Chapter 202 Find a Woman to Approach Him
Seeing that I wouldn't budge, Knox's already worried face became even more distressed. He pleaded, "Helena, can you lower it a bit more? I need something to work with when I discuss this with my dad."
"No!" I refused flatly. Don't think I can't see through this—Knox is just playing the sympathy card. Unfortunately for him, that means nothing to me. "Knox, 10% equity has absolutely no impact on you and your father. All this stalling just shows me you have no intention of paying back. I'm afraid you're planning to drag this out as long as possible, but how could you not realize that I might have backup plans?"
Hearing this, Knox's expression soured immediately, a little bit of shock written on his face, he never expected this. "Helena, how can you be so heartless?"
"Heartless?" I snorted coldly. "We had an agreement when you borrowed the money, but now when it's time to pay back, you're making excuses. Knox, if your business partners knew that, this is how you operate, would they still feel comfortable working with the Pemberton Group?"
I'd done my research—almost all the businesses working with the Pemberton Group settle their accounts once a year. If these partners found out that the Pemberton family borrows money and refuses to pay it back, even tries to dodge their debts, it would be a huge disaster for the Pemberton Group.
Knox said nothing more, perhaps silently weighing the matter in his mind during the silence. After what seemed like a millennium-moment, he looked up, his voice hoarse. "Fine, I'll discuss this with my dad."
I nodded and turned around. "Alright, I'm giving you three days. In three days, I want your answer."
This was the final ultimatum for the Pemberton family.
After Knox left, I went to Henry's office immediately and told him about our conversation. "I was perhaps too hasty. The situation didn't allow me to consult with you first, Dad, so I made the decision on my own."
Henry didn't blame me but nodded slightly. "I said I'd let you handle this matter. Your decision is final. I trust you."
"Thank you, Dad."
I had just walked out of Henry's office when my phone rang. It was Atlas.
"Knox came to see you?" His deep, masculine though pleasant voice came through the phone.
"Yes, just sent him off." My tone was much more relaxed. "How did you know?"
"Someone tipped me off."
Atlas laughed first, then quickly explained, "I was just passing by your company and saw his car. But from your good mood, I'm guessing you won big?"
"Of course." I couldn't help feeling a bit proud. "He'll definitely hand over the shares this time."
Atlas chuckled on the other end. "That's good. By the way, about that number you asked me to check—I have results."
My heart suddenly tightened. "Who is it?"
"This person has no connection to any of us—a complete stranger. But he refuses to say who's behind this, no matter what. He's with me now. Give it another day or two and we should be able to get him to talk."
Hearing Atlas's words, I frowned. "Don't do anything crazy."
Atlas laughed softly on the other end. "Don't worry, I won't. Just wait for my news."
Seeing Atlas was determined, I could only let him handle it. But honestly, I was very curious about who was behind all this. If we missed this chance, who knows what schemes this person might pull next time. Finding out who's behind this, is the safest approach.
After hanging up with Atlas, I told the legal department to make one final contact with the Pemberton Group tomorrow afternoon. I wanted Knox to make his choice quickly.
After giving the instructions, I grabbed my bag and headed out. While Quincy's situation was getting better, Zachary remained a thorn in my side. If I don't remove it, I'm afraid it might explode one day and hurt Quincy.
When I drove to Zachary's nail salon, I struck up a conversation with the staff under the pretense of looking at nail colors. During our chat, I learned that Zachary had gone to the racetrack and wasn't at the store.
Perfect that he wasn't there—I could quickly gather information.
"Zachary is so handsome and capable. Does he have a girlfriend?"
The girl chatting with me was named Jade. When she smiled, her deep dimples were very endearing. She said with a grin, "Zachary has high standards. He won't just date anyone."
Hearing this, I pressed further. "What type of girl does he like?"
Jade thought for a moment. "Zachary seems to like independent women with successful careers. Anyway, he's out of our league."
There was a hint of regret in Jade's voice as she spoke. Young girls and their crushes—perhaps she had some feelings for Zachary too.
But I actually got some useful information from Jade. Zachary likes independent, successful women—the current Quincy fits his requirements even better. I can't delay any longer. I have to make my move before Zachary does. With this thought, I pressed the gas-pedal and headed toward Shadow Nightclub.
Shadow Nightclub officially runs an entertainment business, but I know they also take on some shady commissions on the side.
For example, men looking to divorce hire them to find lovers for their wives, or women trying to test their boyfriends by having women approach them.
What I need now is to find a woman to get close to Zachary, so he won't have time to get close to Quincy.
"Ms. Lockwood! What brings you here? Your presence truly honors my nightclub." The owner of Shadow Nightclub, Jerald McClellan, greeted me with a big smile.
I nodded at him. "I'm here today because I have a business deal for you. Could you find us a private room to talk?"
"Of course, of course. Ms. Lockwood, this way please."
Jerald opened an office door. Once inside, I took out a card and pushed it in front of him. "There's two million dollars in here. Help me find someone to get close to this man."
I placed Zachary's photo in front of him. "Zachary. He runs a nail salon and likes motorcycle racing. That's all the information I have. You'll have to investigate the rest yourself."
Hearing my words, Jerald crossed his hands and leaned back on the sofa, looking at me with confusion. "Ms. Lockwood is spending this much money just to have me send someone to get close to this guy?"
I smiled slightly. "Of course not. My requirement is that the woman who approaches him should ideally be a successful businesswoman. If they can get married, I'll give you another five million dollars."
Jerald hadn't expected me to offer so much money. He pondered for a moment. "Does he have some special quality that makes Ms. Lockwood value him so highly?"
"No special qualities. I'm just doing this as a precaution."
I didn't plan to reveal too much detail—I could only hint at it. I believed that for the money's sake, Jerald would arrange everything properly.
Sure enough, Jerald reached out and took the card, saying with a smile. "Ms. Lockwood, rest assured. I'll have news for you by tomorrow at the latest. You'll be satisfied."
"I have confidence in your work. After all, Shadow Nightclub's reputation speaks for itself." I stood up when our transactions ended and I was done giving my instructions. Jerald and I exchanged a handshake as I said. "I'll wait for your good news then."
"Absolutely." Jerald agreed and saw me out.