Chapter 381

James was all formalities, but his words were sharp.

Keith got the sarcasm when they mentioned "brother-in-law."

The last thing he wanted was to be known as Nicole's husband.

"Dad is sick, so now I'm running the show for the Mellon family."

Bobby had a bout of gout and jetted off to a spa for treatment, leaving Keith in charge. He didn't bother to clue Bobby in.

He knew Bobby wasn't a fan of James or Nicole.

Bobby had always looked up to Gabriel, from way back when to now.

What Bobby cared about most was the whole Smith Group.

With James at the helm, Bobby naturally had his back.

James stayed cool as a cucumber.

In a matter-of-fact tone, he said, "If the Mellon family bail, what about the Allen family?"

Nolan seemed unfazed. "James, the Allen family were supposed to be all in for the Smith Group, but you know times have been tough. They're strapped for cash and can't swing this new project. Cut them some slack."

Eric, with an icy stare, stayed silent.

"Will the Allen family drop all their shares too?" James asked, nonchalantly.

Nicole, also in the room, stood up. "James, looks like your pet project's hitting a dead end. At the shareholders' meeting, the other big families were supposed to hold thirty percent. Since the Mellons and Allens are out, why push it?"

The meeting room door swung open out of the blue.

A voice rang out, "Did I miss the party?"

All eyes turned to the young man by the door.

Nicole's tone was frosty, "What's your department? This isn't a free-for-all zone."

Axel looked confused, "Wasn't I supposed to be at a meeting today?"

James rose and strolled over to Axel, speaking casually, "Let me introduce you guys. This is Axel, the top dog of the Patterson clan. Not the big cheese, but he runs the show for the Patterson business."

Axel cut to the chase, "If the Mellon family and Allen family are out, how much of the Smith Group's pie are they passing up?"

All eyes fixated on Axel, curious and skeptical.

The Patterson Family sending a representative was unexpected.

They'd taken their business overseas two decades ago, and most of their assets had been moved.

Rumors swirled about their return.

But the Patterson family had always kept to themselves, steering clear of the other big families.

Axel's appearance now was a curveball.

Excitedly, he declared, "Since the Mellon family and Allen family are out, the Patterson Group will snag all the shares the Smith Group's dropping. We're backing Mr. Smith all the way, side by side in the future."

Axel's bombshell stunned everyone, including the Mellon family and Allen family.

Are the Patterson family backing James?

Nicole was caught off guard.

When did James get cozy with the Patterson family?

With the Patterson family's entrance, everyone started reassessing their stances.

Nicole's supporters began to falter.

Initially, they had doubted James's staying power.

With the Allen family backing Nicole and his rocky relationship with the Mellon family, they figured James was a one-hit wonder.

But the Patterson family's sudden entrance, wielding more clout than the Mellon family and Allen family combined, changed the game.

The Patterson family brought not just riches but also influence.

If even the Patterson family were throwing their weight behind James, the Mellon family and Allen family seemed to waver.

They understood the immense benefits this project could bring once it took off.

If the project succeeded and they stood on the sidelines, missing out on those gains would be a bitter pill to swallow.

But with Nicole in the mix, Nolan couldn't speak up.

Keith couldn't afford to lose face either.

In the end, he could only watch as Axel and James sealed the deal.

The Smiths and Patterson family would team up for the Dream Project.

The Patterson family would snag thirty percent of the shares once the project launched.

Nicole suffered two defeats at James's hands in a row.

Fuming, she stormed out after the signing.

Post-signing, James and Axel headed to James's office together.

"Thanks for bailing me out, bro."

"I can't stand that 'big brother' stuff. I owe you for the birthday party save. You can call me 'big brother' from now on."

James had long read the Allen family' and Mellon family' attitudes.

Nicole's stipulation that the four major families hold thirty percent of the total was a trap.

He had another deal and was waiting for Eric's response.

Nicole had never factored in the Patterson family.

Since it was a mere formality, he had it under control.

By reaching out to Axel for help, James knew he wouldn't turn him down.

Regarding the thirty percent share issue, James planned for Axel to establish a front company, with James personally investing the funds.

Grinning, James remarked, "So, for any crucial meetings down the line, I'll need you to show up and make a scene."

"Why the need for a show? You think today's deal is a sham?" Axel inquired.

James's expression shifted slightly.

Undeterred, Axel added, "Despite the Patterson family and Smiths never crossing paths in business, I'm optimistic about this project. Thirty percent is no small stake. I'll back it financially too. Consider us true partners from now on."

James had only expected Axel to play a role, not invest in the project.

Lounging in his office chair, James mused, "Axel, you really can't stand me, can you?"

Indeed, Axel harbored the strongest dislike for James.

After years abroad, he was always in James's shadow, earning the moniker of the second child.

Axel had vowed to surpass James someday.

Rubbing his head, Axel admitted, "Disliking you is one thing, but losing out on money because of it is another."

They delved into business strategies for a while.

Axel proposed, "I'll bring Haven, and you bring Emily. Let's grab dinner together."

After a hectic period, James finally unwound a bit.

He absentmindedly agreed.

James dialed Emily, but she didn't answer.

Meanwhile, Axel called back, sounding let down, "Haven already has plans with friends tonight."

Axel grumbled, "Seriously, what friends are more important than me?"

"I wanted her to meet you guys."

James stared at his phone, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Axel perked up, "Looks like you didn't have plans either."