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74 Chapter 74 The Two–Billion Twist: A Rival’s Fury
I leaned forward in my chair, unable to hide my curiosity. “Leopold, what did Isabelle say when she called you?”
Leopold folded his hands on the desk, his expression carefully neutral. “Miss Ashworth instructed me to prepare something for you. She was quite specific about the details.”
“Something for me?” My mind raced with possibilities.
“An opportunity, Mr. Knight.” Leopold reached into his briefcase and extracted a leather portfolio. “Miss Ashworth has arranged for a loan to be made available to you. Two billion, to be precise. Interest–free.”
I felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of me. “Two billion? That’s impossible.”
Leopold slid the portfolio across the desk. “I assure you it’s very possible when someone like Miss Ashworth makes the request.”
My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the portfolio. Inside was a contract, the figures printed in clear, unmistakable numbers: $2,000,000,000.00.
“This must be a mistake,” I said, scanning the paperwork. The loan terms were extraordinarily favorable – no interest, flexible repayment schedule, minimal collateral requirements.
Leopold smiled thinly. “No mistake. The Ashworth family’s relationship with our institution spans generations. When they make requests, we accommodate them.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “But why would she-*
A commotion in the hallway interrupted my question. The door swung open without warning, revealing a tall man in an expensive tailored suit. His confident stride and imperious expression suggested someone accustomed to commanding attention.
“Leopold, my friend!” The man announced as if he owned the place. “I’ve cleared my schedule for our meeting. I trust you have good news about my loan application?”
Leopold stood, his demeanor cooling noticeably. “Mr. Hawthorne, you’re early. And we don’t have an appointment scheduled for today!”
Sebastian Hawthorne. I recognized the name immediately. The businessman who’d
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been making waves throughout Eldoria, buying up properties and businesses at an aggressive pace. The man I’d strategized to block just minutes ago.
Sebastian’s eyes narrowed as they landed on me. “Who’s this? I was under the impression our meeting would be private.”
“Mr. Liam Knight,” Leopold introduced me with a meaningful glance. “He was just concluding his business.”
Sebastian barely acknowledged me with a dismissive nod before turning back to Leopold. “Well, I’m sure whatever minor transaction he’s handling can wait. We have more substantial matters to discuss.”
I remained seated, curious to see how this would unfold.
Leopold cleared his throat. “Actually, Mr. Hawthorne, I was about to call your office. There have been some… complications with your loan application.”
Sebastian’s confident smile faltered. “Complications? What complications? Your preliminary assessment indicated everything was in order.”
“Upon further review, our risk assessment team has identified concerns about your company’s stability, Leopold explained, his voice professionally detached. “The loan committee cannot approve your application at this time.”
The change in Sebastian was immediate and dramatic. His face reddened, and a vein bulged at his temple. “That’s ridiculous! My company has perfect credit! We’ve leveraged substantial assets as collateral!”
“Nevertheless, the decision stands,” Leopold replied. “Perhaps in six months, after your company demonstrates more consistent performance…”
Sebastian slammed his hand on the desk. “Six months? The entire point of this loan is time–sensitive acquisitions! You know that!”
I observed the exchange silently, fascinated by the unfolding drama. Sebastian’s desperation was palpable, suggesting the loan was far more critical to his plans than he wanted to admit.
“Mr. Hawthorne, please control yourself, Leopold said sharply. “This is still a place of business.
Sebastian took a deep breath, visibly struggling to compose himself. When he spoke
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again, his voice had shifted to a conspiratorial tone. “Leopold, we’ve known each other for years. Surely there’s something that can be done? Perhaps if I increased the collateral? Or paid a premium on the interest rate?”
Leopold shook his head. “I’m afraid the decision is final.”
Sebastian’s gaz
gaze drifted to the portfolio on the desk between us – my portfolio, with the edge of the loan document visible. His eyes widened as he glimpsed the figures.
“What’s this?” he demanded, reaching for the document before Leopold could stop him. He scanned the first page, his face growing increasingly pale. “Two billion? Interest–free? This is…” His head snapped up, eyes burning with fury as they fixed on me. “This can’t be happening.
I met his gaze steadily. “Problem, Mr. Hawthorne?”
“Who the hell are you?” Sebastian demanded, tossing the portfolio back onto the desk. “Some Ashworth puppet? What gives you the right to this kind of capital?” T
Leopold cleared his throat. “Mr. Knight’s qualifications are none of your concern, Mr. Hawthorne.”
Sebastian whirled to face Leopold. “My loan application was for one and a half billion. Now it’s suddenly rejected, while this… nobody gets approved for two billion? With no interest?” His voice rose with each word. “You’ve been stringing me along!”
“Mr. Hawthorne, I’ll have to ask you to leave if you can’t conduct yourself professionally, Leopold warned.
But Sebastian was beyond reason now. He pointed an accusing finger at me. “You. What’s your angle? Who’s backing you?”
I rose slowly from my chair, deliberately straightening my jacket. “I believe our business here is concluded, Leopold. I’ll review these documents and be in touch.”
“Of course, Mr. Knight,” Leopold replied, his tone respectful. “Take all the time. need.”
you
My casual dismissal of his presence seemed to push Sebastian over the edge.
*Leopold Shepherd!” he furiously shouted, his face contorted with rage. “You’re fucking playing with me! No matter his qualifications or resources, this kid is no match for me! And yet, he gets a two–billion loan? I should have known you gave my approved
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loan to this kid!”
Leopold rose from his chair, unfazed by the outburst. A cold, mocking smile spread across his face as he stared down Sebastian.
“Mr. Hawthorne,” he sneered, “congratulations on guessing correctly. Unfortunately, there is no reward.”
I watched Sebastian’s face as the confirmation sank in. His eyes bulged, and for a moment, I thought he might actually lunge across the desk at Leopold. Instead, he turned to me, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
“You have no idea what you’ve done,” he said. “No idea who you’re dealing with.”
I picked up the portfolio, tucking it under my arm. “Actually, I think I do. Goodbye, Mr. Hawthorne.”
As I walked past him toward the door, I could feel his hatred radiating like heat. I knew I’d made a powerful enemy today, but with Isabelle’s unexpected backing and two billion dollars at my disposal, I felt more than ready for whatever Sebastian Hawthorne might throw my way.
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