel he needed to spoil her to this extent. She was avoiding him and ignoring his calls just because he hadn't listened to her about one thing. If Alexander hadn't specifically told Brian not to leave, William would have thought she was about to break up with him.
She had come into his life so unexpectedly and was now leaving just as quietly, which left William feeling a little sad. *Am I not even a catch anymore?* he wondered wryly.
William booked a private plane to fly directly to Oxford, England. He had been away for three months, and his mother, Lina, had called him several times, urging him to return. William had been putting it off, saying he was busy with business. Now that he'd made his fortune, it was time to go back and see her. The castle renovations were complete, and his mother was waiting for him so they could move in together. Lina had called him repeatedly in the past few days to hurry him along; she couldn't wait any longer.
Two hours later, the plane landed at a private airport in Oxford. As William disembarked, he saw a Rolls-Royce and two Land Rovers waiting on the tarmac. His mother, Lina, was standing there with the young beauty Tina and Barney Christmas. The sight of his mother and Tina instantly lifted his spirits.
"Hey, Brother William! I'm over here!" Tina cried out as soon as she saw him. She rushed forward, threw her arms around him, and nuzzled her head against his neck.
"William, I missed you so much! Where have you been these last few months? You just left me and Aunt Lina all alone to go have fun. You have no idea how tired we are from working on the castle. William, look, my waist has gotten so thin."
As she spoke, she grabbed William's hand and placed it on her waist. Then she wrapped both her arms around his neck, holding him like a lover in a romantic embrace, a triumphant smile lighting up her face.
*What a little minx,* William thought. *She already knows how to wrap me around her finger at sixteen.* He hugged her gently, but the feel of her in his arms was undeniably pleasant, and he found himself pulling her in a little tighter.
Feeling William hold her tightly, Tina was secretly thrilled, feeling as sly as a little fox. *I refuse to believe a beautiful girl like me can't compete with that Brazilian model,* she thought to herself. *William promised when we were little that he'd marry me when I grew up. I am William's true love.*
---
⭐ $5 Tier – Early Access!
Stay 50 chapters ahead of public releases on RoyalRoad, Webnovel, and Scribble Hub.
Latest available chapter: 144.
Chapters are uploaded as soon as they're completed, so you'll always be ahead of the curve.
By joining, you'll be directly supporting the story while enjoying exclusive early access.
🔗 Patreon link is in My Profile/About.
⚠️ Please select your membership carefully, as I have multiple novels ongoing.
🍎 If you're on Apple, consider subscribing through your browser instead — it's cheaper for you, and I'll receive payments faster.