Chapter 647 I Donât Have Money
Recently, the business world in Loxton has been tumultuous, mysterious, and unpredictable.
The Breensâ representative in Eskana, Edson, had joined forces with several major families to besiege the Duncan Corporation, aiming to destroy it completely.
Everyone was speculating on how long the Duncan Corporation could resist in the face of the fierce attack from powerful external capital.
The Breens even arrogantly declared that they would destroy the Duncan Corporation within three days.
The reason they dared to make such bold statements was that they had the capital to back it up. After all, unethical actions like this were not new for the Breens.
As a formidable top-tier capital force, the Breens were infamous overseas, showcasing the sinister nature of capitalists to the fullest.
Unfortunately, even the usually unbeatable Breens seemed to be facing a Waterloo this time. They had been besieging the Duncan Corporation for two days straight, with no successful attacks and a significant capital loss.
This turn of events restored confidence in the Duncan Corporation among those who initially doubted it.
Triston was particularly curious about how Branden achieved this. Having known Branden for years, he was well aware of Brandenâs prowess, but he hadnât expected Branden to be this formidable.
Waiting until Catherine finished her meal, Branden leisurely wiped his hands with a napkin and tossed it aside.
He then responded to Tristonâs question. âBecause this is Eskana.â
Attempting to kill local businesses on Eskanese soil, disrupting the Eskanese market to serve their capital interests- while this might be possible in other countries, it was strictly prohibited in Eskana.
This simple statement stirred Tristonâs passion.
âMr. Duncan, youâre right. These damn foreigners want to meddle everywhere. We canât care about other places, but we canât let them get away with bullying us at our doorstep.â
Branden looked up at Triston, a faint smile in his deep eyes, a subtle hint of cunning discernible if one looked closely.
âMr. Lambert, since youâre so passionate, why not lend me some capital to get things moving?â
âBorrow money from me?â Triston hesitated.
Then, it dawned on him that he was being teased when he saw the amused expressions around him. âMr. Duncan, Iâm just concerned. Donât tease me like that.â
Brandenâs expression turned serious. â Iâm not joking. I really need to borrow money.â
This time, even Aidan couldnât believe it. âOther things might be true, but being short of money is impossible for you, Mr. Duncan. How could you be short of money?â
Aidan knew Branden still had a 50 percent stake in the Skyline Fund, holding absolute control. Skyline Fund was a substantial financial reservoir; being short on funds was out of the question.
Branden glanced at the two, a cold look passing over them.
Triston, who knew him well, couldnât help but express his confusion. âAre you serious?â he asked.
âYes,â Branden grunted.
Triston and Aidan exchanged glances, both skeptical about Branden being short on funds. They guessed this was part of Brandenâs strategy. Perhaps he couldnât use his capital at the moment.
After discussing it, they responded generously, with Triston speaking on behalf of both.
âHow much do you need? Give us a figure, and weâll do our best to gather it. They knew Branden would require a substantial amount, and though the Lamberts and the Lanes were prominent families, they might not meet Brandenâs needs.
They were prepared to assist wholeheartedly. The true test of friendship lay in times of need. The three of them had a really deep friendship.
Branden calmly said, âThanks.â
Aidan couldnât resist a playful comment, saying, âWell, I never thought Iâd hear Mr. Duncan say â thanksâ in my lifetime. Itâs rare. This meal was worth it.â
Instantly, the atmosphere at the table lightened. Everyone laughed, and even the usually aloof Catherine had a smile on her face.
Zobber, however, didnât quite understand. She could see the strong bond between Catherine and Branden, and she wondered why the wealthy Catherine didnât help Branden.
As the chief consultant behind Skybow Group, Catherineâs call for funds to help the Duncans would be more direct than that of the Lanes or the Lamberts.
Zobber was just about to say something when Withal, who was on the sidelines, saw through her intentions.
Withal subtly kicked her under the table. Zobber turned to look at him and swallowed the words that were initially on her lips. She suppressed her curiosity and decided not to ask.
With everyone full and discussions concluded, they prepared to leave.
âShe has class tomorrow, so weâll head out first,â Branden said, standing up and pulling Catherine along.
Watching the coupleâs graceful departure, Aidan couldnât help but sigh. âLove makes people fall. Look at Mr. Duncan. Heâs a perfect boyfriend. Itâs truly enviable.â
In the past, they would have gone for a second round of fun after dinner. Classes the next day? Absurd!
Hearing Aidanâs words, Zobber couldnât resist retorting, âOf course. No wonder Mr. Duncan is so outstanding. Unlike some people, well, forget it.â
Seeing the two about to start another argument, Triston and Withal exchanged glances, discreetly stood up, and generously gave up their seats. They would let these two argue to their heartâs content.
Catherine followed Branden into the car. Most of the others had some alcohol, but not Branden. As long as Catherine was with him, he wouldnât drink outside.
Branden drove, stopping at a red light. In the silent car, his deep voice slowly sounded. âDonât you want to know why I didnât borrow money from you?â
The playful tone carried a hint of teasing, sounding more like a joke between lovers.
Branden sat in the driverâs seat, and Catherine took the front passenger seat. She propped one hand on the car window and tilted her head to gaze at Branden.
With delicate features and a hint of ambiguity in her exquisite eyes, she revealed a dazzling smile. âWell, if you mention it now, Iâll listen.â
Branden followed her lead, asking, â Lend me some?â
Catherine turned her gaze away, somewhat triumphant. âI donât have money. Iâm not lending it to you,â she jokingly said and directly rejected Branden.
A trace of a smile passed under Brandenâs eyes. He knew Catherine understood him and his intentions.
The Breens wanted to unite the power of capital to besiege the Duncan Corporation within three days. Since that was the case, he wanted to see, after three days, who would be the one defeated.