Chapter 014 Disbelief

Norton’s words directly shocked everyone.

The Jones Group is a high-quality enterprise in Boston and ranks among the top in many businesses.

Before this, they were in high demand, but now, they want to raise capital and expand their shares?!

"Mr. Jones, you’re planning to raise capital and issue new shares? Is your company short of funds?" Dorothy immediately shifted her focus from Ethan's matter and asked directly.

Norton smiled faintly and said, "Certainly not. It's because our company is preparing to go public!"

"Everyone is well aware that the Jones Group is a highly competitive and well-established enterprise. We have built many buildings in Boston. This capital increase and stock expansion are quite discreet. It's a benefit for our internal employees, allowing them to subscribe to shares in advance. After going public, they can receive dividends! If it weren't for our good relationship and Bernice being here, I wouldn't have mentioned this to you."

The Smith family and Dorothy couldn't help but be surprised, and then they became excited.
If they could subscribe to some shares of the Jones Group, they would undoubtedly reap significant profits once the Jones Group went public. After all, this was a benefit the Jones Group was providing to their internal employees, but Norton informed them of the news, treating them like insiders!

"Mr. Jones, count me in. I'm willing to invest $10 million to subscribe for some shares. But, considering our relationship, could you give me a bit more?" Dorothy said with a smile.

"No problem. You and Bernice are best friends. I'll give you an additional 10% according to the proportion. Isn't that generous enough?" Norton responded generously.

Bernice pondered for a moment and said, " Mr. Jones, I'm willing to invest $20 million to subscribe for shares!"

Norton laughed heartily and said, "All right, Bernice, for the shares you're subscribing to, I'll give you an additional 15%."

Jane happily exclaimed, " Mr. Jones is so generous!"

Robert, being experienced, didn't doubt it. After all, he was quite aware that Norton was pursuing Bernice.

It may seem like a stroke of luck, but Norton offering these benefits to pursue Bernice seemed only natural.

Bernice currently did not have enough funds, $20 million was already the maximum limit, and she even had to rely on Jane and Robert for help. However, this was also an opportunity. Once they obtained the shares of the Jones Group, they would receive substantial dividends every year after it went public.

"Mr. Jones, you're truly generous. I'll toast to you!" Bernice raised her glass and said to Norton.

"Don't mention it. Bernice, you can just call me Norton directly!" Norton replied with a smile.

Jane immediately pinched Bernice and said, "Exactly, don't feel too distant with Mr. Jones!"

Bernice tactfully responded, "Then from now on..."

"Let's just call you Norton," she said.

Norton nodded in delight. This was a significant advancement. With this step, what was there to worry about future moves?

After dinner, Norton had someone drive Bernice and the others back home.

Robert shook hands with Norton and said, " Mr. Jones, Bernice has been going through a difficult time lately. Thank you for helping her."

"Uncle, you're too kind. It's just what I must do!" Norton said generously.

Robert called Ethan while in the car and asked him to come over to the Smith family's place for an important discussion.

Ethan respected Robert and arrived early at the Smith family's place, waiting.

"Ethan, I have some good news here that should make you some money," Robert said with a smile.

"Thank you, Uncle," Ethan smiled. He wasn't particularly that interested in money. The tycoons in prison would often try to bribe him with billions of dollars.

Robert said, "Prepare as much money as you have available. If it's not enough, I'll help you out."

Ethan smiled and asked, "Uncle, what business is it that you're so confident about?"

"Norton of the Jones Group is preparing for an IPO, but this news hasn't been disclosed to the public yet. It's only for internal employees, offering them benefits and the opportunity to increase capital and issue more shares. He told us about this information today. The Jones Group is a high-quality company, and holding their shares is guaranteed to be a good investment!" Robert told Ethan.

The corner of Ethan's mouth twitched slightly. Today he heard Joseph say that the Jones Group was in severe losses in the real estate business, and even the president of Boston Bank, John, was unwilling to loan them money.

And now, unexpectedly, they were going public?

"The Jones Group... Is the chairman named Jonathan?" Ethan asked.

"I didn't expect you to have some knowledge about this. You certainly know Mr. Jones's father, Mr. Jonathan!" Dorothy, who had returned with Bernice, interjected with a sarcastic tone.

Ethan calmly said, "If that's the case, then it's best not to buy their shares. The Jones Group is already heavily in debt internally and could go bankrupt at any time. This round of internal and external capital increases and stock expansion is most likely a scam to raise funds and prepare to run away!"

”What?”

Everyone's eyes widened.

Bernice said gravely, "Ethan, just because you don't have the ability doesn't mean you can't accept to see others doing well. Mr. Jones is trying to help us!"

Jane added, " Mr. Jones said this is a benefit for the internal employees. In advance, let me tell you, it's because of his relationship with Bernice! You honestly have no sense, you are a stubborn person!"

However, Dorothy remained silent, which was unusual as she didn't say anything specifically targeting Ethan.

"Ethan, jealousy is destructive. Since you don't want to contribute, I will invest three million US dollars on your behalf, as Bernice's dowry for marrying you," Robert shook his head and said helplessly.

Ethan forced a smile. "No, Uncle, you have to believe me! I had dinner with Joseph today, and they told me personally."

Jane immediately sneered, “Nonsense! Mayor Joseph personally welcomed an important guest at the entrance of Cloud Grand Hotel today, it must be a high-ranking official. You should take a good look at yourself.

“You’re nothing but a mere second-level prison guard, from some rural and insignificant prison. Do you frankly think that you're qualified to have Mayor Joseph personally greet you at the door? Next time you try to boast, pay attention to the details, otherwise, you'll expose yourself!”

Bernice's face was filled with displeasure, and she said in a low voice, "Ethan, it's one thing if you can't recognize kindness, but please don't say such embarrassing things, and don't slander Mr. Jones either!”

Ethan helplessly raised his hands. He couldn't continue explaining any further.

Robert slammed the table. "All right then, I'll invest three million US dollars to buy shares for you. Keep them well and don't sell them easily."

Ethan could only say, "Thank you, Uncle."

Robert looked at him and shook his head, thinking that Ethan's sanity might be affected by growing up in prison.

He believed that with Ethan living in this metropolis for a few more years would possibly change him for the better.

Meanwhile, Dorothy took the opportunity of Ethan leaving to say goodbye to Bernice and followed him outside. With a cold expression on her face, she swiftly moved in front of Ethan, blocking his way.

"Do you have something to say?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.

If Dorothy wasn't Bernice's close friend, Ethan wouldn't bother with her.