Chapter 942
Joe looked down at them contemptuously. "I need some rest. Please leave." He no longer wished to speak, especially not to Claudio, whom he considered a colossal jerk. The thought of further conversation made him nauseous.
Ernest hadn't anticipated Joe's continued forceful demeanor, especially given his own humble approach as an elder. Joe remained unyielding, fueling Ernest's fury. "Reconsider this," Ernest insisted. "You don't need to burn all bridges."
Spencer started to speak, but Ernest's sharp glare silenced him.
After leaving the hospital, Claudio's anger erupted. "How dare he insult me? He implied I'm incapable! I'll show him!" he raged.
"Grandpa, Dad, we shouldn't have seen him. He's an ungrateful bastard. Let me try; I can save us. We'll show Joe what we're made of," Claudio declared.
Spencer frowned. "He's lived without obstacles for years. He underestimates us. Dad, give him a chance. Joe's determined; he won't spare us. He's set on harming us." He'd always believed Claudio was Edwin's son's superior, and Edwin himself was a failure, no match for Spencer. Joe's success, he felt, was purely luck. Given the opportunity, Claudio would easily defeat him.
Ernest found merit in Spencer's words. "Joe's determined. I understand him now. Last night enraged him; he'll retaliate. But I suspect he's still holding something back. Given our situation, let's try. I'll address the Martin Group shareholders later. We need to oust Joe." He intended to make Joe beg for mercy.
"Grandpa, we need to act now, show him our capabilities. We've always given him the spotlight; this time, we take it back!" Claudio's desire for retribution was palpable.
He envisioned a future where he'd crush Joe's dignity, becoming the foremost Martin in Jipsburg, eclipsing Joe entirely. Ernest, believing implicitly in Claudio's capabilities, agreed. "Alright, no one contacts Joe for the next few weeks. Derek's a liability now, failing to kill Joe."
Claudio and Spencer nodded, hoping to avoid further scandal in Jipsburg, but Joe's power was overwhelming. Despite his injuries, he'd meticulously covered all bases, leaving them vulnerable. The belated realization of Joe's attack on their secret companies filled them with rage.
Half an hour later, Rowan arrived at the hospital. "I heard the news. They're brave, stabbing you!" Rowan, initially believing Joe was mildly wounded, was shocked by the extent of his injuries. He hissed, "They're courting death!"
Joe responded emotionlessly, "Indeed."
Skylar politely offered water, which Rowan declined. "I'll leave after seeing Joe," he said before addressing Joe, "Call if you need anything."
"Alright," Joe replied.
"Speedy recovery. I'm leaving now," Rowan said, explaining his limited time due to his demanding new company and his reluctance to burden Joe. He departed shortly afterward.