Chapter 1408

At Lucian's remark, Jonathan inwardly rolled his eyes. "I was the one who obtained them!" He added, "The Pearson family, in their current state, are no match for me. They're essentially free resources!"

Lucian merely gave him an inscrutable look.

Intimidated, Jonathan shifted the subject. "How's it going with Roxanne? No progress after your trip?" He mused, I've been racking my brain to give him ideas. If there's no progress, I feel sorry for Roxanne!

Lucian's gaze darkened as he recalled their passionate night in Jadeborough.

Jonathan noticed the shift in Lucian's expression, but couldn't decipher it. "Just answer the question," Jonathan urged. "Don't grin like that unless Roxanne's here!"

Lucian composed himself. His expression turned indifferent. "It's going quite well, thanks to your idea."

Jonathan remained unsatisfied. "What does that mean? What stage are things at?" He reasoned that even holding hands would constitute "quite well," given their previously tense relationship.

Lucian simply smiled enigmatically.

Jonathan scrutinized him. They must have made rapid progress. Otherwise, he wouldn't have that expression. A wave of satisfaction washed over him. My effort wasn't wasted!

Lucian offered no further details, so Jonathan dropped the subject. They briefly discussed the Pearson family's resources. Though Jonathan intended to acquire them, he remained mindful of boundaries.

After their discussion, Jonathan left for Queen Group. That afternoon, the already precarious Pearson Group took a sharp downturn. Despite selling most of his shares, Samuel still had to manage the fallout. As share prices plummeted, shareholders complained incessantly, forcing repeated price drops. Several branch offices were delisted and liquidated due to the low prices. The Pearson family members with interests in those companies, already resentful of Samuel, besieged his home, demanding answers. Samuel was overwhelmed. Even Aubree, despite her dissatisfaction, was forced to help.

Despite their frantic efforts, the situation worsened at an unbelievable pace, as if manipulated by an unseen hand. Within days, almost all of the Pearson family's companies were shut down; the few remaining struggled, surviving on bank loans. But even this lifeline was severed; the bank demanded loan repayment. The Pearson family was unable to comply. Bankruptcy loomed.

Aubree felt her world crumble. Having lived a life of privilege, this hardship was unbearable.