At that moment, Cillian arrived at Jayrodale Bank. He was nothing but polite when facing Tyler Jones, the bank’s president.

“Hello, Mr. Jones. Pardon the intrusion, but I hope you don’t mind my unexpected visit!”

Tyler responded flatly, “Mr. Ulrich, you’re one of the senior members of the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce, so just get straight to the point about why you’re here today.”

Cillian did not beat around the bush either. “Mr. Jones, isn’t it true that Supreme Capital Group keeps most of its money deposited with Gabo Bank?”

Tyler made no attempt to hide the facts. “That’s correct, but I’m curious why you’re asking about this matter.”

Cillian smiled mysteriously without saying a word. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a long, elegant box. Then, he pushed it across the desk toward Tyler.

Tyler opened it, and his previously indifferent attitude immediately became enthusiastic. “An onyx smoking pipe from Auqania! It looks like you’ve done your homework on my preferences! Go ahead and tell me. What can I help you with?”

Cillian smiled with a hint of smugness. “Let’s not waste time. I came here today because I need your help with something important, Mr. Jones. I want your bank to freeze all assets belonging to Supreme Capital Group.”

Tyler, who had just reached for the onyx smoking pipe, paused mid-motion. His brow arched. “Supreme Capital is one of our largest clients, Mr. Ulrich. You’re asking for a big move here. Can I ask why?”

Cillian snorted coldly. “That bastard Andrew had the nerve to challenge me in the Chamber of Commerce! He even had the audacity to physically assault me in public, completely disregarding my reputation! Since that’s how he wants to play it, I’m going to make sure he can’t take a single step in this city! I’ll force him to crawl down from his position as chairman of the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce!”

Tyler nodded thoughtfully. “I understand now! So, after all this talk, you basically want me to help you take down Mr. Lloyd from Supreme Capital Group, right?”

Cillian confirmed with absolute certainty. “Exactly. I want to crush that little punk! Just because that old fool George backs him up, he thinks he can treat a chamber of commerce veteran like me with complete disrespect!” He scoffed and added, “I’ll show him just how much influence I, Cillian Ulrich, wield in Gabo Creek province!”

Tyler immediately pushed the onyx smoking pipe back across the desk and shook his head firmly. “Mr. Ulrich, please see yourself out. I won’t be seeing you to the door!”

Seeing his expensive gift being rejected and observing Tyler’s sudden change in demeanor, Cillian was stunned. “Mr. Jones, what’s the meaning of this?”

Tyler’s expression gradually darkened. “It means I can’t help you, I won’t help you, and I want you to leave—now!”

His rejections made Cillian’s face turn ugly with embarrassment. “Mr. Jones, what’s gotten into you? Why are you suddenly trying to throw me out when everything was fine just a moment ago? Did I not show you enough sincerity?”

Tyler took a deep breath and suddenly exploded in anger. “Cillian, you senile old bastard, get the hell out of here right now! While you might not want to keep doing business in this city, I still want to enjoy a few peaceful years before I retire!”

He cursed, “Goddammit, you must be stupid to think a fancy pipe’s enough to drag me into your mess? Do you have any idea how much money Mr. Lloyd has parked in this bank right now? And you want me to go against a client like that? I’d be better off jumping off the roof!”

Cillian stood there, red with fury, but forced himself to keep it together. “Mr. Jones, even if the deal’s off, there’s no need for insults, is there?”

Tyler cracked his knuckles and shouted, teeth clenched. “Insult? Buddy, I want to beat your wrinkled face in! You want to talk about sincerity? Take a look at this!”

As he yelled, he tossed a document on the table. “Governor McCormick just issued a formal endorsement—Supreme Capital Group and Mr. Lloyd are now officially under full government support!”

He added, “The Governor’s making it clear that he wants Mr. Lloyd in public office! You do know what it means to be in public office, right?”