On the screen of Justin's phone, the incoming call showed a private number.
Justin's eyes darkened, and the muscles along his chiseled jaw tightened. He slowly picked up his phone and swiped to answer.
"Hello?"
From the other end came Zachary's relaxed, mocking voice. "How have you been, my dear Justin?"
Justin inhaled sharply but remained silent for a beat. In a falsely light-hearted tone, he replied, "I've been well. Thanks for asking, Uncle Zachary."
"Blood is thicker than water. We're family. You don't have to pretend to be strong in front of me."
Zachary chuckled. Then he continued, "I heard about what happened in Solana City tonight, even though I'm all the way in Mosgravia. As the mastermind, you actually staged such an exciting police raid for the members of Kings' Club.
"How much did you lose this time? One billion dollars? Or two? That's too much for you to make up for, isn't it?"
All the color drained from Justin's face. He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking sharply.
Zachary clicked his tongue. "When I return to Cyrris, I must find time to visit your mother's grave. I need to complain to her about what a waste of money it is to raise a child—especially a son."
His tone dripped with ridicule. "I've poured billions into you, and you're still not even married. Given Ms. Alyssa's family's status, even handing over the entire Beckett Group as your wedding gift when you finally marry her might not be enough, would it?
"By the way, has there been any real progress between the two of you yet? When will you finally win her over? As your uncle, I'm still waiting for that wedding invitation of yours."
"Is there anything else you need, Uncle Zachary?"
Justin forced down the fury burning in his chest until his eyes turned bloodshot. In an extremely hoarse voice, he continued, "Since you've already learned about what happened here, you should know my hands are full. I have plenty to deal with.
"You wouldn't want your business matters in Cyrris to end up in chaos, would you?"
Zachary laughed. "I like the way you speak, my dear Justin. You're quite eloquent. Far better than that tongue-tied younger brother of yours who knows nothing but how to work hard, only to give up his power just to live an ordinary life."
A dark malice crept into Zachary's voice as he went on, "I'm not the type to lend a helping hand, but I do enjoy fanning the flames. You can expect a special gift soon. Just sit tight and wait."
With that, he ended the call.
Through bloodshot eyes, Justin stared at the darkened screen of his phone. An icy chill spread through his entire body.

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