Blackstone Code

Lynch had originally planned to stay in Bupayne for a week but ended up staying for eleven days. On the way back, he sighed in relief. The gains from this trip to Bupayne far exceeded his expectations.

The gains were not about getting to know Herbert and other bond holders, especially not Herbert. Such "ruthless" capitalists, given enough profit, would sell everyone out without a second thought.

Lynch had heard some rumors about Herbert from others. This suave gentleman had an infamous nickname—The Dream Shredder.

Any company he targeted was unlikely to escape dismemberment.

In recent years, the overall decline in the real economy hadn't given him many opportunities to showcase his abilities, making him less renowned than before. But it was definitely not due to him becoming any less ruthless, just that the returns didn't meet his standards.

People like him were often cold-blooded, indifferent, and calm. They viewed all matters objectively, including those that concerned themselves, and then chose the most beneficial option.

Don't expect emotions or minor alliances to bind him; he simply wanted to exploit the people around him.

Lynch's real gain was the inspiration he got from the small print company owner, learning that bonds could be transformed into cash. This method of security was very appealing to a speculator like Lynch.

However, he did not fully trust the small business owner. He planned to verify it through other means.

"You've worked hard these past few days. Thank you," Lynch said as they exited the station. His luxury car was already waiting outside, having been arranged through the residential compound's service company.

Vera shook her head. "Honestly, I've gained a lot too. It was a very interesting experience. To be frank, I didn't expect the conversations there to be so...," she paused, stifling a laugh before choosing a less harsh word, "vulgar."

In Vera's mind, such high-society circles would discuss serious topics—from classic literature to world-renowned art, operas, or jewelry.

But the women she met were no different from those in her current residential compound. They talked about food, drink, entertainment, and were curious about Vera and Lynch's special relationship.

Initially, she tried to avoid these topics, but her reluctance only piqued their interest. They discussed how Vera managed to keep Lynch happy and whether their nightlife was harmonious.

Some comments were so blunt that Vera felt embarrassed, but the ladies seemed accustomed to such talk, which was completely different from what she had imagined.

What she didn't understand was that in fact these women were only left with their outward glamor.

Most of their husbands were rarely at home, and as renowned, wealthy capitalists, many people were eager to throw themselves at them. Some things happened not because one wanted them but because others did.

The fiery advances from various young women were hard for these men to resist, especially those in their thirties and forties, who were in their prime.

Once they succumbed the first time, it would lead to a second, a third...

But these men would not divorce their wives, as that would mean splitting their assets. Nor would they hire hitmen to deal with their spouses, as that would lead to a total loss of control.

Maintaining a superficial marriage was their choice. Men indulged outside, and the women were not exactly innocent either.

Drivers, gardeners, cooks, young employees—as long as their circles of joy didn't intersect and cause big problems, they would play their own games.

Thus, these women were so bold in discussing topics that would make Vera blush. They had long since become fearless.

Some said it was the emptiness that came with immense wealth, but as long as they were happy, who really cared?

The car slowly started, and Lynch's gaze shifted from Vera to the roadside outside the car window. In just half a month, the situation in Sabin City had deteriorated significantly.

The financial tsunami had reached Sabin City, with more people losing their jobs and becoming homeless on the streets.

Due to the recent boom in the financial market, some small factory owners had put their operating funds into the stock market.

The returns from investing in stocks were higher than the profits from producing and selling goods, so they leaned more towards stock investment.

But the stock market crash ruined everything. They lost all their money and couldn't pay wages, leading to bankruptcy.

All assets went into liquidation, the land was reclaimed by the government, and the workers took to the streets.

The scene on the streets seemed to have regressed by decades or even centuries, filled with a depressing gloom.

The car stopped outside Vera's residential compound, which had lost its vibrancy. The guard post was empty, and the barriers meant to control access were lifted, allowing free entry and exit.

Lynch intended to drop Vera at the gate but, seeing the situation, ordered the driver to drive in.

Since entering the gate, Lynch noticed seven or eight houses with "For Sale" signs. The simple, memorable contact numbers indicated that these properties now belonged to the bank.

The car stopped outside Vera's house. Some neighbors, still around, peered through their windows at the scene, seeing the driver, Vera, and a handsome young man.

"Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee," Vera offered. It was still broad daylight, and since Lynch had brought her to her doorstep, not inviting him in seemed impolite.

Lynch was about to decline, feeling it inappropriate to enter under so many watchful eyes, but the door opened first.

Gap stood behind it, his expression unreadable. After a couple of seconds, he forced a smile. "This must be Mr. Lynch. Please, come in."

The two men stared at each other for a few seconds before Lynch changed his mind, nodding in agreement.

The curious or malicious gazes from the neighbors gradually withdrew as Lynch entered the house.

It was a typical middle-class home, with a large carpet in the living room and ivory-white leather sofas, a style popularized by the hit TV show "Middle-Class Family." This decor was almost a symbol of elevating a family's social status and remained unchanged, beloved by middle-class households.

Gap sat with Lynch while Vera went to change and bring drinks and snacks. Gap began to assert his role as the head of the household, "When I first heard that Vera had a job, I thought it was just for her to pass the time. After all, staying home all the time isn't good."

He laughed, "I never expected she'd become an office manager so quickly, overseeing people. That was quite surprising."

"I know her capabilities well, and I'm grateful you gave her this opportunity."

Though his words seemed fine, Lynch sensed the underlying warning. Gap was subtly reminding him that Vera was his wife.

It was a discreet warning, using "not expecting Vera to be capable" as a pretext, implying that Lynch gave Vera the job due to his desire for her.

Lynch responded with a light-hearted smile, "I would never underestimate anyone, whether they're a man, woman, elderly, or child."

"As long as someone has ambition and courage, they have the right to pursue their dreams. She's your wife, Mr. Gap."

Lynch's small counterattack implied that Gap shouldn't belittle his own wife. Gap hadn't expected his veiled accusation to be understood and countered so subtly.

He didn't immediately retort but observed Lynch.

Lynch possessed qualities that Gap and most men envied.

He was young, tall in a society where that was rare, and exceptionally handsome—the most frustrating part, as this couldn't be changed through effort.

He was also very wealthy, which made it even more disheartening. Gap's friends in Bupayne had talked about Lynch, fueling his current anger.

In Bupayne, people saw his wife and Lynch as a couple, which infuriated him.

However, a civilized man's anger differed from a barbarian's. A civilized man would consider factors like the law, social status, and strength, then choose a way to vent his anger without losing face.

A barbarian would just throw a punch.

Gap was such a civilized man. Although he wanted to punch Lynch, he knew the consequences and costs. He was about to speak when Vera interrupted, carrying a tray of drinks and snacks.

"What were you two talking about?" she asked as she set the tray down.

Gap placed a hand on Vera's waist, almost like marking his territory. "Nothing much, just chatting."

Vera looked at Lynch, doubting that the two men would have a casual chat in secret. Lynch nodded, confirming, "We were discussing the lead actress in a new film. Mr. Gap and I share similar views."Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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