Observing Lord Elms (Wilfred)’s unwavering demeanor, Banks (Butler) felt a sudden wave of panic surge through his heart.


    He was bewildered by the old man’s abrupt change of stance and was at a loss for words on how to respond to Lord Elms (Wilfred) upon his return.


    Desperate, he pleaded, “If you’re unhappy with the money, that’s understandable. Just let us know! Our master has indicated that the two billion is merely a starting point.”


    “If Mr. Elms finds the offercking, we can easily raise it by three billion. What do you think?!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “Three billion?!” Yoel, who was nearby, was nearly beside himself with disbelief.


    He couldn’t fully grasp the significance of three billion; instead, he focused on the fact that it represented a 50% increase over the initial two billion offer.


    With luxury properties scattered worldwide, the potential forrger homes, bigger yachts, and roomier private jets seemed almost limitless!


    Yoel stared at his father with bloodshot eyes and eximed, “Dad! What’s holding you back? This is three billion!”


    Lord Elms (Wilfred) retorted coldly, “Even if it were thirty billion, I would still refuse!”


    Banks (Butler) was taken aback.


    He had anticipated that if Lord Elms (Wilfred) was dissatisfied with the three billion offer, they could negotiate further. However, it seemed there was no room for negotiation at all.


    His expression darkened, and he nodded slowly, saying, “Alright then! What is your final decision?”<fn09da> Discover more novels at find[?]ovel</fn09da>


    With a grimace, he pointed at Lord Elms (Wilfred) and said, “Old man, you’re refusing a toast and desiring punishment. I’ll make sure to report this to my master. If you change your mindter on, just remember, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”


    Lord Elms (Wilfred) replied sternly, “If you want to remember anything, then remember this: I, Lord Elms (Wilfred), fear nothing!”


    With that, he mmed his hand on the table andmanded, “Someone! Show him out!”


    “No need!” Banks (Butler) gritted his teeth and dered, “I’ll leave on my own!”


    He shot a resentful nce at Lord Elms (Wilfred) and exited the dining room without a backward nce.


    Yoel, agitated, shouted, “Dad! Are you crazy?! We can’t afford to offend the Banks Family!”


    Lord Elms (Wilfred) replied coldly, “I am the head of the Elms family, and I will shoulder all consequences.”


    Realizing that further persuasion would be futile, Yoel took off in pursuit of Banks (Butler).


    Outside the Elms family mansion, Banks (Butler) was fuming as a convoy of buses and trucks rolled in.


    As the lead bus came to a halt, Banks (Butler) approached the driver and instructed, “Just me, take me to the airport!”


    Surprised, the driver was taken aback as Yoel rushed over and leaned against the bus door frame, calling up to Banks (Butler), “Please, calm down!”


    “Calm down?” Banks (Butler) red at Yoel. “I’m furious! Your Elms family thinks they can just brush this off! Just wait and see!”


    Yoel urged, “Listen to me, Banks (Butler). My father is stubborn. Just give me some time, and I’ll convince him. I promise I’ll give you a satisfactory answer!”


    Banks (Butler) scoffed, “Come on, Yoel. You know your father’s character all too well. If you could persuade him, you would already be the head of the Elms family instead of him! He’s in his eighties now.”


    “His unwillingness to hand over the reins shows that he doesn’t trust your abilities! If he doesn’t trust you, how can he listen to your persuasion?”


    Yoel’s face flushed at Banks (Butler)’s words.


    Although Banks (Butler) was trying to stir discord, he was not entirely wrong.


    The fact that Lord Elms (Wilfred) had not yet passed the mantle of leadership to Yoel indicated ack of faith in his capabilities and determination.


    Yoel had been aware of this for a long time.


    He understood that if he lived in ancient times, he would be the crown prince, but which emperor ever abdicated before reaching his eighties?


    Wasn’t this akin to forcing the prince to rebel?


    Anger surged through him as he absorbed Banks (Butler)’sments.


    With a cold expression, he conceded, “You’re right, Banks (Butler), I truly can’t persuade my father.”


    He then dered, “But I can certainly take action myself!”


    Banks (Butler) perked up at this, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Yoel, what are you suggesting?”


    Yoel exined, “It’s simple. My father is unwilling to work with the Banks Family, but I am.”


    “I am second only to him in cultivation within the Elms family. Plus, I have two sons and a group of followers who will support me.”


    “As long as Master Banks is willing to ept us, I’m ready to lead a group to Southaven and pledge myself to him!”


    Banks (Butler) was ted.


    He thought to himself: “The old Elms is too stubborn.”


    “It’s unlikely I can convince him to change his mind, but Yoel appears earnest. If he truly has a loyal following and can lead them to serve Master Banks, then my mission won’t be a total loss.”


    With that, he shifted to a much more amiable demeanor, smiling as he said to Yoel, “Haha, Yoel,e here and let’s discuss this!”


    As he spoke, he extended his hand to pull Yoel closer.


    …


    Meanwhile, back at the Elms family mansion,


    Lord Elms (Wilfred) had announced to his family that all cooperation with the Banks Family would bepletely halted.


    The Elms family, who had been preparing for an early departure to Southaven, no longer needed to make those arrangements.


    After delivering this news, Lord