Chapter 23 Call Me Daddy

"First off, the Gray Group is an investment company. Basically, if someone presents a solid plan that fits our strategy, we'll invest. For now, I think we should focus on real estate..."

Fergus explained everything in detail.

As he went on, everyone's expression grew increasingly grimmer. Each word from Fergus felt like a dagger to their hearts!

Fergus had just gotten out of prison after three years. How could he know more than us? Listening to him was like a revelation!

After finishing, Fergus smiled at Logan. "Mr. Shaw, you can kneel and call me daddy now. Speak up; my hearing's not great."

The room went silent.

Logan's eyes nearly popped out, and his mouth hung open. His mind was buzzing. How did this guy know all this?

Hayden was also stunned. Some of Fergus's ideas were more advanced than his own.

He remembered his father's last words: Fergus could ensure the Johnson family prospers for hundreds of years!

Could he be a hidden business genius?

Sarah was equally shocked. She thought he was useless, but his business knowledge was profound.

She realized he wasn't clueless at the company; he was just saving her dignity!

Sarah wished she could disappear.

Seeing Logan not moving, Fergus reminded him, "Mr. Shaw, don't just stand there. Kneel and call me daddy. Need help?"

Everyone snapped out of it and looked at Logan with sympathy.

Logan forced a smile and tried to laugh it off. "Mr. Yost, you're kidding. We're adults, not kids."

"It was just a joke; jokes don't count."

All the real estate moguls in Tarynville were there. How could Logan kneel and call Fergus daddy and still face people afterward? He couldn't kneel!

Fergus said coldly, "Who said I was joking? If you don't kneel, I'll help you."

Logan's smile froze, and he wished he could kill Fergus. But with so many people watching, losing his temper would be bad. He looked to Hayden for help.

Hayden was in turmoil. What was up with Fergus? Seeing Logan's pleading look, he quickly looked away. Best to act ignorant now.

Logan cursed internally and looked at the others.

Some avoided his gaze.

Some reluctantly said, "Mr. Yost, it's just a joke. Don't take it seriously."

"We all live in Tarynville; it's inappropriate. Don't make it too hard for him."

"I think Mr. Shaw is just joking."

They had known Logan for a long time, so they had to help him out.

But then, crack!

Fergus suddenly slapped Logan's shoulder hard. The chair beneath Logan shattered, and he knelt on the floor!

Everyone was stunned. 'The chair broke? Is he even human?' they thought.

Fergus, satisfied, withdrew his hand and said calmly, "You're still missing one thing. You can choose not to fulfill the bet, but I don't mind smashing your head!"

No one dared to speak. They could only watch helplessly.

Logan's eyes were bloodshot, and he trembled with rage. This was the greatest humiliation of his life.

He snarled, "Alright, I dare ask, do you have the guts to agree?"

"Go ahead!"

"Daddy!" Logan roared, his voice filled with boundless anger.

Fergus stayed cool. "Good boy, get up. Remember, calling me daddy is our little secret. Keep it private."

This was total warfare!

"You!" Logan's eyes nearly popped out.

Just then, the auctioneer took the stage.

Everyone quickly looked away. Logan wanted to say something, but with the auctioneer there, he had to hold back and sit down.

The auctioneer talked about the lot and its development potential.

Finally, the host said, "The auction starts now, beginning at nine million dollars!"

"Ten million dollars!"

"Twelve million dollars!"

"Fourteen million dollars!"

Everyone raised their paddles. This land was prime for real estate development, with potential sales in the hundreds of millions.

"Thirty million dollars!"

Hayden raised his paddle, determined to get the land.

"Sixty million dollars!" came Fergus's voice.

Hearing this, everyone present fell silent. His bid was way too high; he was clearly here to disrupt.

"Mr. Yost, that's too high!" Sarah quickly warned him.

Sixty million was just for the land. With construction and other costs, it would be over a hundred million. Would they even make a profit?

Fergus smiled. "It's not too high. I think it's worth it, and I really like this land."

In the front row, Hayden's face darkened. 'He's here for revenge. Sixty million is profitable, but the margin is too small!'

After a moment, Hayden raised his paddle again, "Sixty-five million dollars!"

Fergus quickly raised his paddle, "One hundred million dollars!"

"You...!"

Hayden turned in anger, almost spitting fire. 'Who bids like this? He's clearly sabotaging. Buying the land for a hundred million leaves too little profit. He's doing it on purpose!'

"What are you looking at? The richest man in Tarynville has no money? If you don't have money, don't compete."

Fergus sneered. He didn't like Hayden and thought, 'Even if I don't care about the past, he was clearly biased just now.'

"One hundred and fifty million dollars!"

Logan suddenly raised his paddle, expressionless. "I want this land. I won't back down. One hundred and fifty million dollars. Who dares to compete?"

He sneered internally. At this price, the plan had to be perfect to avoid losing money. Fergus wanted to make a big move as a leader? Fine, but the price would be huge!

"One hundred and seventy million dollars!" Fergus offered the price without hesitation.

"Two hundred million dollars!" Logan didn't hesitate either and said sarcastically, "I said no one could outbid me. I want this land!"

Everyone looked at Fergus, expecting him to bid again.

"Mr. Yost, we can't bid any higher!" Sarah was sweating and explained, "At this price, we'll lose money. This is a losing proposition."

Fergus thought for a moment. "If we'll lose money, then forget it. Let's go."

With that, he got up and left.

Everyone was stunned.

He just gave up? What happened to his earlier toughness?

"I can't believe it's really you!"

As Fergus walked out of the auction, a woman in a suit and high heels ran over.

"Jessica?" Fergus was confused and wondered, 'Why is this woman everywhere?'

Jessica rolled her eyes. 'This guy was really lucky. Not only did he become Sophia's boyfriend, but he also became Ms. Gray's partner, fully in charge of business. It was like winning the lottery, all falling on him,' she thought.

She said sourly, "You better watch that attitude. Are you annoyed by me?"

Fergus nodded. "Don't doubt it; I am very annoyed."