Chapter 257: No Secrets in This Town
Jerry's expression didn't change, but his smirk grew wider. "You really think Christopher's gonna team up with you?"
Carlos was sure of himself. "Maybe he doesn't want to. But what if teaming up with me means taking you down, his love rival?"
Christopher wouldn't even have to lift a finger. Just hand Carlos a contract, and Carlos would become his enforcer, pushing Jerry back step by step.
Carlos thought, ‘No matter how powerful Apex Technologies was, it had only been around for over two years, far inferior to the RF Group.'
Jerry sneered, "Don't get cocky. Otherwise, when you have no way out, you'll have to face the consequences head-on."
Carlos asked, "What are you getting at?"
Jerry lounged on the sofa, eyeing the father and son casually. "Oh, by the way, Apex Technologies and the RF Group just signed a strategic partnership."
Jerry crossed his legs, tapping his finger on his knee, totally relaxed.
"The contract was finalized this morning. It's no wonder you haven't heard yet!"
"What?" Austin's face went pale.
He shot a furious look at Carlos. "How did you miss such crucial news?"
Apex Technologies and the RF Group teaming up meant the Hammer Group's AI project was toast.
Austin had been impressed with Carlos's work over the past two years and was ready to hand him the reins of the Hammer Group.
But now, Carlos was a huge letdown.
Carlos was stunned too, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Dad, don't listen to his nonsense! He stole Mr. Valence's wife. Mr. Valence would be kind not to kick him when he's down, let alone team up with him!"
If RF Group was backing Apex Technologies, it meant they were basically supporting Jerry.
No man would help his ex-wife's new boyfriend unless he was out of his mind.
Austin couldn't keep his cool anymore. "You two, come upstairs with me!"
This project wasn't just about losing billions; it was about the Hammer Group's future for the next decade.
In today's cutthroat market, one failed project could cripple the Hammer Group.
"I'll pass." Jerry didn't budge, coldly staring at Austin like he was a stranger. "I'll give you half an hour. Even if you try to dump the Hammer Group on me after that, I won't touch this mess."
After all, if he got home late, Hope would worry.
But those words hit Austin hard.
Austin exploded. "What's your problem? After two years out there, you think you can act tough with me?"
Jerry smiled coolly. "So what if I do?"
Austin had let Carlos into the family and taken everything from Jerry, so he had no right to expect respect now.
Jerry believed respect was a two-way street. Otherwise, no one had the right to mess with him.
Jerry could do what others couldn't—cut ties with anyone.
Austin was so mad he smashed a coffee cup. "Jerry! How could we have such an ungrateful child like you..."
"Hey, hold up." Jerry interrupted, smiling slightly. "Don't speak too soon. What if, in the end, the Hammer Group has to rely on this ungrateful child?"
Austin glared at Jerry. "You!"
"Dad," Carlos gritted his teeth and pulled Austin upstairs.
They needed to confirm if Jerry was telling the truth.
The living room fell silent.
Austin left, but Jerry stayed.
The Hammer family had feared him for years, and now, even more so.
Grace glared at Jerry. "You jerk, aren't you going to check on Alex? He's been waiting for you!"
Since Alex's heart attack two years ago, his health had gone downhill.
He rarely attended family gatherings like this.
Grace and Molly, worried about a clash between Jerry and Austin, kept Jerry's return a secret from Alex.
That's why Alex didn't come to the family dinner.
Jerry's previous hostility vanished, and he quickly stood up, obediently saying, "Alright, I'll go now."
Avery, who had been standing by, quickly said, "Jerry, I'll go with you."
In the study, as soon as they entered, Austin kicked Carlos aside. Furious, he shouted, "What are you standing there for? Contact the RF Group and find out what's going on!"
"Yes!" Carlos, seemingly oblivious to the pain, quickly got up and made a call.
He wasn't calling just anyone; he was calling Donald.
Donald answered quickly, "Who's this?"
Carlos gritted his teeth but kept his tone calm. "Donald, it's Carlos."
It wasn't his first time contacting Donald.
Donald had been by Christopher's side for years, holding a steady position as a special assistant, well-versed in social niceties.
But every time Donald answered Carlos's call, he would ask, "Who's this?"
Was it because he genuinely didn't remember? Of course not.
It was because he didn't take Carlos seriously at all!
Donald spoke coldly, "Hello."
Carlos suppressed his emotions, still sounding friendly. I heard that your company has an intention to cooperate with Apex Technologies.
He didn't directly ask if they had already cooperated. Because in his mind, that was impossible.
Donald chuckled, "There are no secrets in this town. It's not just an intention; we've already cooperated. There will be a press conference in a few days to officially announce it."
After hanging up, Carlos's face turned pale, and he didn't dare to speak.
Austin angrily asked, "Well, what's up?"
"Jerry was telling the truth."
A slap landed, sending Carlos's glasses flying.
Austin glared at Carlos. "If you can't handle it, don't take it on. How did you promise me before joining the company!"
Austin had always found Jerry too flamboyant and unpredictable, hard to control.
That was why he had supported Carlos's rise.
Carlos tasted the blood in his mouth, his eyes filled with malice. "This time, I was careless. Give me another chance."
He would never lose to Jerry again.
"You still want a chance?" Austin spat, roaring, "Go ask Jerry if he'll give you a chance! Idiot! How can you be so different from him when you both Hammers?"
Leaving this heart-wrenching question, Austin stormed downstairs.
Now, he had no choice but to use Jerry to stabilize the situation.
Once the artificial intelligence project was secure, he would kick Jerry out again, just like two years ago.
Jerry had finished visiting Alex and was leisurely sitting on the sofa. Seeing Austin come downstairs, he smiled and asked, "Father, have you confirmed?"
Austin still couldn't swallow his pride, "I'll agree with what you said earlier!"
"Agree with me?" Jerry raised an eyebrow slightly, straightening his sleeves. "Is this how you ask for a favor?"
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