Chapter 27 Desperate Leonard
James was generally a patient and well-mannered person who rarely got angry. But Leonard had gone too far.
Not only did Leonard mock his relatives instead of offering help, but he also resorted to dirty tricks to frame them. He was simply scum!
James was one hundred percent certain that the top-grade jadeite Leonard had purchased was the same one he had yesterday.
He wasn't sure how Leonard had managed to switch them, deceiving Dennis in the process. Moreover, Leonard's gaze made it clear that he was aware of what had happened.
Jennifer was also furious. She supported Dennis on the side, glaring fiercely at Leonard to defend her father. However, her influence was limited, and instead of making an impact, she ended up being verbally attacked until her eyes turned red.
At that moment, James's ears twitched as he heard the commotion outside the private room. His lips curled into a meaningful smile.
'So, that's how it is,' James had thought to himself.
No longer remaining silent, he patted Jennifer's hand and said, "Jennifer, don't worry. I will help Dennis get justice."
Jennifer, tearful, glared at James and said, "What justice can you get? Don't speak recklessly. This is Grandpa's place, not outside. If you say the wrong thing, they'll kick you out."
Frustrated, Dennis added, "What justice can you achieve? Stop causing trouble for me!"
Kaitlyn, worried, advised, "James, maybe it's best to say less. Alas, we indeed have no evidence to prove that the top-grade jadeite in his possession is ours."
James smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Leonard won't be boasting for long."
With that, he stood up.
Jennifer, seeing his actions, stomped her foot angrily and cursed, "This clueless fool!"
Despite this, she felt a faint sense of admiration.
James stepped forward, addressing Leonard directly, "I believe the one who owes us an apology is you. This premium jadeite, it's ours."
His words ignited a fierce reaction among many of those present. Tony was the first to step forward, shouting, "How dare you speak here! You, a useless son-in-law, have no right to speak!"
A relative spoke scathingly, "I can't stand it anymore. What kind of man has my older sister married? Her husband is worthless, and what's worse, she's brought in a useless son-in-law.
"He's been living off our family for years and hasn't even found a job. We shouldn't have let such a person into our home. He's tarnishing our family's reputation!"
Another relative added, "Look at him now. He dares to speak to us like this. Make him kneel down and apologize!"
These relatives spoke harshly, making Jennifer, Dennis, and Kaitlyn feel uncomfortable.
James, however, remained unfazed. He appeared unperturbed by their taunts, maintaining a stoic demeanor with a faint smile. His composure, in their eyes, seemed like audacity as if he were impervious to criticism.
Leonard detested James's calm demeanor. In his view, James should be trembling with fear and showing humility. This piece of garbage dared to question him, which he considered an insult!
"Fine, you say this top-grade jadeite is yours. Then show me the evidence!" Leonard demanded and glared at him menacingly.
James replied, "If I provide evidence, will you apologize to us?"
"Hahaha..." Leonard burst into laughter as if he had heard the funniest joke.
He declared, "Sure! If you can provide evidence, not only will I apologize to you, but I'll also kneel and kowtow to you all."
Leonard added, "However, if you can't provide evidence, then you are slandering me! I demand that you kneel and apologize to everyone and slap yourself a hundred times!"
Upon hearing this, Jennifer, Dennis, and Kaitlyn's expressions immediately changed.
Jennifer quickly grabbed James, and questioned, "James, are you out of your mind? Do you know what you're saying? What evidence can you provide? Don't be foolish, come back!"
James shook his head and said, "I'm not crazy. I'm seeking justice for Dennis. Trust me, I won't let you down."
With that, he confidently declared, "Agreed."
Jennifer stood there in shock, staring blankly at James's retreating figure. At that moment, she felt James's character was becoming bolder.
Laughter erupted in the room, with everyone looking at James like a clown, thinking he was not only useless but also brainless.
Some of the younger women around Jennifer were particularly delighted, feeling that despite Jennifer's beauty, she had ended up with such a useless husband. It seemed like she had drawn the short end of the stick.
Leonard chuckled, and taunted, "James, oh James, I truly admire your audacity in agreeing to this. Alright, show me the evidence."
Seeing James furrowed his brow slightly, unmoved, Leonard laughed even louder. He said, "Can't you produce any evidence? Then stop the nonsense, quickly kneel, and apologize to everyone!"
Suddenly, James relaxed, a smile spreading across his face. He walked towards the door, and Leonard thought he was trying to escape, so he hurriedly followed, shouting, "Stop, are you trying to run? There's no way out."
Others also thought James was trying to flee and moved to intercept him. Jennifer felt immensely disappointed, thinking, 'This guy was truly unreliable.'
However, just as James opened the door to leave the room, he came face to face with Mr. Rogers and his companions outside.
Upon seeing him, Mr. Rogers was momentarily stunned.
"You useless fool, you dare to run away? Come back to face me!" Leonard yelled as he chased after James, grabbing his shoulder.
But before he could finish his sentence, he froze upon seeing Greg in front of him.
Greg also noticed him and exclaimed excitedly, "Boss, it's him! He's the one who stole the top-grade jadeite!"
He and Leonard were friends. Earlier that morning, Leonard had come to him looking to buy a piece of jade to gift to Marvin.
At first sight, Leonard had taken a liking to the top-grade jadeite, but when he heard the price was over thirty thousand dollars, he was startled.
His business had been bleak recently; he didn't have much cash for turnover, and he couldn't come up with that much money.
Eventually, when Greg wasn't paying attention, he pocketed the top-grade jadeite. Since no one had seen him, he believed he wouldn't be caught.
But he never expected to be found by Greg at that moment, especially since Greg seemed to have evidence. In an instant, his scalp tingled with fear.
Instinctively, Leonard turned and ran.
"You think you can run? Catch him!" Mr. Rogers bellowed, and two strong men immediately rushed forward, soon apprehending Leonard.
Greg, filled with anger, approached and kicked Leonard, cursing, "You bastard, I thought of you as a friend, showed you the top-grade jadeite, and you stole it from me? Damn!"
The scene unfolded so quickly that everyone in the room was left dumbfounded.
Especially Tony, his face was stiff, and with a shake of his hand, the wine glass in his hand fell to the ground.