Chapter 104
He set down his wine glass and walked over to her, looking down at her from his height, "Elizabeth, your reaction today is a bit strange. You seem to be worried about more than just the Smith Family's stability or whether my methods are too extreme."
His gaze was like a searchlight, trying to penetrate her disguise, "Do you know something? About Richard, or about the trouble that might come from this?"
Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face calm and shook her head, "I don't know. I just think that a true ruler doesn't need to rely on violence all the time. Sometimes, winning people's hearts can strengthen your position more than simply creating fear. Tyrants usually don't end well."
Jacob stared at her for a long time, then suddenly sneered, "Long-term? Elizabeth, you're too naive. In this world, being able to survive and stand at the top has never been about some fake show of kindness and authority, but about absolute power and hard enough fists. Those who aren't tough enough are already dead, not even their bones left."
His tone was unquestionable, carrying the brutal understanding that only came after experiencing bloody battles.
However, for some reason, hearing these words and looking at his firm profile that seemed to carry a hint of loneliness, the anxiety and helplessness Elizabeth felt from his stubbornness suddenly faded a bit, replaced by a pity that surprised even herself.
Yes, pity.
He stood at the peak of power, holding the power of life and death, seemingly cold and ruthless, controlling everything.
But what he believed in and relied on was only the most primitive violence and fear.
He had probably never experienced true trust, and no one had ever dared or been willing to tell him that, besides killing and intimidation, there might be other paths to take.
He was like a lonely beast, accustomed to facing everything with fangs and claws, thinking this was the world's only rule.
But he didn't know that beneath the hardest armor might lie the most vulnerable weakness; the sharpest blade might also break from overuse.
In her previous life, when his legs were crippled, and the Smith Family fell into turmoil, was it also the bitter fruit of this extreme way of doing things?
Elizabeth lowered her eyes, hiding the inappropriate emotion in them.
She shouldn't feel pity for him. Their relationship was built on interests, contracts, and mutual suspicion—fragile and dangerous.
"Maybe so," she finally said softly. "You're right, I don't understand your world well enough. I just hope Mr. Smith will be careful."
With that, she said no more, gave a slight nod, and left the study.
Jacob watched her figure disappear behind the door, his brow furrowed.
Her words today seemed like ordinary advice, but always made him feel something was off.
He walked to the window, looking at the heavy darkness outside.
He had broken Richard's leg, and he had no regrets.
Anyone who touched his bottom line must pay the price.
But Elizabeth's words weren't entirely without merit.
Excessive fear could indeed trigger backlash.
Richard wasn't without supporters within the family, especially those old guys who were dissatisfied with his iron-fisted rule.
This incident might become a fuse.
It seemed it was time to further strengthen internal cleanup and control. At the same time, he needed to teach those restless opponents a lesson.
As for Elizabeth, Jacob's eyes darkened.
She had too many secrets, and her thoughts were hard to read.
But at least for now, she seemed to genuinely be thinking of him?
This feeling was somewhat unfamiliar, and somewhat subtle.
He pressed his temples, suppressing that strange feeling.
In any case, he wouldn't let his guard down around her.
Shortly after Elizabeth left the study, she received a formal invitation from Sawyer through Lynx.
He said his father and Hughes were old friends, and he had brought some of Hughes's old belongings this time.
Using the return of old belongings as a reason was reasonable and hard to refuse.
But Elizabeth knew clearly in her heart that this was just another carefully designed trap by Sawyer to get close to her and obtain her DNA sample.
Returning old belongings? He probably wanted to take her hair, skin cells, or some other biological sample.
Elizabeth looked at the elegant text on the screen, a cold smile curving her lips.
Since Sawyer wanted to play so badly, she'd play along with him.
She'd go along with his plan and see what tricks he could pull, and besides, she was indeed interested in Hughes's belongings.
However, if she went to the meeting alone, with Jacob's suspicious and jealous nature, it would probably stir up unnecessary trouble.
That day at Aurora Bar, he almost lost control because of Sawyer's provocative mention of a fiancée. If he knew she was meeting Sawyer privately, who knows what he'd do.
She needed a reasonable companion.
Samantha.
This name immediately came to Elizabeth's mind.
Samantha obviously had feelings for Sawyer, and her status was appropriate. Taking her along to meet Sawyer would show it was all above board and shut Jacob up.
It was also a good opportunity to see if Samantha had learned her lesson.
She immediately contacted Samantha.
When Samantha received Elizabeth's call, she was bored in her room, throwing a tantrum, smashing things, both fearful of Jacob's warning and resentful of Elizabeth, and even more angry at herself for losing Lilith as an ally.
Hearing Elizabeth invite her to meet Sawyer together, she was first stunned, then her eyes burst with amazing brightness!
Sawyer! That elegant and mysterious Italian man! Gentler than Jacob, and seemingly just as powerful!
If she could hook him...
Samantha agreed almost without hesitation, her tone even carrying a hint of flattery and eagerness, "Great! When are we going? What do I need to prepare? What kind of style does Mr. Scott like? I..."
"No special preparation needed, just natural and presentable," Elizabeth interrupted her excitement, her voice flat. "Remember, Mr. Scott is an important guest and also Jacob's business partner. Mind your manners and don't lose your composure."
"I know! Don't worry!" Samantha promised repeatedly, already planning in her mind which dress to wear and what makeup to do.
She completely threw aside her unrealistic fantasies about Jacob and her fear of him, focusing entirely on how to attract this new target, Sawyer.
On the day of the meeting, Samantha dressed herself up elaborately, wearing a rose-red tight dress that showed off her figure, heavy makeup, and perfume so strong you could smell it from several meters away. She obviously treated this meeting as an important hunting ground.
The location Sawyer had chosen was a scenic tea room in a top hotel in the city center, with excellent privacy.