Chapter 163: The Arson Mastermind!
Chapter 163: The Arson Mastermind!
Upon hearing this, Sophia Anderson was momentarily stunned, "Is... is that even possible?"
Ryder Clark spread his hands, "There's nothing that's not possible in business. It's survival of the fittest out there—a lesson I've learned from those construction moguls. Plus, by doing this, they should be thankful to us. After all, they're all eager to pay their debts!"
Sophia Anderson's eyes widened with realization. She couldn't help but deeply admire Ryder Clark's tactics. On the surface, it appeared to be a three-way power struggle between SG Group, the Windsor family and the Johnson family, and the construction firms. But the true mastermind behind the scenes, reaping all the profits, was none other than Maple Real Estate.
After all, Maple Real Estate had simply loaned the building materials to SG Group. SG sold these materials to the construction firms which, unable to pay, resold them at a discounted rate back to Maple Real Estate. They would then fill in some of the price gap and return the proceeds to SG, who, in turn, repaid Maple Real Estate in cash for the loan.
This created a closed-loop where, essentially, Maple Real Estate juggled assets from one hand to the other and made a handsome profit in the process—50 million in net profit, no small sum.
Moreover, by acquiring materials from other construction firms, Maple would certainly be owed favors. Even as the leading player in Houston’s construction industry facing stiff competition, securing these indebted allies would bolster future business dealings, making them virtually unstoppable.
It was no wonder that Scott Brown had appointed CEO Clark. Whether it was the previous project bid that secured a contract for the company at the incredibly low cost of 500 million or this latest slick maneuver, it could only be described as a masterstroke.
Impressive, indeed.
…
At that time, in the Johnson family's old mansion!
Apart from Ernest Johnson's family, almost all the Johnson clan had gathered.
Today, the matriarch, normally found seated on her commanding armchair, was instead standing energetically in the main hall, her spirits high. She was unusually happy for a simple reason: in just the past few days, the Johnson family had sold all their building materials at high prices to those construction firms.
A net profit of 30 million had been made in just two days—a considerable amount for the Johnson family, whose total assets barely scraped together to 100 million, with just over 10 million in liquid cash.
The 30 million in cash was undoubtedly a fortune for the Johnson family. The matriarch, beaming with joy, exclaimed, "With this money, our Johnson family can finally afford to buy a villa in Platan Height!"
Upon hearing these words, a wave of unstoppable excitement spread across the faces of the Johnson family members. Securing a villa in Platan Height came with its hurdles—one needed to have considerable influence in Anton and a minimum cash flow of 20 million, among other requirements.
Now, they had the means to afford a cozy villa in the prestigious Platan Height area.
Moving into a home at Platan Height Villas doesn't just signify wealth; it's a stamp of undeniable prestige. Around town, you have clout that even the eminent Hong family can't claim.
You see, it's not that the Windsor family can't afford a villa. It's Lucas's past breaches of trust during his early entrepreneurial days that have tarnished his name. No amount of money can buy back eligibility to secure a place in that esteemed enclave.
"Heh, once I move into Platan Height, even Elena will pale in comparison," said Abigail Johnson, her face aglow with anticipation and triumph.
Lately, she and Elena had become quite close. But both women knew their budding friendship was nothing more than a strategic alliance against SG Group. Once that venture wrapped up, what good friends? What a joke!
At that moment, Ernest Johnson expressed his concerns. "Mom, we've hit a jackpot recently, but SG is still standing. Not to mention the disgruntled builders upset because we refused to take back the goods. What do we do from here?"
Mrs. Johnson didn't even bat an eyelid. "Worried? SG might survive, but they can't dodge the direct losses from that warehouse fire. They won't bounce back anytime soon. And the builders? They're simply fair-weather friends, country bumpkins at best. Next time we sell our materials, just slash the prices a bit, and they'll come running like dogs, impossible to shoo away."
The Johnson family members piled on the flattery:
"Mom, you're a genius, truly admirable!"
"With your guidance, the Johnson family's fortunes will only soar!"
"That's right! We'll make sure Sarah Johnson regrets leaving the nest. A bunch of ungrateful ingrates!"
Mrs. Johnson hummed contentedly under her breath, then continued, "That's why the villa auction the day after tomorrow is key. I've already pulled some strings—we're in. Matthew, Lawrence, Abigail, you'll accompany me to the bid."
The trio was visibly ecstatic, nodding eagerly—none more so than Abigail, who was already imagining herself in a luxurious Platan Height Villa, ready to make Sarah Johnson green with envy.
It was past five in the afternoon when Ryder Clark left Maple Estate Real Estate. He hopped on his e-bike, heading for Platan Height Villas. A few days ago, he had the property management spruce up Villa No.1. He was eager to check on the refurbishing progress, crucial to perfecting the spot before his and Sarah Johnson's anniversary.
Yet no sooner had he pedaled away than a call from George Weir came in. Over the phone, Weir divulged that he had asked the police to identify the person hired by Kevin to commit arson. Given the sensitivity of the matter, it wasn't something to discuss over the phone.
Acknowledging the urgency, Ryder Clark opted to meet Weir directly.
Ten minutes later, he arrived at Boss Security Company.
Boss Security Corporation had been up and running for a few days now.
Everything was going smoothly, just as Ryder Clark and George Weir had envisioned. It wouldn't be long before the business began turning a profit across the board.
At this moment in George Weir's office,
George Weir respectfully poured a cup of tea for Ryder Clark and said, "Mr. Clark, you may not know this, but the mastermind this time is quite crafty. It took a lot of effort and favors for my friend to uncover it!"
Ryder Clark took a sip of tea and asked, "Who is it?"
George Weir replied with a serious tone, "It's Sam Smith, the son of Joseph from the former Smith Group!"
Ryder Clark's pupils shrank at the mention of that name. So it was him!
Back then, when the Smith family fell, Joseph died in what was said to be an "accidental" car crash, though Ryder Clark had spared Sam Smith's life.
Soon after, the Smith Group plunged into a debt crisis and had no choice but to mortgage its assets to the banks. Since then, Sam Smith had vanished without a trace.
But unexpectedly, he had resurfaced in such a manner...
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