In the attic of the Hughes Manor, the patriarchs of the Ten Greatest Families of Eastcliff had gathered together.
"Samuel, is this really not a joke?" Johnny asked, smiling as he sat to the side.
The other family patriarchs were also gathered around, their faces similarly plastered with bright, expectant smiles.
"How many times do I have to say it? Miss Leanna Sandel just called me. She told us Mr. Larson is going to break the economic blockade set by the Cunningham Family and others. He's inviting everyone to join in, to share the spoils," Samuel repeated, his voice carrying a note of excitement.
His words lifted the spirits of the gathered patriarchs.
"Haha, no one is going to stop the Leigh Family this time! We're ready to invest big!"
"Bullshit, Johnny! You're always bluffing. The Sandel Family is ready to put up half the capital to support Mr. Larson!"
"Oh, give me a break! Leanna is already with Larson. You think you deserve to call the shots too?"
Soon, the grand hall filled with the sound of old men and middle-aged leaders arguing energetically, each one jockeying to secure a larger share of the potential spoils. Baker Sandel, in particular, argued as fiercely as if he were engaged in a famous debate, holding nothing back.
"Stop, stop! Everyone, calm down!" Samuel shouted from the front of the hall, waving his hands in frustration as the chaos continued. Alas, no one listened to him. The patriarchs kept arguing, their voices growing louder and more competitive.
"Right, the secret plan Leanna left behind," Samuel suddenly remembered. He quickly turned to the sealed instructions Leanna had provided in advance, knowing full well that the gathering would descend into such chaos.
As he read the paper, his eyes widened in shock.
"Gentlemen, even if you pool all your wealth together, I doubt it would be enough for this," he said, his voice breaking the noise in the hall.
Samuel chuckled softly, glancing at their stunned faces. "What's wrong, boys? No more fighting over shares?"
The room remained quiet, the bravado from moments ago long gone. They all bowed their heads, realizing how foolish they had sounded.
"Master Sandel, didn't you say you'd cover half?" Samuel teased, glancing at Baker, who quietly tried to retreat into the crowd.
Samuel sighed, then addressed the group seriously. "Let's be realistic. We'll be lucky if we can gather even one-fifth of that amount. But the rest? We don't need to come up with it ourselves. We can't raise the full amount, but we can spread the word. With Mr. Larson's name backing us, investors will flock to join. By securing even a fifth of the total, we'll be the first in line for the rewards."
The gathered patriarchs blinked in surprise, realizing that Samuel had hit upon a brilliant strategy.
Of course!
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