However, the most crucial point is that his physical body has been completely destroyed, his spirit severely injured, and he has already lost the ability to sense danger at all times and react instinctively.

Yet he felt not the slightest bit of anger or hatred. Instead, while coughing dryly, he let out a cold chuckle: “What’s this? Did I hit the mark, so now you’re furious out of embarrassment?”

Chapter Eleven Company

“Such outrageous talk!”

Jennifer walked up to Ethan Thompson, looking down at him coldly: “I’ll let it go this time because of your ignorance. But if you dare to be so presumptuous again, I’ll tear your mouth apart! Even if you are my own brother. As for Uncle Christian, I’ll persuade him to wait another three months. If you change your mind, you can come to my estate to find me. Andrew, remember this—this is your last chance! Of course, you can refuse, but you’d better be prepared to spend your whole life in that filthy slum.”

At this moment, her delicate and beautiful chin was slightly raised, the corners of her lips curving into a cold, emotionless arc: “Look at the sorry state you’re in, my dear brother! Wearing cheap clothes, living in an apartment with air so foul it makes one want to vomit, eating the food of the lower class, surrounded by thugs, thieves, and prostitutes. Every day you have to bow and scrape, wag your tail and beg, just to earn a bite to eat. Now imagine your future wife and children living with you in a place like this. That must be wonderful. So think carefully about the consequences, Andrew Weldon! And be prepared—no one can refuse Christian without paying a price.”

Ethan Thompson responded calmly, meeting Jennifer’s gaze with a tranquil look: “Don’t worry, I’m not as vain as you, nor as materialistic.”

“That’s only because you haven’t experienced—”

Jennifer couldn’t see the slightest hint of emotion in Ethan Thompson’s eyes, which made her feel an inexplicable irritation, almost losing control.

But in the end, she managed to suppress it, then turned and walked away: “Give me your answer in three months. If you insist, I don’t care. Oliver, heal his wounds!”

The butler behind her immediately bowed slightly toward Jennifer’s departing figure. After Jennifer disappeared outside the door, he expressionlessly took an oak leaf-shaped badge from his pocket. With a snap of his fingers, a ball of green light instantly enveloped Ethan Thompson’s injuries.

“Please reconsider, Young Master Andrew.”

The butler, named Oliver, smiled and placed a hand over his chest in salute to Ethan Thompson: “Miss Jennifer still cares a lot about you, her brother. Things haven’t been going well for her in the family lately, and she really put in a lot of effort to get you this opportunity. She also urgently needs someone to help her—”

His words abruptly stopped, because Ethan Thompson had already coldly pointed toward the door. Oliver understood the gesture and could only smile wryly as he retreated outside.

……

When Oliver returned to the stretch limousine, he found Jennifer looking pale, her eyes red as she gazed out the window. Seeing her expression, he knew his employer must be in a terrible mood, and couldn’t help but sigh softly: “Young Master Andrew is just young and impulsive, Miss, you don’t need to take his words to heart.”

“Do I seem so fragile that I need your comfort?”

Jennifer let out a cold laugh: “What he said is true, there’s nothing to hide about it. But that little brat’s personality really gives me a headache.”

Oliver’s breath caught, then he pondered and said, “I think it’s still too early. Maybe in a few more years, things would be different. Right now, Young Master Andrew is still full of sharp edges.”

“Of course I know that, but Uncle Christian can’t wait any longer, and no one else will give us enough time. Grandfather will retire to the family’s council of elders in just a few years. And among all his children, he only has special feelings for my mother.”

Jennifer tapped her brow with her finger: “Sharp edges, huh? Then find a way to smooth them out! Call the court and try to delay the auction of the property. Tell that Boss Cai that if he wants his restaurant to keep running at market price, he’d better fire my brother as soon as possible. And the social services bureau—have them find a reason to temporarily cut off Andrew’s welfare payments.”

Oliver raised his thick eyebrows: “Welfare payments? That won’t be easy. I’ll do my best.”

According to federal regulations, after Ethan Thompson became an orphan, if he refused to be adopted by another family, he could receive 450 gold shields per week as living expenses from the city government’s social services bureau, until he turned eighteen.

With the power of the Wiltonstein family, canceling this living allowance would be a breeze. But his young lady was destined for a political career. Even a small misstep like this could become ammunition for political opponents in the future.

“I didn’t say to cut it off completely, just temporarily, understand? Just to buy some time, all right?”