Chapter 17 Did Money Serve Its Purpose?_1

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Blake Simmons cursed under his breath, expressing his frustration like a blacksmith with an iron that wouldn't turn to steel, "Vincent Ward can't treat my injuries, not just because his medical skills aren't advanced enough, but the bigger reason is that he's just an ordinary person. He's not a Cultivator and doesn't possess Inner Qi, so he can't resolve the internal damage in my organs."

Shawn Simmons' eyes suddenly widened in shock as he said, "Carson Flores is a Cultivator!"

Blake Simmons looked at Shawn, who had just realized the truth, and sighed, "My enemy is a Cultivator. This time he wanted to torture me, to let me feel the agony before death, which is why he gave me a chance to live. But what about next time?"

Shawn's face started to turn pale, and he was not ignorant; on the contrary, he was very smart. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to take over the Gilliam Group from his father. He had simply missed the key point before.

"If Carson Flores can treat internal injuries, it means he is also a Cultivator. Being so young and already possessing Inner Qi indicates either he has exceptional talent or a powerful master guiding him!"

"If the enemy didn't succeed today, he will definitely attack you again. As long as you live, he will not stop!"

Blake Simmons nodded, "Carson saved my life today; that is a favor, and also an opportunity. Through this, we might be able to get on good terms with Carson and possibly get him or someone behind him to help us resolve our troubles. But you, you idiot, not only didn't seize the chance to make a good impression, you thoroughly offended him. Do you wish for my early demise so that you can take over Gilliam completely?"

Shawn's face alternated between green and red as he feebly smiled and said, "Dad, you know that's not what I want, it's just that I..."

Blake Simmons cut off Shawn's words with a cold snort, "You think you're above others because you have money and power and that money can buy everything. Let me ask you, what role did money play when the enemy attacked me this time? With that mentality, you will suffer big losses sooner or later!"

Cold sweat broke out on Shawn's forehead as he apologized sincerely, "Dad, I was wrong!"

Blake Simmons sighed, "Shawn, remember, there are many people in this world we cannot afford to offend. Not only the higher echelons of power but especially those Cultivators. Offending the powerful might cost us wealth, but angering a Cultivator often costs lives. In their eyes, there's no distinction between the privileged and the poor, only those they can kill and those they cannot, because everyone has only one life."

Shawn's sweat increased as he finally understood the gravity of the foolish act he had committed that day.

With a formidable enemy still at large and having offended a skillful medical Cultivator who could have been won over, he had single-handedly pushed away the opportunity for an alliance, even pushing it towards enmity.

"Dad, I'll go apologize in person tomorrow."

"Not for now; he has already formed a negative opinion of you. Even if you go to apologize, he might not accept it. Tomorrow, give Vincent Ward another five million, then find out more about Carson to see what he does. Depending on the situation, provide him with some indirect help."

Wisdom shone in Blake Simmons' aged eyes as he gently advised Shawn, "He helped Vincent today without taking the five million you offered, which shows he values relationships and honor over wealth. You can't expect to win over such a person with money. If you want to be on good terms with him, you have to offer genuine friendship. If you can help him quietly, then strengthening the relationship will come naturally."

Shawn nodded in acknowledgment, "Dad, I understand. Don't worry, I know what to do."

Blake Simmons nodded, "Don't think about gains and losses; don't calculate benefits. If you genuinely consider him a friend, he will naturally do the same."

"Alright!"

Blake Simmons pondered for a moment, "To prevent that person from attacking me again, make a call to the head of Dragonfly Security. Ask them to send their best expert over, at any price they name!"

Shawn pulled out his phone, "I'll contact them right away."

…

"I'm here."

Carson Flores stood in front of the sprawling villa halfway up the hill, surveying the surroundings and remarking to himself how wealthy the Gilliam Family must be.

This villa alone must be worth tens of millions, right?

Samantha Tate came out quickly, her off-the-shoulder dress accentuating her slender waist, her delicate collarbones complemented by a platinum necklace pendant that irresistibly drew people's gazes to the chasm of snowy mountains, making her appear both coquettish and bewitching.

Samantha Tate frowned, "Why have you just arrived?"

Carson Flores asked in confusion, "Isn't it eleven o'clock as you said? I'm right on time."

Samantha Tate pouted, "Alright, it's not that you're late, it's that some people arrived early."

Carson Flores laughed, "Who? Someone you don't like?"

Samantha Tate didn't answer but came over, hooked Carson's arm, and whispered, "Let's go in. Act natural later and don't give us away."

Carson looked down and noted that, because it was summer and everyone was lightly dressed, he could clearly feel a soft sensation where his elbow was pressed against her chest.

Samantha Tate noticed Carson's gaze and blushed slightly, glaring at him sharply, "Don't get the wrong idea. It's just an act for the people inside."

Carson blinked, "Inside is... a suitor?"

Samantha Tate, pulling Carson along, "It's the son of one of my father's friends... just remember that right now, you're my boyfriend, so just do what a boyfriend should do!"

As they entered the villa's living room, Samantha announced with feigned excitement, "Dad, Carson is here."

Before Carson could speak, a young man on the sofa suddenly stood up, staring intently at Carson, no, more precisely at Carson's elbow that was closely pressed against Samantha's chest, his eyes blazing with jealousy.

"Who are you? Get your arm off her!"

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