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Chapter 9
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Winner Takes All Chapter 10
All of Nancy's belongings were gone. Only Austin's and Dahlia's things remained, but they were strewn everywhere.Austin spotted his and Nancy's wedding photo on the floor. It had been torn into half, and only the half with him in it was there.His only photo with Dahlia had also been thrown to the floor. The frame had shattered, and there was a clear shoe print on the edge.Picking up his photo with Dahlia, Austin felt so infuriated that he gritted his teeth and growled, "Have you always found my mom and me to be so unbearable to you?"Austin took a deep breath and carefully pocketed the photo before instructing the movers to start gathering the things.By the time everything was moved to the new rental, it was already 6:00 pm, and Austin had just received Susie's text.He stretched before heading off to Oasis Hotel, the hotel Susie was at.It was a five-star hotel. Up in the suite on the top floor, the massive floor-to-ceiling windows provided an extensive view of the city.S
Winner Takes All Chapter 11
When Susie woke up the next morning, she was alone in the hotel suite.Sitting up wearily, she wrapped herself up in the blanket with a despondent expression. She was a little hungover from the wine she drank last night.All of a sudden, she saw a note on the bed.When she read it, she felt humiliated once more."You must've done yoga before, right?"Even though Austin was gone, Susie could still imagine his teasing tone through the words he wrote.Susie grabbed her head in vexation, but she could not vent her humiliation to anyone.Fortunately, the note also meant that he probably forgave her for what she did yesterday.Just then, Susie received a call from Harvey."Susie! Log into the game and check out my battle results. I played so well last night! I got MVP ten times in a row!"Harvey's ecstatic voice only riled up Susie even further. She had spent the night getting played by another man, but all Harvey could think about was his game.She fumed, "How old are you, Harvey
Winner Takes All Chapter 12
Austin snorted with an icy expression.He was not incompetent by any means. When he was studying, he always ranked one of the top students regardless of the subject. If not because of his concern for Dahlia, as well as his family's circumstances, he could have gone abroad and achieved great success.After graduating from college, he started working at his current company, Dominion Properties. In just three years, he joined the management team as the assistant general manager.If not for Brock, the company's general manager and his immediate superior, he would have achieved far more in the past three years.There was a simple reason why Brock was able to bury Austin's achievements—he was the company owner's brother-in-law.Nepotism was the reason why Brock, an incompetent and mediocre man who only cared about using his position to seek sexual favors, was able to remain in his position as general manager.Austin was the one who handled all of the company's operations.Whenever Bro
Winner Takes All Chapter 13
"Why are you laughing?" Brock snapped with a frown.He declared haughtily, "You should've been the one following up on this project. I was only helping you. Don't tell me you expect me to take the blame for the mess."Brock was twisting things around.Austin shrugged. Seething, he sneered and replied, "Sorry. I won't be taking the blame for you this time."What?Brock was dumbstruck. Had Austin gone mad?In the past, whenever Brock pulled this stunt, Austin would agree to it right away!It did not seem like Austin would change his mind, and Brock was starting to panic. The price he agreed to was 30 million more than what the company budgeted for. At a price like that, even if they completed the slum redevelopment project, the company would still go bankrupt from the losses incurred.Brock's brother-in-law was coming over to inspect the company this afternoon. If he found out what happened, he would be furious enough to kick Brock out of the company.After all these years, Broc
Winner Takes All Chapter 14
"You're a lunatic, you motherfucker! So you don't want your job anymore, huh? Get the fuck out of here!" Brock hollered.He had a lot of bark, but certainly no bite. His years of lusting after women had left him in poor health. Thus, he dared not get physical with Austin.Instead, he continued to shout, "You're fired! Get the hell out of here now! Yeah, you're right. I'm cursing your mom! She's a goner! Now that you've lost this job, you can stay in the hospital and die with your mom!"Austin started kicking Brock once more.In the three years with the company, he worked tirelessly and even took the fall for Brock countless times. It was all because he wanted to earn money to treat Dahlia's condition and let her have an easy life.He did not mind being humiliated, but he would never allow anyone to humiliate Dahlia!Brock's howls echoed in the office.The commotion drew the attention of all the company's employees.A group of them stood outside the general manager's office and
Winner Takes All Chapter 15
Austin smirked as he continued to sit calmly.It was not easy to buy a company.Furthermore, thanks to his management in the last two years, Dominion Properties' profits kept growing.That being said, as long as the price was right, there was nothing in the world that could not be bought.If there were, it was only a matter of upping the offer!As he had an orchid card that gave him access to a bank account with one billion, he could easily afford to buy Dominion.However, it was quicker to let Ezra handle the buyout instead of negotiating the purchase himself.Brock took the call and said in a groveling tone, "Hi, Jacob. When are you coming over? I'll make the arrangements to receive you and give you a report on the company's situation. I just got rid of someone who caused a huge mess for the company."Since he had already fired Austin, he could easily throw the latter under the bus for the contract with the exorbitant price.After all, now that Austin was no longer part of t
