Chapter 333 He Is a Person with Principles

Chapter 333 He Is a Person with Principles

Adrian kept her close, being affectionate for a while longer before letting her go back to work.

That evening—

He went alone to meet Faust, without bringing Serena.

He didn't want the Carrington family's dirty tactics to soil Serena's world.

It was also giving the Carrington family some face.

As Serena had thought, some partnerships would be restarted, but most collaborative projects had to stop.

When Faust left the restaurant, he was half joyful, half sorrowful.

He returned to the Carrington estate.

Entering the living room, Faust saw Victor, Mrs. Carrington, and Elizabeth—all three sitting on the sofa looking displeased.

Clearly, Elizabeth had been scolded again.

Seeing Faust, Mrs. Carrington immediately approached. "Faust, how did it go? Did you see Mr. Locke? What did he say?"

Faust nodded.

His dim expression revealed nothing.

Victor stood. "Faust, come with me."

Faust followed Victor upstairs.

They went to the study and closed the door.

They sat facing each other.

Victor personally poured coffee for Faust.

Faust took a sip and looked up at Victor. "Uncle..."

"Go ahead."

Victor's face was composed, but his tone betrayed his urgency.

"I met with Mr. Locke today. 'Starlight Towers' and 'Skyline Heights' have new contracts signed, but the partnership terms have been adjusted."

"What adjustments?"

"The originally agreed investment amounts and profit-sharing ratios haven't changed. What's changed is our materials—building materials must pass Locke Group's inspection."

"What?"

Victor's voice shot up, staring at Faust in disbelief. "How could you agree to such terms? Don't you know how much profit we'll lose if we can't control that aspect?"

"But if we don't agree, Adrian won't invest project funds."

Victor's face turned iron-gray. "That brat, he really dares..."

Faust took another sip of tea, advising, "Our original materials had high profit margins, but they weren't exactly up to standard. If something went wrong, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Better to follow Adrian's terms. Even if we can't make huge profits, the returns are still good, and it's safe with no future problems."

Victor was furious but had no other options. He drank his coffee and slammed the cup heavily on the table.

Then he asked, "What about the other projects?"

"The 'Mirage' cosmeceutical series—Adrian said he won't partner on it. He's doing it himself."

"What?"

Victor exploded again, his palm slamming on the table.

Suppressing his anger, he asked, "He's doing it himself? How? Is he stealing our formula?"

"Mr. Locke has no interest in our formula. Though he didn't say it explicitly, I could tell—he thinks we cut corners. He wants to create a genuine luxury brand, truly high-quality."

Victor's face lost all color.

Faust took another sip of coffee.

Victor looked at him. "What else?"

"There's also the previous 'Riverfront Initiative' and several partnerships nearing expiration. Adrian said when they expire, there will be no further cooperation."

"Those are the most profitable projects. Adrian cut them all. What is he trying to do?"

Victor nearly choked on his anger.

Faust said slowly, "What he wants to do doesn't matter anymore. And I don't think he wants to do anything particular.

Our past shady projects only got Locke Group investment because Adrian didn't sign them. And we were relatively careful back then.

These recent years, we've gotten more reckless and bold. Clearly, we've crossed Adrian's line. He's a man with principles."

"Principles?"

Victor sneered coldly. "In business, what are principles worth? Real money in hand—that's real power."

Faust didn't respond.

Tonight, Adrian's words had actually resonated with Faust.

As long as the Carrington family did honest business, Adrian was still willing to give them opportunities.

Adrian had no intention of swallowing Carrington Group.

But clearly, Victor didn't see it that way.

He believed that as long as they weren't strong, they'd always face the threat of being absorbed.

And even if Locke Group wouldn't absorb them, the other two great families might.

After all, the Evernight family wasn't easy to deal with either.

Victor slumped in his chair, ashen-faced, muttering, "Looks like we'll soon fall out of New Valley's four great families. Who will replace us? The Rivers family?"

The Rivers family had been rising rapidly in recent years and was Carrington Group's arch-rival.

Jake was more calculating than Tristan, capable in his methods, and Adrian's close friend.

Jake was a dark horse who would catch up sooner or later.

Faust slowly shook his head.

"What do you mean?"

"I think New Valley's future might have more than four great families. Or rather, the four families will be reshuffled."

"Who do you predict?"

"The Locke family, the Rivers family, the Kingsley family, the Rothwell family."

The Locke family had been New Valley's leading enterprise for years, unchanged for decades.

Especially now with Adrian at the helm—Locke Group's position had only risen.

The Davis family pursued fashion and, even outside the four families, was a dazzling presence in New Valley.

Moreover, Davis Group heir Cathy was Adrian's twin sister.

Their partnership would stand firm.

Tristan and Jake were both Adrian's close friends—their futures limitless.

The Evernight family would probably also fall out of the four families.

But the Rothwell family—on what basis?

Victor stared hard at Faust. "Have you lost your mind? The Rothwell family only has one woman, Sarah. What waves can she make? You think so highly of her?"

"I've received word that Sarah and Northdale's Frank have already registered their marriage in Northdale. Rothwell family's younger daughter Serena, has also registered with Adrian.

One is Northdale nobility, one is New Valley nobility. With these two great families backing them, it would be hard for the Rothwell family not to rise.

Besides, Serena single-handedly established Chasey Group in Sweetwater City, went public within years, and secured an important position there. The sisters' abilities are formidable. Rothwell Group returning to its peak isn't impossible..."

Before he finished speaking, the study door was violently pushed open.