CHapter 40
Word was out that the Schnabel family’s daughter was throwing a birthday bash, and the whole
upper–crust circle was buzzing about it!
Briony got wind of it, too, and looking at the extravaganza posted by some social media influencers
on her phone, she was so green with envy she could barely straighten her face.
“Mom, what’s the big deal with this Schnabel family anyway? They throw a birthday party for their
daughter and casually snap up Serene Haven’s top–tier penthouse. I heard they dropped a
whopping 1.5 billion on the purchase and the decor.”
Belinda peeled off her face mask and massaged the wrinkles by her eyes.
“The Schnabels are no small potatoes, sweetheart. They’re top dogs In Imperial City. Honey, did
you square things away with Milford about tying the knot?”
Briony blushed and nodded.
“Yeah, Milford said once he’s back in tip–top shape, we’ll get engaged.”
“That’s my girl!”
Milford was such a catch, and Belinda wouldn’t rest easy until he was officially part of the family.
Just thinking about Milford’s tenderness made Briony utterly contented..
Vincent had just walked in when Briony pounced on him. “Dad, I wanna buy a ne for when I
get engaged.”
Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.
“Sure thing, pumpkin. Dad’s got you covered!”
“Thanks, Dad! Three million should do it!”
Vincent was bbergasted. “What kind of ne costs three million? Briony, our money doesn’t
grow on trees. Don’t splurge like that or try to keep up with the Joneses. Every penny we have, I’ve
worked my fingers to the bone for!”
Briony felt wronged to her core.
Why should Ms. Schnabel get to unt nes worth several hundred million dors at just a
birthday party?
And her spending three million on a ne was considered wasteful?
Vincent’s phone started ringing.
“Mr. Lambert, ourtest project tanked, and the losses are hefty…”
“Oh, flops happen. What’s the word from North Peak Finance?”
The failed investment didn’t faze Vincent; he was used to his ventures bombing eight or ten
12-28
times a year. With North Peak Finance and South Mountain Financial backing him, the Lambert
family never worried about finding new partners.
The secretary’s voice wavered. “Otherpanies have cut ties with us.”
“Let them go. A bunch of snobs! With North Peak and South Mountain behind the Lambert Group,
what’s there to worry about?”
North Peak Finance, a rising star in the domestic financing scene, had quickly carved out a niche in
the market with its sharp investment acumen and solid capital chain, snapping up several mega–
deals.
South Mountain Financial just a notch below the big monopolies in Imperial City, had opened an oil
mine in the North Seast year. With projects flowing like water, everyone was eager to cozy up to
them for a partnership.
With North Peak and South Mountain itching to coborate with the Lambert Group, there was no
shortage ofpanies licking their boots.
“Mr. Lambert, North Peak and South Mountain are suing us. They say our investment losses are too
severe, and they’re going after us legally!”
“What did you say?” Vincent leaped off the couch in a panic.
“Have North Peak and South Mountain lost their minds?”
Sure, their contract had risk uses, but they had never been enforced.
“And West Ocean Media is demanding 300 million dors in damages, iming our movie ventures
have caused them significant losses.”
West Ocean Media was a big–name production house in Imperial City.
Vincent had invested in a few movies, using West Ocean talent and directors, but he had reced a
few leads with his pet models, relegating West Ocean’s award–winning stars to supporting roles for
his arm candy.
“They didn’t mention this before. Why are they asking for money now?”
“East Sea Culture Company is also on our case forpensation, saying that the artists we sent
over have caused them public disgrace with their unseemly behavior.”
Vincent was stunned!
??
Sure, he had sent some models over to East Sea Culture Company, hoping tounch his pets into
stardom and save himself some cash. But their off–screen antics weren’t exactly squeaky clean,
tarnishing East Sea’s reputation.
“Why is everyone shaking us down? Get thewyers on it! I want to meet with thesepanies‘
bigwigs in person!”
This had to be some sort of mistake!
12:29
He must still be half–asleep; otherwise, why would he be bombarded with these breach–of–contract
bombshells.
“Our legal team got mmed with awsuit from Jasper’s firm for copyright infringement.”
Vincent felt like he was about to pass out on the spot!
The Lambert family’s legal department usually went for whatever docs they could get their hands
on – all for free, of course.
And Jasper’s legal documents were everywhere; any case worth its salt was his handiwork…
To even peek at Jasper’s docs, you had to pay a copyright fee to his firm something Vincent never
did.
Just looking at a document cost a hundred grand!
Vincent gritted his teeth. “Get our legal eagles on it. If we have to pay, we pay. Get finance to
release the funds.”
“Mr. Lambert, about that money you said you’d send to fix up roads and signal towers back home,
finance has already wired it out. We’re a bit tight on funds right now.”
Vincent was baffled. “When did I ever say I’d fix up roads back home?”
What was the point of paving that backwater ce? No media would ever sing his praises for
that!
“Your videos got sted all over the web! I thought that’s what you wanted.”
Vincent hastily hung up the call and hit up the trending topics online.
[Rural Entrepreneur Reminisces Hometown, Splurges Five Mil on Roads and Towers]
His disheveled and down–and–dirty ‘king of the hill‘ act in front of Maddox was caught on camera
and thrown up on the inte.
And there were a bunch ofments about his bald spot, too.
And just his luck, the video got him loud and clear, talking about building roads‘ and signal towers
for his hometown!
Five million bucks!
What kind of road costs five million?
“Hit up those fourpany heads for me, will ya? I’m heading to the office, gotta invite them out for
a bite.”
There were too manypanies; the thought of treating each separately was making Vincent’s
wallet cry. Anyway, they were all chummy thest time they talked business.
“Let’s hit up that joint we went tost time; it’s easy on the wallet.”
“Got it, I’m on it.”
12:29
After hanging up. Vincent took a deep breath. Thosepanies must have lost their marbles! All
teaming up to hit him with ims!
and
Crunching the numbers, the Lambert family would be dead broke after paying up downgraded to
second–rate status. They would never be able to hold their heads high in Tranquility City again.
“Briony, reach out to the Rosenberg family and see if they can give us a hand.
“Sure thing. Dad. I’ll call Milford right away; he’s got our back!”
Thinking of Milford, Vincent’s mood lifted.
Such a ster son–inw, secretly helping with the old house repairs–there was no way he would
sit out on this. With the Rosenberg family’s help, the Lambert family would surely weather the
storm!
At Serene Haven.
Dominating the heart of Serene Haven, the two towersplemented each other perfectly. looking
from above like a dragon and phoenix in harmony.
Dragon Tower, snapped up by Palmer.
Phoenix Tower, acquired by the Schnabel family as a birthday gift for Noe.
Bright and early, it was all buzz and bustle in front of Phoenix Tower.
All the big shots from Imperial City were hustling over with gifts for Noe!
Just peep the scene, and one would know how much Noe was the golden girl. Anyone who could
snag a ride on Ms. Schnabel’s coattails was set for life!