Chapter 42: A Deal in North America

Chapter 42: A Deal in North America
Gavin's POV
A few days ago, Henry Bell called me out of the blue.
"Gavin, I know you're angry about Eva's foolish behavior."
"She's young and impulsive. I've already disciplined her severely. Please, for my sake, give her another chance."
I said nothing, just listened quietly, my fingers drumming rhythmically on the desk.
I knew he wasn't calling just to beg forgiveness for his stupid daughter.
"After all, the alliance between our families benefits both sides, doesn't it?" he probed cautiously.
When I still didn't respond, he finally revealed his real bargaining chip.
"I know you've been struggling with finding a trial site for the new synthetic drug."
"I happen to own an upscale club in North America. It's not large, but the location and clientele are excellent, and the privacy is exceptional. Perfect for a drug trial."
"I'd like to gift you this club, including all its shares. I only hope you can forgive Eva's foolish mistake."
I laughed softly, leaning back in my chair, my tone dripping with disdain.
"Mr. Bell, do you really think I'd care about your little club?"
He quickly agreed on the other end.
"Of course, I know you don't. The Adams family's empire spans the globe. Our assets are nothing compared to yours."
"But consider this my apology gift, representing my sincerity in making amends for Eva. Please accept it."
"I'll think about it," I said flatly, not committing.
"And Eva?" he asked carefully.
"I'll proceed with the engagement as planned."
Hearing my answer, Henry thanked me profusely.
After hanging up, I immediately had David investigate everything about the club.
Once I confirmed there were no issues, Henry invited me to North America.
Within two days, we completed all the transfer procedures.
I signed my name on the equity transfer agreement, becoming the actual controlling shareholder of the club.
But this was only the first step in swallowing the Bell family's assets.
Once Eva and I were engaged, the Bell family's funds and channels would naturally fall under my control.
And when that time came, I would strip away all of the Bell family's holdings.
After resolving the synthetic drug trial issue, we celebrated on a yacht.
Henry raised his glass, spouting boring flattery at me.
I responded absent-mindedly until David approached and spoke quietly.
"Sir, I have some good news to share."
I glanced at Henry, who tactfully excused himself.
David reported, "I just received all the information about that mother and son."
By "that mother and son," he meant Enzo's new wife Raina and her useless son Jayden.
David continued, "They lived in North America for three years."
"According to our investigation, Raina had no legitimate job during that time, yet maintained a high standard of living. Her income sources are highly suspicious."
"Enzo met Raina at a bar while handling mafia business overseas. Shortly after, our shipment went missing on the Atlantic route."
"After that, Raina and Jayden returned home, and Enzo quickly began planning their wedding."
I recalled what the traitor Dylan said before he died.
His contact was an extremely cautious woman.
This made me suspect that woman was Raina.
She approached my foolish father likely to steal internal mafia intelligence.
David added, "Jayden was Eva's high school classmate. After returning home, he's been pursuing graduate studies at Ashmore University."
"Recently, our people following him reported he's been seen with a very beautiful woman. Their relationship seems unusual."
At the mention of "beautiful woman," Mia's face flashed unbidden through my mind.
"Should we continue investigating that woman?" David asked.
I shook my head.
"No. I don't care about his love life. I only care about what he and his bitch mother want from Enzo."
"Sir, give me more time. I'll find more evidence and identify the forces backing them."
The next day, Henry and I were preparing to visit the club to check the new drug's effects.
Passing a luxury boutique, I told the driver to stop.
"Gavin, what's wrong?" Henry asked, puzzled.
I didn't answer, just walked inside. Henry hurried after me.
I ignored the sales staff's enthusiastic introductions and went straight to the counter, selecting the ring with the most unique design and most expensive diamond. I photographed it and sent it to Mia.
[What do you think of this ring?]
Henry's eyes lit up.
"Gavin, you're so good to Eva. She'll be thrilled to receive such a beautiful ring."
I smiled without speaking.
That bitch Eva doesn't deserve to wear the ring I picked out myself.
This ring was a birthday gift I was preparing for Mia.
Soon, I received Mia's reply. [It's beautiful.]
I swiped my card without hesitation.
David was waiting for us at the club entrance, looking grim.
"Sir, we have a problem."
The new synthetic drug was too potent. The test subjects couldn't control the dosage and all died last night.
I clenched my fists and cursed, "Idiots!"
According to my original plan, I should have returned home tomorrow evening to celebrate Mia's birthday.
But now, because of these fools, I might have to cancel tomorrow's flight.
If this wasn't handled properly, it would seriously impact our production and sales plans.
David suggested, "Sir, perhaps we should stay in North America another week."
"The purity of this synthetic drug is too high. We need more time to find a safe dosage range. We can return once we've controlled the effects."
I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. "A week is too long. One day maximum. Tomorrow's flight cannot be canceled."
We worked through the night, bringing in more test subjects.
This time, we strictly controlled the dosage, diluting the purity several times over.
The second trial's effects were excellent. The subjects developed strong dependency after use.
I left David to handle other North American matters, instructing him to finalize the safe dosage as quickly as possible.
After landing, I drove straight to Mia's apartment.
I wanted to surprise her, but instead I saw that bastard Jayden kissing Mia.