Chapter 96
Isa's Research
Austin and Barlyn were ecstatic, practically dancing with joy.
One was the young master of an ancient family, the other the successor of a top–tier dynasty. For them, 240 million dollars was not a staggering amount.
But the fact that they had made this sums in just half a day felt like a windfall.
Earning 240 million by themselves, compared to earning the same amount through a family business, gave them a much greater sense of accomplishment.
This experience would give them plenty to brag about for a long time.
Osborne was equally pleased. His wealth had grown significantly today. He had first raided Davy's vault, making 480 million, then earned another 320 million in the diamond dealing market.
In total, that amounted to 800 million!
Adding this to the 600 million already in his account, his wealth–excluding Luna Jewelry–had exceeded one billion, reaching a staggering one point four billion
And this was all in cash!
Typically, wealthy families like the Caldwell family had assets of around 1 billion, but only a fraction of that was cash
Osborne's liquid assets alone surpassed the Caldwell family's entire fortune.
Alison efficiently handled the payment and arranged for the diamonds to be transported to Luna Jewelry.
Originally, Luna Jewelry didn't have this much cash on hand.
Its scale was similar to the Caldwell Group–plenty of assets but only about 500 million in cash
However, with a recent influx of high–end diamonds, including several Imperial Greens, the company had received a flood of custom orders.
The deposit alone had amounted to 500 million, and it was still increasing daily.
Even after paying 800 million, Lana Jewelry had enough left to operate smoothly.
Alison said, "Mr. Augustine, I'm heading out now.
"Don't worry. With me running things at Luna Jewelry, there's no risk. We'll soon become the biggest jewelry company in Mayby City, and even Skyfall"
With that, Alison left in a hurry
Austin said, grinning. I didn't realize Luna Jewelry was your venture, Osborne. From now on, whenever I buy jewelry, it'll be from Luna Jewelry And I'll definitely recommend it to my friends and family."
Osborne's eyes lit up Thank you, Austin"
"Same here" Whenever I get married, or if my friends do, we'll be going to Osborne's Luna Jewelry for sure
Osborne's eyes widened
This plan wasn't about making money with them. It was to expand his network
Born a commoner orphan, he had money now, but his network was still his weak spot. Building relationships with people like Burlyn and Austin was invaluable.
Ophelia and Wesley were like lapdogs fawning over Clarissa, hoping to develop her into a valuable contact.
Osborne's approach was different; he wasn't interested in groveling to build his network
Networking was all about friends
True friends were equals and unequal relationships were merely utilitarian
Osborne said sincerely, "I appreciate you both."
He thought, "Expanding my network is also a way to secure my future. The challenges for the Godfather's successor are growing more difficult and dangerous.
I might not complete all the trials
By building my network now, even if I fail to become the Godfather's successor, I'll have a fallback with these connections, I can still thrive."
Barlyn said earnestly, "We should be thanking you, Osborne!
"And now, I don't have to worry about my mom controlling my finances anymore! I can do whatever I want and drink whenever I want! Ha!
"Let's go celebrate! Drinks are on me!"
Earlyn was in high spirits, having raked in 440 million that day. With an air of exuberance, he decided to treat Osborne and Austin to an extravagant night out at the most lavish places in town.
Naturally, neither Osborne nor Austin could refuse Barlyn's generous offer.
The trio spent the entire evening living it up, and it wasn't until midnight that they finally called it a night. After setting a date for their next get–together, they each beaded home
Osborne returned to the Institute of Human Research
He first checked on his sister, Anastasia, and found Isa there, conducting a routine examination
"She's doing quite well," Isa said with a reassuring tone
Osborne let out a sigh of relief. "Dr. Bowin, I owe you big time for what you did this morning"
Isa smiled, "Why thank me? I did get paid, after all."
Osborne shook his head. "At first, I thought two million was a steep price, but now I realize it was a bargain. Anyway, thanks again."
Isa raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You know about that?"
She brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and continued, "No need to be so formal Helping you out was just a side benefit. The Class C–wind–controlling metahuman- that's my little extra."
Osborne's interest was piqued. "Pamela, right? Where is she now? I've got some questions for her.
Osborne had long been curious about why the Aberrants were so determined to take down Clarissa He figured Pamela night hold the key to the answers he was seeking
"Ahem. You wanted to ask him questions? Well, it might be too late for that. He's already dead," Isa said, rubbing her nose with an embarrassed look.
Osborne was taken aback. "Dead? How did he die? Did you experiment on him?"
Isa pouted, sounding slightly irritated. "Yeal, elemental metahumans are so fragile, like glass. I barely even started, and he already kicked the bucket.
"Another day with no results, I suppose."
Osborne was stunned.
"Aren't you supposed to be a top–notch doctor? Couldn't you have done something to save him?"
Isa shrugged. "He was shattered into pieces.Not even God could have saved him, let alone me."
"Shattered into pieces?" Osborne's eyes widened.
Now he understood why Isa had earned the nickname "Grim Reaper".
Milo had lasted two days under her care, but Pamela, who was supposed to be stronger, barely made it a day.
Osborne, now intensely curious, couldn't help but ask, "Dr. Bowin, can I ask what exactly you're experimenting with? It wouldn't be one of those wicked human trials, would it?""
Isa gave him a nonchalant look
"I know what you're thinking, but the experiments I conduct are for the future of humanity. They're dangerous, sure, but they're not cruel or evil"
Osborne let out a sigh of relief at her words
If Isa were conducting malevolent experiments, be'd have to reconsider how to deal with her because he couldn't accept that.
Luckily, Isa had denied it.
Still, Osborne asked, "Can you tell me more about what you're actually doing? How does it relate to the future of humanity?"
Isa hesitated for a moment before saying "I'm searching for something–more specifically, a lock hidden within metahuman bodies
"A lock?"
Osborne was confused, thinking, "How could there be a lock inside a person's body?
And what does that have to do with humanity's future?
Isa said, her tone serious, "It's not a regular lock, it's a genetic lock
"Have you ever wondered why some people have powers while most don't?"
"Uh, isn't that just a matter of probability?"
Isa shook her head "I don't thank so. I believe everyone's body is the same and that everyone has the potential for pos kry difference is this genetic lock. Some people accidentally unlock it, gaining powers in the process."
Osborne asked, surprised, "Unlocking a genetic lock to gain powers?
"Aren't powers just a product of genetic mutations?"
Isa nodded. "Most people think that way. They don't believe in genetic locks, only mutations.
"But I'm convinced the genetic lock does exist.
"The human body is a treasure trove of power, but it's locked away. If I can find this lock, I can unlock the true secrets of metahumans. I can make every ordinary person become a powerful metahuman.
"Imagine a world where billions of people have powers, where everyone can control the forces of nature and wield god–like powers.
"The planet would no longer confine humanity. We'd venture into deep space and conquer vast new worlds"