Chapter 387 This Has Nothing to Do with Me

Chapter 387 This Has Nothing to Do with Me

Leopold has been constantly contacting banks, but he's already been rejected for loans by several of them.

When the banks in Seaside City didn't work out, he started reaching out to banking channels in nearby cities.

Rumors began circulating in the industry that Leopold's cash flow was about to break and his company was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Joshua reported the news to Preston, whose tightly furrowed brow seemed to relax a bit. "Keep a close eye on his recent movements."

Joshua nodded, "Yes, Mr. Preston Wipere."

After the office door closed, Preston put down the documents in his hand, paused for a moment, and called Gemma. "Come to my office."

Xiomara happened to walk into Gemma's office just then. Seeing Gemma's serious expression, she asked, "What's wrong, Mom?"

Gemma said, "The bank situation - I'm afraid your father knows about it."

Xiomara was skeptical. "No way, we kept it pretty confidential."

Gemma instructed Xiomara, "Remember this - no matter how angry your father gets, don't admit the bank thing has anything to do with us."

Xiomara nodded firmly, "Got it, Mom. Don't worry."

"What did you want to see me about?" Gemma sat down calmly in front of Preston, who stared at her with his deep-set eyes.

Neither of them spoke. The huge office was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Preston asked, "Don't you have something to tell me?"

Gemma looked puzzled. "Tell you what? What exactly did you call me here for?"

Preston's expression suddenly darkened, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You're still going to play dumb with me?"

Gemma asked in confusion, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Preston slammed the documents on his desk, not too hard but not gently either. "Leopold's loan applications were rejected. Don't tell me you had nothing to do with it."

Hearing this, Gemma looked shocked. "Leopold's loan was rejected? What does he need a loan for?"

Her question made it seem like she knew nothing about it.

Preston didn't believe her. "I know you have connections with all the major banks. If you put in a word, it would carry a lot of weight."

"Me?" Gemma laughed mockingly. "Preston, you're giving me way too much credit. You know very well that with the banking system reforms now, the people I knew have either been transferred or retired. Where are those connections anymore? Don't pin everything on me. Even if I did do it, I'd have to have that kind of power, wouldn't I?"

Preston studied her expression. "Not many people know about Leopold's loan application. We got the land in Greenridge District, and he's started preparing for the Orchid Garden project. Even though he left our company, if he really makes something of himself, it benefits us too. You don't need to completely block his path."

Gemma got anxious. "Preston, we've been married all these years - can't you tell when I'm lying or telling the truth? I didn't do it, so I didn't do it. You need to trust me."

Seeing her firm attitude, Preston didn't let his guard down completely. "If you didn't do it, you didn't do it. Why are you getting so worked up?"

Gemma seemed quite upset, her chest heaving. "You two, father and son, are both against me. One doesn't trust me, the other badmouths me behind my back."

Preston frowned. "There you go losing your temper again. When we're at the company, let's talk business. Can you not mix in personal feelings?"

Gemma deliberately acted unreasonable. "If it were someone else, I wouldn't have the chance to mix in personal feelings. But thinking of him reminds me of Quinlan - that bitch destroyed my family and stole my husband. Just thinking of her makes me want to tear her apart."

"That's enough. You can go." Preston was annoyed with her. Every time they talked about Leopold, they inevitably brought up Quinlan. He didn't want to mention Quinlan - she was a canary he once kept, but later turned into a hawk that nearly pecked his eyes out.

It was the weekend, but Leopold wasn't resting. He drove to wait at the entrance of the residential complex where a bank's credit department leader lived.

The person was from a regional bank. After Leopold introduced himself and handed over the loan application materials, as soon as he left, the man casually tossed the materials into the trash.

Leopold didn't go home but went to Maddox's architectural design company instead.

Just as his car came to a stop, his phone rang.

He stared at the number expressionlessly, only pressing the answer button just before the call would automatically disconnect.

"What is it?" His voice was cold.

Preston's voice came through the receiver. "Leopold, where are you?"

Leopold sounded impatient. "What do you want?"

Preston asked, "We haven't seen each other in a long time. Let's have a meal together."

Leopold sneered. "Not seeing me is exactly what you want, isn't it? Can you even eat when you see me?"

Preston gave him the address of a restaurant. "Have a meal with me, and I'll help you solve the bank problem."

The line went quiet. Leopold asked, "The bank situation - was that you?"

Preston clearly heard the displeasure in his tone and said, "You're my son. How could I have done this? Just come."

He hung up first. Leopold looked at the call-ended notification, was silent for a moment, then started the car again.

Maddox watched as Leopold's car stopped at the entrance, then drove away.

He quickly called. "Where are you going?"

Leopold said, "Preston wants to see me about something."

When Leopold's car stopped at the restaurant entrance, Joshua, who had been by the window, walked back to the table and said, "Mr. Preston Wipere, he's here."

Preston nodded. "Go wait outside."

Joshua paused slightly. "Okay."

Leopold walked up the stairs and saw Joshua standing in the hallway from a distance.

Arriving at the private room, Joshua bowed slightly and said, "Mr. Wipere, Mr. Preston Wipere has been waiting for you."

Leopold glanced at him briefly and pushed the door open. Seeing Preston sitting in the main seat, he chose the farthest seat to sit down.

Preston gestured with his hand. "Come sit closer, Leopold."

Leopold wasn't comfortable with that. "Just say what you need to say. I can hear you."

Preston called for Joshua and told him to have the waiter start serving the food.

Leopold sat in the dining chair with a bored expression. "I'm not very hungry. Whatever you have to say, just say it."

"It's mealtime. Have a meal with me. Don't be so reluctant." Preston said, "We'll talk after we eat."

Leopold took out his phone and started texting, telling Caroline not to wait for him for dinner.

Just as he put down his phone, Preston said, "How are things with you and Caroline?"

Leopold said, "What do you mean 'how are things'? Our relationship? Very stable."

Preston could see he was holding back his patience. "Don't always act like I'm your enemy. I'm just asking, showing some concern for you."

Leopold looked at him guardedly. "How did you know I was looking for a bank loan?"

Preston picked up the teacup in front of him and took a small sip. "That kind of thing isn't a secret."

Leopold asked, "So you interfered again? What did you do to make them all reject my loan application?"

Preston put down his teacup and slowly raised his head. "If I said it had nothing to do with me, would you believe me?"

Leopold looked away without answering.

His attitude said it all - he didn't believe it.

Preston sighed. "The loan situation really wasn't my doing, but I can help you find a bank."

Leopold was clearheaded. Preston wouldn't help voluntarily, so...

"What's the condition?"