Chapter 24

“Of course I did! I’m not a fool. I only peeked under the red cloth to make sure the ginseng didn't escape,” Frederick explained quickly.

His response only served to convince Jared and Josephine that he’d been cheated. Even William shook his head, offering a resigned smile. Frederick, born into wealth and sheltered from the real world, remained naive. No one dared offend the mayor’s son; he had no concept of societal cruelty. The Audi parked outside the Sullivan residence alone was enough to deter anyone from approaching him. In Horington, people would scatter at the sight of that car.

“I believe you’re not lying,” Jared said, his tone suddenly serious.

As Frederick stared at him, confused, Jared laughed. “But I don’t trust the farmer who sold it to you. He may have cheated you.”

Frederick glared. I knew it! He still doesn’t believe me!

“I’ll prove it! Let’s see if it’s real ginseng.”

Panicked, Frederick opened the box. He froze. Inside was only a handful of grass roots. The thousand-year-old ginseng was gone.

“Hahaha…” Josephine burst into laughter, tears welling in her eyes. William joined in.

He’d paid a million for grass roots. Pathetic.

“Damn it! How dare he cheat me? I’ll find him and sue him! This is unforgivable!” Frederick exploded, smashing the box on the floor.

“Do you even know his name? Where he lives? How will you find him? That’s Yeringham, not Horington. Your father has no power there!” Jared provoked him, pointing out the obvious. Frederick flushed, speechless.

“All right, all right. A lesson learned. We all make mistakes. Let’s enjoy our tea,” William interjected, defusing the tension. He dared not offend the mayor’s son either.

“Mr. Sullivan, I have several hundred-year-old ginseng roots at home. Authentic ones. I’ll have my chauffeur bring them.” Ashamed, Frederick wanted to make amends.

“Fred, there’s no need,” William protested.

But Frederick was already at his car, whispering to his chauffeur, occasionally glancing at Jared. The chauffeur nodded and drove off.

Twenty minutes later, he returned with a gift box. Whispering to Frederick, he handed it over. Excitement flickered across Frederick’s face; he glared at Jared.

Dismissing the chauffeur with a wave, Frederick approached William. “Mr. Sullivan, these are some hundred-year-old ginseng roots. Please accept them.” He personally opened the box, displaying the seemingly high-quality roots.

“Fred, you didn’t have to, but since you brought them…” William accepted the box.

“Mr. Sullivan, please take care of your health. Don’t eat anything from anyone, especially ex-convicts. Their sinful nature never changes.” Frederick’s contempt was obvious as he glared at Jared, having clearly investigated his past.