70 Chapter 70 – The Banker’s Gratitude, The Enemy’s Downfall
I stood by the window in the Shepherd’s grand living room, watching the morning light spill across the manicured garden. Behind me, the sound of cheerful conversation and clinking dishes drifted from the direction of the dining room. The change in the household’s atmosphere was striking–just yesterday, these same walls had contained nothing but despair and the looming specter of death.
“Mr. Knight?”
I turned to find Mrs. Shepherd standing in the doorway, her face glowing with health. No trace remained of the deathly pallor that had gripped her just twenty–four hours earlier.
“Mrs. Shepherd,” I said with a slight bow. “You should be resting.”
She waved away my concern with a smile. “I’ve spent enough time in bed. I feel marvelous–better than I have in months.” She approached me, her eyes shining with sincerity. “Leopold told me everything. How you tried to help, how he turned you away, and how you came back despite that. I can never thank you enough.”
“I’m simply glad to see you well,” I replied.
“Mother!” Jonah’s voice called from down the hall. “You shouldn’t be wandering around!”
Mrs. Shepherd rolled her eyes good–naturedly. “They’re treating me like I’m made of glass. Come, Mr. Knight–breakfast is ready, and my husband has been waiting to speak with you.”
I followed her to the dining room where Leopold and Jonah immediately rose from their seats. Leopold’s eyes were still rimmed with red–evidence of the tears he’d shed in relief.
“Knight,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Please, join us.”
The table was laden with an impressive spread–clearly the Shepherds had instructed their chef to prepare their finest breakfast in my honor. As I took my seat, I noticed how Leopold’s gaze rarely left his wife, as though afraid she might vanish if he looked
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away too long.
“I can’t begin to express my gratitude, Leopold said as a servant poured coffee for me “When I think of how close we came to losing Eleanor because of my stubborn pride.
“Leopold, enough,” his wife said gently. “What matters is that Mr. Knight was gracious enough to help us despite your initial… skepticism.”
Jonah leaned forward, his expression solemn. “Mr. Knight, I owe you an apology as well. I doubted your abilities when you first arrived.”
I took a sip of my coffee before responding. “You were protecting your mother. There’s no need to apologize for that.”
“Still,” Jonah insisted, rising from his chair and dropping to one knee beside me, “I’l never forget what you’ve done for our family.” The young man who had once looked at me with suspicion now gazed at me with nothing but reverence.
Leopold immediately followed his son’s example, pushing back his chair and kneeling as well. The sight of Eldoria Bank’s powerful director on his knees before me was striking–a testament to how completely circumstances had changed.
“My life and my family’s happiness are forever in your debt,” Leopold declared, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. “Anything within my power to grant is yours for the asking.”
I gestured for them both to rise. “Please, that isn’t necessary. I’m satisfied knowing Mrs. Shepherd is well again.”
“Nonsense,” Leopold said as he returned to his seat. “A man of honor pays his debts. We would be honored if you would join us for dinner tonight. A proper celebration of Eleanor’s recovery.”
—“I would be delighted,” I replied, knowing the value of maintaining such a connection.
Throughout breakfast, I observed the Shepherd family dynamics–the way Leopold tenderly served his wife the choicest portions, how Jonah had positioned himself so he could keep watch over his mother, the gentle teasing between them all. It was the picture of a loving family that had narrowly escaped tragedy, and their gratitude toward me was palpable in every interaction.
After the meal, Leopold invited me to his study–a richly appointed room lined with
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dark wooden bookshelves and dominated by a massive antique desk.
“I have something for you,” he said, unlocking an ornate cabinet in the corner. From within, he withdrew a small wooden box inlaid with mother–of–pearl. “This has been in my possession for nearly three decades.”
He placed the box in my hands. When I opened it, I found a gnarled root nestled on a bed of red silk–a wild ginseng, its surface weathered and golden with age.
“Changbai Mountain Wild Ginseng,” I remarked, instantly recognizing the rare herb. “It must be at least sixty years old.”
Leopold nodded, pleased by my knowledge. “Seventy–three, to be exact. A Chinese banking associate gifted it to me when we finalized our first international partnership. I’ve been saving it for a worthy occasion.” He gestured to the box. “I can think of no one more deserving of it than you.”
I carefully closed the box, genuinely moved by the gift. Such a specimen was nearly priceless, especially to someone with my knowledge of medicinal herbs.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “This is an extraordinarily generous gift.”
