Sarah Harper glanced at Brian Grant with a hint of surprise, but didn’t think much of it and said, “Husband, you should know that business at the brokerage has been a bit rough lately, so I plan to cut some unnecessary expenses, including reducing your monthly allowance from three taels to one tael.”

“One tael.” Brian Grant drew in a sharp breath. He’d hoped for more meat, but ended up with half a bowl less rice instead—what a rip-off! He complained, “O-one tael… How is that enough? And… and isn’t this a bit too much of a coincidence? I was just about to ask you for a raise, and now you’re cutting my allowance in half.”

Sarah Harper sighed softly and said, “To be honest, I didn’t just happen to pass by earlier. I actually came to tell you about this, but… but I was worried you’d be upset, so it was hard to bring up. I didn’t expect you to mention it first.” As she finished, her bright eyes showed a trace of gratitude, as if it were all genuine.

I was asking for a raise, and you’re talking about a pay cut—how is that the same thing? Still, this woman is impressive, managing to turn things around like that. Interesting, very interesting.

Actually, Brian Grant wasn’t really short on money; he was just trying to do his job well. However, Sarah Harper’s attitude made him feel challenged. He secretly admired her—no wonder she’s a businesswoman, her acting is top-notch. He said, “If that’s the case, then it’s not your fault. I’ve just shot myself in the foot.”

Sarah Harper pressed her lips together and said, “If business improves in the future, I’ll adjust your allowance back.”

“I understand.”

Brian Grant replied with his head down, sighing.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Mm.”

Sarah Harper gave a slight bow, then turned and left.

This could be considered their first direct confrontation as husband and wife, ending in a complete defeat for Brian Grant. But that was only natural—after all, it’s hard for a worker to outwit the capitalist.

Watching her back, Brian Grant’s expression suddenly changed. He thought to himself, was it Helen Brooks’s poor acting that gave him away, or is her intuition really that sharp, to suspect me so quickly? Turns out, living off a woman is a real skill! Still, those five taels of silver aren’t going anywhere.

Little did he know, Sarah Harper hadn’t even considered that Brian Grant might be the mastermind. She was just a bit concerned that, since Helen Brooks had mentioned Brian Grant several times, Helen Brooks might be secretly using Brian Grant, or that Brian Grant might get dragged in. This deal was crucial for the Harper family, as it also involved their rivalry with the Bennett family.

Chapter 0009: The Waters Are Muddy

Jinyu Pavilion.

“Nephew, have you heard?”

George Reed glanced sideways at Charles Bennett.

Charles Bennett nodded and said, “I’ve already heard. Helen Brooks has hired the Harper family to help him sell the Chen Residence.”

George Reed said, “I know a bit about the grudge between your two families, but I don’t want it to affect my plans.”

Charles Bennett quickly replied, “Please rest assured, Uncle Zhou. If our brokerage wants to profit, we must complete the deal. If someone wanted to buy the Chen Residence, Helen Brooks wouldn’t have waited until now. I can assure you, no matter who Helen Brooks finds, in the end, Jinyu Pavilion will be the one to buy the Chen Residence, and not a single coin more will be paid.”

George Reed nodded and said, “I hope you remember what you said today.”

Previously, Helen Brooks hadn’t made it clear that he wanted to sell the Chen Residence, which was a problem for Charles Bennett. Now that Helen Brooks had asked the Harper family to help sell it, things were actually easier—after all, brokerages are all about making deals.

This showed that Charles Bennett didn’t take the Harper family seriously.

The Harper residence.

“Miss, Charles Bennett is here to see you.”

“He’s come quickly, hasn’t he?”

Sarah Harper pondered for a moment and said, “Go see him together with the young master.”

“The young master?”

William Harper asked in confusion, “But the young master…”

Sarah Harper said, “Father isn’t well, and it’s inconvenient for me to go. Only the young master can go, but you’ll be the main one talking with Charles Bennett.”

She wanted Brian Grant to go partly to observe whether he was involved in this deal, and partly to use him to throw Charles Bennett off guard.

“I understand.”

Although William Harper said this, he still felt something was off.

Meanwhile, Brian Grant was very practical—he took the money and did the job. Even though his allowance had been cut, he still got his meat at every meal, so when he was called, he immediately went to the front hall.

“Didn’t expect to see you again so soon, brother.”

Charles Bennett was genuinely happy to see Brian Grant.

“Brother Liu, it’s an honor to have you here. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

Brian Grant gave a very bookish cupped-fist salute.

William Harper also saluted Charles Bennett.

Charles Bennett nodded slightly, glancing around, feeling a bit conflicted. From a business perspective, he’d rather negotiate with Brian Grant, but… he also wanted to see Sarah Harper.

After some pleasantries, the three entered the main hall, and Charles Bennett quickly got to the point.

“Brother, we’re all in this for profit, especially us brokers. The sooner we close the deal, the sooner we get our commission—why not?”