Winner Takes All Chapter 16
"Are you done? If you are, kindly get the hell out of here," Austin growled. He rubbed his face before shooting a seething glare at Brock.He knew Brock was an incompetent fool. It did not surprise him that the latter had signed an exorbitant contract.That being said, he did not expect it to be an extra 30 million."Sure. I'll be on my way right now."Brock marched out of the office with a victorious grin. At the door, he glanced arrogantly at all the employees and said, "You heard what happened. Since I've been your boss for so long now, out of consideration for you guys, I'll give you all a chance."He stuck up two fingers and continued, "As long as you come with me, I guarantee that I'll look out for you. Or, you can stay in the company with that loser Austin and watch as the company goes bankrupt."Alas, no one responded.The employees knew full well who truly ran Dominion Properties all these years.Having worked with Austin and Brock, they were perfectly aware of both me
Winner Takes All Chapter 17
Over at Austin's new rental, Ezra was sitting on the couch and looking at Austin with a grim expression."Sir, you were too hasty in making the decision to buy Dominion Properties. The west city slum redevelopment project that Dominion just signed on to handle is enough to bankrupt the company."After getting Austin's call, Ezra immediately got in touch with the necessary parties. Relying on his identity and an offer that was three times Dominion's market value, he was able to complete the purchase within minutes.But when he looked into Dominion's situation afterward, he realized the severity of the situation.If one were to solely look at Dominion's profits, the buyout would not be a loss at all. At most, it would simply be investing 130 million into a learning opportunity for Austin.If Austin wanted to return to his father's family with Dahlia, he needed to gain such experiences.Dominion would keep growing and becoming more profitable—enough to silence the naysayers in the f
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Winner Takes All Chapter 765
Austin never expected that Nancy would come back.As he returned to the Tetra Club, he remained sullen, his eyes dark with unresolved anger.Seeing Austin like this, Cecily felt a pang of sadness.She gently tried to comfort him, "It's all in the past now, isn't it? I'm here with you, and we have our baby on the way.""I can't just let it go," Austin shook his head."The best I can do is not seek revenge against them, but to truly forgive and forget—I can't do that."The actions of Nancy's family were still fresh in his memory.Austin wasn't someone who sought revenge for every slight, but he was far from the kind of person who could simply forgive and forget, moving on with a carefree "Hallelujah."Dahlia's despair as she lay in bed, the arrogance and cruelty of the Welch family…In the eyes of the Welch family, Dahlia's life wasn't worth as much as Harvey's wedding.Even when the time had passed and he was about to finally be happy with Cecily, the Welch family not only dem
Winner Takes All Chapter 764
After leaving this city, Nancy put in a tremendous amount of effort to "rebirth" herself.Meeting Ethan had shown her a different side of life.While he wasn't part of the uppermost echelons of wealth and power, he had enough. Most importantly, he treated her with the utmost respect.She understood Ethan's background, which made that respect all the more valuable.A man of his stature could have any woman he wanted in his bed the same night.Yet Ethan had shown her incredible patience, making her question whether the rumors about him were true.Tonight, returning to this city was her way of bidding farewell to the past and embracing the future.After all, people need to look forward, don't they?Meanwhile, Ethan was feeling more dejected than he'd ever been.Lying in his luxurious bed in Brook Villa, he couldn't sleep, tossing and turning restlessly.He had hoped to establish a connection with Austin. A figure like him would be incredibly valuable to have on his side.He tho
Winner Takes All Chapter 763
The river breeze was cool, and the lights reflected on the water flickered softly.The figure in front of them wore a long black coat, standing quietly by the railing. Her fair, delicate profile, partially obscured by a few strands of windblown hair, carried a hint of melancholy."Sir, Mrs. Campbell, is something wrong?" Aldus noticed the change and quickly stepped forward to inquire."Let's go home," Austin suddenly said, his previously cheerful expression now somber, with a touch of disdain.Go home? They had just arrived.Aldus was surprised and quickly followed Austin's gaze. When he saw what Austin was looking at, he immediately understood.Without a word, he turned to leave with Austin.But a soft hand gently grabbed Austin's arm."It's been so many years, aren't you going to say hello?" Cecily asked."I have no desire to greet her," Austin said, his disdain clear and unhidden.Three years of marriage, filled with nothing but pain.Even when Dahlia was gravely ill, Nan
Winner Takes All Chapter 762
