That Mr. Harris was taken aback, but he still walked over, muttering, “If you have something to say, Second Young Master, just say it directly. Are you afraid I won’t hear you from a distance?”

But as soon as he walked up to John Bennett, John Bennett suddenly struck without warning, punching Mr. Harris in the stomach. The powerful force made Mr. Harris immediately spit out a mouthful of blood and collapse to the ground clutching his abdomen.

And that wasn’t the end. With a blank expression, John Bennett kicked Mr. Harris viciously, one kick after another. In an instant, Mr. Harris’s head was covered in blood, and he let out miserable screams.

This was a family council, and no one expected John Bennett to suddenly lash out. By the time everyone reacted, Mr. Harris was already on the verge of death under John Bennett’s feet, barely breathing.

The Second Madam and the others couldn’t help but shiver at the sight of John Bennett’s expressionless face.

It wasn’t just because of John Bennett’s ruthlessness, but also because at this moment, John Bennett seemed like a completely different person, giving them a strong sense of unease.

“Bang!”

Charles Bennett slammed his palm down in anger, and the table beside him instantly shattered into pieces.

“Enough! John Bennett! What do you think you’re doing? Attacking someone in public—do you have no respect for me as your father?”

Seeing Charles Bennett’s fury, John Bennett finally stopped, a strange look flickering in his eyes.

It seemed he really hadn’t won much favor from this cheap father of his before.

Just now, when Richard Bennett acted so presumptuously in front of him, he only gave a mild rebuke. But now that it was his turn to discipline a servant, Charles Bennett was so angry he slammed the table.

John Bennett calmly cupped his hands to Charles Bennett and said, “Please calm your anger, Father. I just lost control for a moment.

Since when is it a servant’s place to interrupt when the master is speaking? I haven’t been back to the Chu family for over a year—has the family become so undisciplined?

With all due respect, Father, you’re usually too kind, which is why these servants have forgotten their place.”

John Bennett shot a cold glance at Mr. Harris at his feet and said, “If someone like this were at the Nanshan Mine, I’d have thrown him out to light the sky lanterns long ago. Father, you may be merciful, but I, John Bennett, am not so easygoing.”

While explaining, John Bennett subtly flattered Charles Bennett a bit, which eased most of Charles Bennett’s anger.

Although Mr. Harris was a relative of the First Madam, he was still just a servant. Was he really going to make his own son apologize for a servant? Even if this was the son he liked least.

Besides, he was in seclusion most of the time and rarely managed family affairs, which had indeed allowed the servants to become unruly.

Charles Bennett waved his hand dismissively and said, “Forget it. Remember this for next time—this is the Chu family, not the Nanshan Mine. If there’s an issue, talk it out. You’re fined three months’ allowance to pay for Mr. Harris’s recovery.”

John Bennett immediately cupped his hands and said, “I obey, Father. But, Father, what about the matter I mentioned before? Am I really supposed to just watch over the Nanshan Mine as my business? Otherwise, what’s the point of calling me back as the heir?”

Charles Bennett frowned. Although he had never intended to pass the position of family head to this son he neither liked nor valued, he couldn’t go too far in front of so many people.

At that moment, the First Madam spoke up discontentedly, “Master, are you just going to let this go? John Bennett committed violence in public—he clearly has no respect for you!”

Hearing the First Madam speak, Charles Bennett’s face darkened, and he snorted coldly, “What do you want me to do? Have him pay with his life for Mr. Harris? I said it’s over, and that’s final. From today on, the Chu family’s trade caravan to Yan State will be handed over to John Bennett to manage. The caravan should be on its way back now. Once it returns, you’ll take over.”

John Bennett bowed to Charles Bennett and said with a smile, “Thank you, Father.”

As he straightened up, John Bennett caught sight of the First Madam and Richard Bennett’s ashen faces, but he didn’t care. That mother and son were a pair of fools.

The First Madam came from a powerful family, but she didn’t know her place.

This was Tongzhou Prefecture, the Chu family’s domain, not her old family. Going head-to-head with Charles Bennett would only make him hate her more.

And as for Richard Bennett, he was seven or eight years older than John Bennett, yet with such an advantage, he still hadn’t become the heir early on. Now he had to compete with his younger brothers all over again—what a useless fool.

Charles Bennett waved his hand and said, “Enough, it’s all settled. Everyone disperse.”

With Charles Bennett’s departure, everyone else left the council hall as well, but before leaving, they all gave John Bennett a strange look.

Especially the Second Madam and her son. Previously, their biggest enemies were the First Madam and Richard Bennett, but now John Bennett had changed so much in just a year and even developed such ambition.

After leaving the council hall, the Second Madam and David Bennett returned to their room. Matthew Bennett couldn’t help but say, “Mother, didn’t you already arrange for someone to get rid of John Bennett? How is he still alive and back here?”