“It’s nothing compared to what you’ve given us.” Leopold moved behind his desk, his demeanor shifting slightly from grateful family man to the shrewd banker I knew him to be. “Now, regarding what I said earlier–about anything within my power being yours for the asking. I meant it, Knight. The influence of Eldoria Bank extends throughout the business world of not just Havenwood, but well beyond. Whatever you need, I’m prepared to make it happen.”
I set the ginseng box on the edge of his desk, considering my response carefully. I had anticipated this moment–the offer of a substantial favor from a man of considerable influence. Through my connections, I already knew that Sebastian Hawthorne had applied for a massive loan from Eldoria Bank just days ago–a loan that would save his failing business empire.
“Actually,” I said slowly, “there is something.”
Leopold leaned forward eagerly. “Name it.”
“I understand that Sebastian Hawthorne has applied for a significant loan recently. Twenty billion, if my information is correct.”
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Leopold’s eyebrows rose slightly. “You’re well–informed. Yes, the application is
currently under review. The Hawthornes have been clients of ours for generations, though this request is unusually large.”
I met his gaze steadily. “I want you to deny that loan.”
A brief silence followed as Leopold studied my face. “You and the Hawthornes have history.”
It wasn’t a question, but I answered anyway. “Yes. And I would consider it a personal favor if Eldoria Bank would reject Sebastian’s application.” I paused, then added with cold precision: “And any future applications from the Hawthorne family.”
Leopold tapped his fingers thoughtfully on his desk. “That’s a significant request. Sebastian’s been counting on that capital to save several of his businesses from collapse.”
“I understand the magnitude of what I’m asking,” I replied calmly. “If you prefer to offer something else-”
“No,” Leopold interrupted, his expression resolute. “I said anything within my power, and this certainly qualifies.” He reached for his phone. “In fact, I’ll make the call right now. The loan committee meets this afternoon to finalize their recommendation.”
As he dialed, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. Without the loan from Eldoria, Sebastian would be forced to liquidate assets at fire–sale prices just to meet his immediate obligations. The financial empire his family had built over generations would begin to crumble–exactly as I had planned.
“Thomas? Leopold Shepherd here,” he said into the phone. “Regarding the Hawthorne application we discussed yesterday–I’ve decided it’s not in the bank’s best interest to proceed.” He paused, listening. “Yes, I understand it’s unusual for me to intervene directly, but I have concerns about their long–term viability that weren’t apparent in the initial review.”
I watched him issue what amounted to a financial death sentence for my enemies, all while maintaining the calm, professional demeanor of a seasone ‘banker making a routine business decision.
“Furthermore,” Leopold continued, his eyes meeting mine, “I want a note added to their file indicating that the Hawthorne businesses should be considered high–risk
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clients going forward. Any future loan applications will require my personal approval.” Another pause. “Yes, that’s correct. Thank you, Thomas.”
He ended the call and turned to me. “It’s done. The committee will formalize the rejection this afternoon, but the outcome is no longer in question.”
“Thank you,” I said simply, though the words hardly conveyed the satisfaction I felt.
Leopold nodded once, acknowledging the weight of what had just transpired between us. “If I may ask–what did the Hawthornes do to earn such enmity from you?”
I picked up the ginseng box, running my thumb over its polished surface. “Let’s just say they made the same mistake you nearly did–underestimating me. But unlike you, they’ll never get the chance to correct their error.”
Leopold’s expression turned solemn. “I’ve seen enough in the banking world to know that revenge can be a powerful motivator, but it rarely brings the satisfaction one hopes for.”
“This isn’t just about revenge,” I replied, my voice hardening. “It’s about justice–and ensuring they never harm anyone I care about again.”
As we walked back to join his family, Leopold placed a hand on my shoulder. “Whatever their offense, after today, the Hawthornes will certainly understand one thing— crossing Liam Knight carries consequences.”
I nodded silently, imagining Sebastian’s face when he received the news. The loan had been his last hope, his final lifeline. Without it, everything he valued would begin slipping through his fingers–his businesses, his social standing, his pride. Just as I had planned all along.
“I want you to cut off his loan, reject his application, and never approve a loan for the Hawthorne family again!” The cold finality in my voice surprised even me, but Leopold didn’t flinch.
“Consider it done,” he replied with the certainty of a man signing a contract. “The Hawthornes‘ downfall begins today.”