After a busy day, just as Austin was about to finish up, a new invitation appeared on his desk."Who delivered this?" Austin asked."Ethan," Wolf replied.Austin chuckled, didn't bother opening the invitation, and instead tossed it directly into the trash."I've got to get home to Cecily."When he returned to the Bamboo Parlor at Tetra Club, Raquel had already prepared a delicious dinner.The dishes were beautifully presented, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.After dinner, Austin and Ezra stepped out into the courtyard."Mr. Lockwood, any news from the Campbells about my dad?" Austin asked, the text message from Walter still weighing heavily on his mind.Considering the Campbells' efforts to find Walter, and given their intelligence resources, they should have been some leads by now.But Ezra shook his head. "Nothing, Not a trace.""The Campbells' intelligence network has never been this weak, has it?" Austin frowned, speaking in a low tone.Ezra gave a wry smile. "
Winner Takes All Chapter 761
"Childhood?"Austin stopped his workout, wiped the sweat from his face, and smiled bitterly.His childhood had been bleak.Only Dahlia had brought some light into the darkness.Seeing Austin's pained smile, Aldus immediately realized his mistake.He quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Sir. I spoke without thinking. You don't need to answer that.""It's fine," Austin replied, gesturing towards a nearby bench, and inviting Aldus to sit with him.Once they were seated, Austin slowly began to speak. "There's not much to tell about my childhood. It was mostly just being called an 'illegitimate child' and living day to day, never knowing where my next meal would come from."If it weren't for my mom fighting tooth and nail to raise me, I'd probably be dead by now."With just a few simple words, he conveyed a world of suffering.Aldus felt a wave of guilt. He had only been trying to find clues from Austin's past that might explain his exceptional combat instincts and incredible physical
Winner Takes All Chapter 760
Austin's gaze softened as warmth flooded his heart.Who hasn't longed for a light left on just for them in a sea of lights? But in reality, how many actually have that?Cecily did that for him.Given her background, the fact that she went to such lengths truly surprised Austin.In the three years he spent in the past, he had never experienced something like this.His nose tingled with emotion as he pulled Cecily into his arms, speaking softly, "Thank you. Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my life.""Alright, alright, I asked Raquel to prepare breakfast earlier this morning. You go to the dining room, and I'll have her bring it over," Cecily said as she gently slipped out of Austin's embrace, her graceful smile lighting up her eyes."Doesn't Bamboo Parlor have a kitchen?" Austin asked, curious.Cecily gave him a playful look. "The chairs in the living room are so hard, and you spent the whole night on one—how could you have slept well? If Raquel had been clattering around
Winner Takes All Chapter 759
The room fell into a heavy silence."Deactivating the phone number… was Dad trying to prevent me from tracking his location?" Austin murmured with a frown.Ezra pondered for a moment, his voice low and serious. "Perhaps he was more concerned about someone else tracking him."Austin's eyes widened in realization.Of course—if Walter could send him a message to let him know he was safe, he wouldn't be worried about Austin tracking himDeactivating the phone was likely to prevent others from tracing his location."But who is he trying to avoid?"Ezra shook his head, remaining silent.Having followed Walter for many years, he knew the man's temperament and habits. But this time, he was truly baffled.He couldn't even begin to piece together a clue.Taking a deep breath, Ezra forced a bitter smile. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss this time, sir. There's no sign of anything unusual from the Campbells either."This statement only deepened Austin's confusion.If there were anyone who cou
Winner Takes All Chapter 758
Austin knocked softly on the door.Almost immediately, he heard the sound of shuffling from inside.Ezra opened the door, his face full of curiosity. "Sir, what's going on?"Austin quickly made a shushing gesture, worried about disturbing Cecily.Then he gently pushed Ezra back into the room."Sorry to bother you so late, Mr. Lockwood," Austin said.Ezra smiled. "It's no trouble at all. The older you get, the less you need. I was just reading."Austin glanced at the book on Ezra's bedside table and couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.This old rascal!Ezra blushed and quickly shoved the book under his pillow.Austin sat on the bed and pulled up the text message from Walter, showing it to Ezra."I just received this message."When Ezra read the text, his eyes lit up with a sharp gleam, and he was overjoyed. "This is from Mr. Walter!"Austin nodded, his expression serious. "But I've sent several messages back, and there's been no reply. I called twice—once it was immedi
Winner Takes All Chapter 757
"The underground king of Eastbrook bows down."This news swept through Eastbrook like a storm.Ethan knew that by doing this, he would become the laughingstock of the entire city. But he also knew he had no choice—he had to do it!Even if he became a joke, he would remain the underground king. But if he refused to lower his head, he would end up a dead man.He understood the situation perfectly.In fact, that very night, a message was released from Brook Villa.No one is to compete for the land!This is a clear warning to all real estate companies in Eastbrook. It was also a gesture of goodwill toward Austin.But Austin didn't pay it much mind.If not for Derrick's involvement, he had no idea how Ethan would have responded—but Austin knew his response would have been much tougher.A mere city's underground king? He didn't even compare to the richest man in Basin City or the capital—he wasn't even worthy of carrying their shoes!After leaving Brook Villa, Austin didn't linger
