Jennifer's tone rose slightly: "And the school—he transferred to Linden Academy just to get a full scholarship. You should also give a heads-up to the people at Linden Academy; in the next few months, not a single cent should reach his hands. Also, look into his friends and see if there's anything we can use."

　　"Understood! It's just—"

　　Oliver's tone was hesitant, with a hint of admonition: "Won't this backfire? Young master Andrew's personality is such that he probably won't give in easily. In this situation, even if he agrees, I think he'll harbor resentment toward you, miss."

　　"If he has the backbone to hold out, then I'll respect him. But if he gives in, so what if he hates me? As long as we achieve our goal, what can he do to hurt me?"

　　Jennifer waved her hand dismissively: "In the end, what leverage does he have to maintain his pride right now? Wasn't I just as naïve at his age, thinking I could be fearless? Andrew is not that young anymore; it's necessary for him to face reality—"

　　She had just said this when a ringing sounded inside the car. Oliver quickly picked up the brick-like wireless phone and glanced at it, then said with a hint of speculation, "It's a call from the Kajeron Law Firm, probably about the inheritance matters for your parents' company."

　　"The company?" Jennifer Wiltonstein raised her eyebrows in surprise. "It hasn't gone bankrupt yet?"

　　"It can hold on for a while longer; a few of your father's old subordinates are loyal enough. Although they're already insolvent, there's still a property worth 2.4 million gold coins, and the related bank loans haven't matured yet. Your father was very cautious—when they borrowed, they didn't include any early repayment clauses in the contract."

　　Oliver spread his hands: "I estimate they can last another six months or so, but in terms of profitability, the company is already worthless. Your father was the soul of that company."

　　"Then just tell them directly that I give up my right to inherit the company."

　　Jennifer's expression was impatient, tinged with annoyance, as if she'd just swallowed a fly: "And besides, that's not my father. I don't want to hear you say that again."

Chapter Twelve: The Golden Tower

　　Inside the apartment, Ethan Thompson was still slumped on the floor, staring blankly.

　　It wasn't because of the injuries on his face—Oliver's healing spell was quite effective. Less than ten seconds after that green light enveloped him, his wounds and pain had almost completely disappeared.

　　The reason Ethan Thompson sat there dazed was because he was having a headache.

　　When he was talking to Jennifer just now, he was nothing like the Brian Carter from the Original Vault World, who could always remain calm and composed no matter the situation or crisis.

　　If it had been his old self, he would never have acted that way. No matter how much he disliked Jennifer, he could have easily brushed her off. The barking of a powerless dog is just noise.

　　A wise man does not fight when at a disadvantage—why provoke her and get slapped for nothing?

　　Unfortunately, at that moment, both his body and even his own will were out of his control.

　　It was obvious that this was due to the original owner of the body. The lingering consciousness, instincts, obsessions, and even temperament of the previous owner were all influencing him, pushing him to act that way.

　　This meant three things. First, his control over this body was even worse than he had imagined.

　　Second, he had underestimated the impact of fusing with Ethan Thompson's remnant soul on his own spirit.

　　Although he had obtained this body and accepted Ethan Thompson's memories, he himself had also changed in the process. A part of what once belonged to Ethan Thompson had merged into his body, even his soul.

　　Third, the influence of Ethan Thompson's remnant soul on him had been amplified at least tenfold by the secret technique Logan Bennett had cast on him, making his current predicament even worse.

　　Come to think of it, he had already felt something was off back at the gym. How could he have gotten so angry just because of two heavy blows and some contempt from his opponent? He had even recklessly used a move that this body couldn't withstand.

　　The 'Divine Sky Limitless Purple Void Immortal King' of the Original Vault World was notorious for his narrow-mindedness, but he was never so quick to lose his temper over trivial matters.

　　Ethan Thompson thought this was truly a headache. He had always known that fusing with another's remnant soul would bring all sorts of aftereffects, but he had never imagined things would get this bad.

　　The only thing Ethan Thompson could be thankful for was that the fusion of their spirits was still dominated by Brian Carter. After a deep self-examination, he felt there was nothing too abnormal—he was still himself, not being controlled by someone else's mind.

　　However, the fact remained that his personality had changed, and to a large extent, he could no longer act entirely according to his own will. So, whatever he wanted to do in the future, he would have to take this into account.

　　Ethan Thompson reflected for a full ten minutes before finally staggering to his feet and closing his door.

　　The lock was broken and couldn't be fully shut, but it was enough to block out the curious gazes of the neighbors outside.