Chapter 537


    "Oh, of course." Astrid wasn''t the least bit worried Jay would recognize her. After all, when she first


    appeared at home with her new look, not even her brothers or Matthew could tell it was her.


    Jay studied the person before him for a moment, then shifted his gaze elsewhere.


    Now, he waspletely without reservations. He said, "Mr. Aster, let''s cut to the chase. I need to


    investigate everything about Astrid''s disappearance these past years. How confident are you in getting


    me that information?"


    Astrid''s gaze darkened as she crossed her legs with a flick, looking at Jay with displeasure. "Are you


    questioning my abilities?"


    Jay hurriedly replied, "No, no, it''s just that Astrid''s connections are solid, and someone has managed to


    wipe all her information. I''ve hired several investigators, but none could dig up anything about her."


    "Heh, the people you''ve hired are just trash. If you don''t trust me, then we''re just wasting each other''s


    time," Astrid said, standing up as if she was about to leave.


    Jay panicked, standing up quickly, "Mr. Aster, I didn''t mean it like that. I misspoke. Let''s do this, a t


    fee of thirty million. I want the dirt on Astrid''s past few years and who she''s had to schmooze with to get


    ahead in showbiz."


    At the mention of ''schmoozing,'' Astrid almostunched the chair at Jay''s head.


    But remembering her purpose, she held back. "Fine, cash on delivery. I''ll have the files ready for you by


    tomorrow night. You''ll get the password once I confirm the payment. Deal?"


    Jay, "No problem at all."


    Astrid got up to leave, but at the door, she suddenly turned around, "By the way, I heard your son''s


    up?"


    He might as well earn some extra cash while she''s here! At this, Jay was ecstatic. "What? You know


    Aster?"


    Astrid nodded, "Yeah, Aster and I are like brothers in arms. Just so you know, her medical expertise


    doesn''te cheap."


    "Money''s no object. If she can cure my boy, I''d spend myst dime!" Jay was beyond excited. "Mr.


    Aster, where is she? Please take me to her now!"


    "That might not be possible right now. My friend''s got quite the temper, and I need to get her consent


    first. Once I have it, I''ll bring you over," Astrid said before heading out.


    Jay might be ruthless in business, but when it came to his son Johnnie, there was genuine affection.


    The mere possibility of contacting Aster had him too excited to sleep.


    Hank waited outside in the car. Seeing Astrid emerge safely, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    Astrid slid into the car, and Hank immediately started the engine. "Chief, how''d it go?"


    "Jay''s got no suspicions about me, but there are quite a few Viper Mirage goons among his


    bodyguards," Astrid said. She hade to probe Jay''s defenses.


    Still, the man was a master of disguise, always ying the affable fool in public.


    "Yes sir, no sir," he''d say, as obsequious as theye.


    Hank asked, "So, how did the negotiations on the price go?"


    Astrid replied, "Thirty million."


    Hank was silent.


    "I also drummed up some more business for Aster."


    Another pause from Hank.


    Astrid added, "Oh, and Hank, shoot an email to HQ. We''re changing our name."