Margaret’s face twitched slightly. She didn’t even respond, as if the topic was simply too embarrassing to discuss.
DING!
The elevator doors opened shortly after. They arrived on the highest floor, where a small lobby awaited them with a single reception desk.
It was empty.
But the door beside the desk opened as soon as Margaret approached, revealing a large office room that was surprisingly simple.
There weren’t many things inside. There wasn’t even a sofa—only a small guest table surrounded by old wooden chairs that looked worn with age.
A single work desk stood beside a large window, holding only one laptop that looked like it had been released ten years ago.
The office completely clashed with the grandeur of the building itself. Apparently, its owner simply wasn’t soone who cared much about material things.
Of course, that didn’t an he lacked taste when it ca to beautiful won.
Despite the minimal furniture, there was still a refrigerator.
Margaret took out two cans of soda and handed one to Leonardo, who was still standing as he looked out the window, observing the view below.
"Amazed? Impressed? Or do you think this is nothing special?" she asked as she passed him the can.
"In the entire United States, fewer than ten families have businesses as large as ours. Too bad this is no longer an era where money is everything."
Leonardo took the drink but answered calmly.
"You didn’t build this. Who knows if it will even still exist by the ti you inherit it? These days, many rich families sohow lose their businesses."
"Hmph. Don’t wish for bad things when you might end up managing all of this with in the future."
"Why are you so obsessed with wealth when you know this isn’t an era where money is everything anymore? For , having enough money for a decent life is enough. Monster Cores and all kinds of potions are far more important, since the best items can only be traded with those."
"That may not matter to Awakener like us," Margaret replied.
"But the truth is, Awakener are a minority in this world. For humanity to maintain a dignified life, the economy still needs to move forward."
"So you’re saying you care about ordinary people’s lives? Then why are there so many rumors that your family often avoids paying taxes?"
"So the money stays in the right hands. In the right hands, money can create more benefits for society."
"I think you’ve learned plenty of excuses to cover your greed."
Leonardo shook his head, took a sip, and stopped arguing.
DING!
The office door opened again.
Leonardo turned around imdiately, his expression becoming serious.
The man who entered was a middle-aged blonde with a remarkably handso face and a powerful physique—tall, with well-defined muscles that weren’t overly bulky.
His style was relaxed, almost youthful: dress pants, a white shirt, and a blue tie.
There was no oppressive aura of power around him. He looked like soone who could easily befriend anyone.
If Leonardo didn’t already know his identity, he might have thought he was just an ordinary man.
But the truth was that he was Jas Harvey, one of the most powerful Awakener in City Z.
In fact, the only person stronger than him in the city was the Head of the Awakener Association.
The Association had deliberately placed soone extrely powerful in that position—to make sure Jas Harvey would never beco uncontrollable.
"You must be Leonardo Anderson. I’ve heard a lot about you from Margaret," the man said as he looked at Leonardo and walked toward the desk before sitting down.
"Co, sit here."
He gestured for Leonardo to sit across from him.
Leonardo complied, sitting carefully while Margaret leaned against the side of the desk.
"Mr. Harvey, it’s an honor to et you," Leonardo said respectfully.
"Since I was young, I’ve heard about your achievents. They’re a source of pride for the people of City Z."
"I do have many accomplishnts I’m proud of," Jas Harvey replied with a smile.
"But the thing I’m most proud of is actually being the father of my daughter."
He glanced at Margaret, who pretended to be indifferent.
Leonardo was slightly surprised by the way he spoke.
"Charming" didn’t even seem strong enough to describe him. No wonder so many won admired him.
"As a father," Jas continued, "the thing I worry about the most is my daughter’s partner. One day, if you have a daughter as beautiful as mine, you’ll understand that worry too."
Leonardo decided it was better to respond rather than remain silent.
"Your daughter is capable enough to live well even without a partner."
"Hahaha. Many won these days prefer that kind of life," Jas said with a laugh.
"But it isn’t good when they grow old—no partner, no children, no grandchildren. That kind of life is lonely, and I don’t want my daughter to live like that. So I have to make sure she finds soone."
Leonardo fell silent.
He couldn’t tell whether this man truly was just a father obsessed with seeing his daughter married—or if there was another purpose behind it.
Of course, a father’s love for his daughter was a real thing, so it was still possible.
"Leonardo," Jas continued,
"you are one of the candidates I like most for my daughter."
"I’m not sure whether you’re serious or joking," Leonardo replied honestly.
"It’s difficult to believe. A few days ago I was just a poor orphan. Today soone as powerful as you wants to beco your son-in-law. Even in my dreams, I wouldn’t imagine sothing like this happening."
"The world spins unpredictably now," Jas said calmly.
"Anything can happen because opportunities appear everywhere. The sign of a great person is how many opportunities they can seize to improve themselves.
Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re one of the fastest people I’ve seen when it cos to changing your life.
Honestly, your life story feels more unbelievable than fiction."
Leonardo: "..."
"What do you think about Margaret?" Jas suddenly asked.
Leonardo instinctively looked at Margaret.
What could he even say?
This woman had far too many bad sides. But criticizing her in front of her father might lead to unpredictable consequences.
"Margaret is very beautiful," Leonardo finally said.
It was the only undeniably good thing he could ntion.
"Is there any man who doesn’t want a beautiful woman?" Jas asked.
"Power, wealth, and beautiful won. Sotis the last one satisfies a man’s ego the most. A man richer or stronger than you might still feel insecure if the woman beside you is more beautiful."
"Maybe," Leonardo answered quietly.
"Margaret has agreed to start a relationship with you. Now it depends on you," Jas continued.
"The mont you accept, you will be given authority equal to Margaret’s over our family’s assets."
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