Given the Rothschild family’s status and Steve’s role as their second-inmand, most American industrialists couldn’t contact him directly. It was understandable that the chairman didn’t have his information.


    The blond man hurriedly replied, “Steve Rothschild provided a direct line in his announcement. You can reach him anytime.”


    “Quick, give me the number!”


    A minuteter, Steve, who was enjoying lunch, heard his encrypted satellite phone ring.


    Setting down his knife and fork, he answered coldly, “Who is this?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    On the other end came a nervous, obsequious voice. “Mr. Rothschild, this is Matt Finkelstein from the Finkelstein family…”


    “Finkelstein?” Steve frowned. “Your family’s originally from Germany, correct?”


    “Yes…” Matt replied respectfully. “Our family immigrated to the United States in 1938.”


    “Hmm,” Steve acknowledged before asking bluntly, “Did you authorize the secret fund targeting Tawanna?”


    “Yes…” Matt admitted, his tone filled with shame. “I wasn’t aware of your connection to Tawanna when I ced the one-billion-dor bounty. I sincerely apologize for the offense. Please forgive me. I’ve already ordered the funds to be withdrawn and promise never to act against Tawanna again.”


    Steve responded coldly, “Hold on. Don’t hang up. I’ll get back to you.”


    Panicked, Matt stammered, “Okay, okay, I’ll wait!”


    Steve muted the satellite phone and used another device to call charlie Wade.


    As soon as charlie Wade answered, Steve said, “Mr. Wade, I’ve identified the person behind the secret fund. His name is Matt Finkelstein. The funds have already been withdrawn. From the background noise, it sounds like he’s on a ne—probably trying to flee. How would you like to handle him? Should I take care of it?”


    charlie Wade replied, “I don’t hold any grudges against him. Since the funds have been withdrawn and he’s unlikely to repeat this, there’s no need to eliminate him.”


    Steve responded, “Understood. He’s lucky.”


    charlie Wade added, “By the way, if he’s this desperate to target Tawanna, there must be significant external pressure involved. I suggest keeping an eye on him—he might prove useful in the future.”


    Steve said, “The people pressuring him are likely the same tycoons and politicians who usually conspire with him. The sudden changes in Washington have thrown many into a state of panic, and this is probably connected. This man likely knows many secrets. Keeping him as a card in my hand isn’t impossible, but I’m unsure if he’ll cooperate.”


    charlie Wade smiled and said, “Tell him this: when a pack of vicious wild dogs is about to be captured and put down, it’s meaningless for the dogs to turn on each other. Doing so will only make their captors more eager to finish the job. At such a time, the one that survives isn’t the most ferocious dog but the one that someone decides to adopt. That’s the dog that will live.”


    Steve chuckled and said, “I get it, Mr. Wade. I’ll give him that advice. If he can be honest and cooperative, I’ll protect him and keep him as an asset.”


    charlie Wade nodded. “Go ahead. I’ve got nothing more for now.”


    “Understood, Mr. Wade,” Steve replied, then paused as a thought urred to him. “By the way, Mr. Wade, I’m about to head to China. I’ll be managing our family’s business there for an extended period, with the new headquarters in Jinling. When I arrive, I’ll invite you to dinner, and I hope you’ll do me the honor of attending.”


    “Come on now,” charlie Wade said with a smile. “When you arrive, it’s only right that I host a wee party for you. Let me know when you get here, or let Don Albert know, and I’ll definitely attend.”


    “Thank you, Mr. Wade!” Steve said gratefully.


    After ending the call with charlie Wade, Steve picked up the satellite phone and unmuted the line.


    “Matt,” Steve said calmly, “since you’ve admitted your mistake, I won’t make things difficult for you this time.”<fn7d31> Find the newest release on fι?dnοvel</fn7d31>


    On the other end, Matt Finkelstein let out a sigh of relief. Ovee with emotion, his voice cracked as he said, “Thank you! Thank you for your generosity, respected Mr. Rothschild!”


    Steve continued, “By the way, you seemed very eager to target Tawanna. Someone must be pressuring you, correct?”


    “Yes…” Matt sighed heavily and confessed, “To be honest with you, respected Mr. Rothschild, if the secrets Tawanna holds are exposed, many people will want me dead…”


    Steve smiled, recalling charlie Wade’s words, and said, “The reason they want you dead is because of all the terrible things you’ve done. Now that the truth ising out, you’re all turning on each other, aren’t you?”


    “Yes… you’re right,” Matt Finkelstein admitted, not daring to deny it.


    Steve chuckled and said, “I can hear a lot of noise in the background—are you on a ne? Honestly, it’s a bitte to run now. I suggest youe back to New York. I’ll have people protect you. If the timees when I need you to reveal those secrets, as long as you cooperate, I can ensure your survival.”


    He added earnestly, “Matt, remember this: when a pack of vicious wild dogs is about to be captured and put down, it’s pointless for them to turn on each other. Such reckless infighting only makes people more determined to get rid of them all. In times like these, the dog that gets adopted is the one that survives.”