Insta Empire Ep 43 - 53
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00:00:00Hi guys, Kevin here. Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
00:00:07Click the link in the description to install the app now.
00:00:11Kevin, you're just being a bully, Blair shouted.
00:00:15Kevin raised an eyebrow when he heard this.
00:00:17He laughed mockingly and said,
00:00:19Well, you certainly should know bullying when you see it.
00:00:23That's all you've done since I met you.
00:00:25Stop arguing, Officer Emmett looked Kevin in the eye and said,
00:00:29Please.
00:00:31Kevin couldn't say no to her.
00:00:33He smiled smugly and said to Blair,
00:00:35I'm doing this for Officer Emmett, not for you.
00:00:39Then he walked over to Blair to take a look at his shackles.
00:00:42Be careful how you speak to me or you'll regret it.
00:00:46Blair growled.
00:00:48I've never seen such an ungrateful bastard, even in the Jones family.
00:00:53All right, let's see how you do when those guys all wake up.
00:00:57Kevin told Blair as he turned around and started walking away.
00:01:01Please don't leave me here. I was wrong.
00:01:04Help me, please.
00:01:06Blair whined.
00:01:07He suddenly realized how close he was to facing Marshall and the others on his own.
00:01:12Kevin shook his head in disbelief.
00:01:14He reached down and grabbed the shackle.
00:01:17With a powerful twist, he broke the lock.
00:01:20Then the three of them left the room.
00:01:22The Alliance's Chicago stronghold was a vast network of tunnels.
00:01:27It must have taken them two hours to find their way out and get back into the city.
00:01:32On top of everything, Kevin had to swing by the Jones mansion on the way home so he could pick up his car.
00:01:38When Kevin returned to his penthouse at Corwin Tower,
00:01:42it was already past three o'clock in the morning and Lily was still sleeping.
00:01:46Kevin went into the study and opened the book he'd taken from the Marshall's office.
00:01:51Alliance Advanced Herbal Manufacturing.
00:01:55As he flipped through it, he found scores of fascinating recipes for all sorts of uses,
00:02:01from healing to self-improvement to what you would call weaponized herbs,
00:02:06like the powder that he'd just used on Marshall's guards.
00:02:09Then Kevin's eyes were drawn to a sentence that was printed boldly in red.
00:02:15These are the ultimate herbal manufacturing techniques of the Alliance.
00:02:21Anyone other than the Alliance's Supreme Leader who uses these methods without permission will be punished severely.
00:02:30I wonder if Marshall stole this book from the Alliance, Kevin thought to himself.
00:02:35But he didn't care about that now.
00:02:37After all, if these recipes were only for the use of the Alliance's Supreme Leader, they had to be pretty effective.
00:02:44He kept reading until the sun rose over Lake Michigan.
00:02:48Somehow, even after the exhausting day that he'd just spent, he wasn't really tired.
00:02:53In fact, he felt refreshed.
00:02:55Finally, when he heard Lily getting up in the other room, he put the book away and went out into the hall.
00:03:01Lily was walking out of the bedroom and saw Kevin leaving the study.
00:03:05She yawned and asked him,
00:03:07With all these bedrooms, why would you sleep in the study?
00:03:12Well, when I got back last night, I went into the study to do some reading.
00:03:16I guess I must have fallen asleep, Kevin replied with a disarming smile.
00:03:21That's nice, Lily said happily.
00:03:24Hey, Grandma just had someone give me a call.
00:03:27She said she has something she wants to discuss with everyone.
00:03:30Everybody in the family has to drop what they're doing and get to the mansion by 1030.
00:03:36Okay, I'll take you over there, Kevin nodded.
00:03:39He went to clean up and change his clothes.
00:03:42Luckily, Kevin had gone back to the Jones Mansion last night and driven his car back to Corwin Tower.
00:03:47Otherwise, they'd ask too many questions if he showed up today with another one.
00:03:52As they were driving out to the mansion, Kevin couldn't help asking Lily,
00:03:56Didn't we just hold a family meeting yesterday?
00:04:00After you left with Officer Emmett yesterday, we were told that Meriwether would be held for arraignment.
00:04:07So his deal with the family ended up falling through, Lily explained unemotionally.
00:04:12After her family's cold-hearted reaction to Meriwether's attack on her yesterday,
00:04:17Lily had pretty much given up on them.
00:04:20Kevin was sure that nothing good would come of this meeting,
00:04:23so he sent a quick message to Tyler while he was waiting at a red light.
00:04:27When they reached the mansion, Kevin walked with Lily up to the front door.
00:04:31You'd better not go in, she whispered to him.
00:04:35If I don't go in, they'll blame you for everything, Kevin said as he took Lily's hand and comforted her.
00:04:41Don't be afraid. I'm used to being insulted.
00:04:44It helps that I don't give a damn what they think.
00:04:48Lily was touched when she heard this.
00:04:50She understood exactly what Kevin meant.
00:04:53Then she remembered how Kevin didn't hesitate to stand up and fight with Meriwether for her yesterday.
00:04:59This gave her a warm feeling inside.
00:05:02As Kevin and Lily entered the hall, Jason jumped up and shouted,
00:05:05Kevin, you've got some nerve coming here.
00:05:09If it wasn't for you, we'd have been able to sell our shares, Jason said as he glared at Kevin.
00:05:15The rest of the family started insulting him, saying that Lily would be better off with Meriwether than with Kevin.
00:05:21Then they defended Meriwether, saying it was just his nature to be aggressive.
00:05:26Jason jeered at Kevin and said,
00:05:28If I were you, I'd divorce Lily right now. Think of her future.
00:05:33Mr. Meriwether would treat her well, better than you can.
00:05:37This really pissed Kevin off. He snapped back,
00:05:41Meriwether, didn't you just see him sitting on the floor in the middle of this room waiting for the police to take him away?
00:05:49Kevin looked Jason in the eyes and added,
00:05:51Don't you know when you're betting on the wrong horse?
00:05:55Of course not, because you're a jackass.
00:05:59What did you just say? Did you just call me a jackass?
00:06:03Jason clenched his fists tightly. He wanted to teach Kevin a lesson.
00:06:08But then he thought about how badly Kevin had beaten Meriwether yesterday and how quickly he had done it.
00:06:14He unclenched his fists and sat back down.
00:06:18Kevin didn't pay any more attention to Jason.
00:06:21Instead, he looked around the room at the rest of the family.
00:06:24Then he said to them all sternly,
00:06:26I just want to ask you one question.
00:06:29If I went and found a gangster to flirt with your wife or daughter right in front of you, would you laugh and cheer?
00:06:37This meant nothing to them, and they went back to defending Meriwether and saying how much better off they'd all be if Lily married him.
00:06:45This gave Jason the courage to speak up again.
00:06:48Because of you and your husband, we couldn't sell any of our shares yesterday.
00:06:53Lily, tell me what to do.
00:06:55Jason took a breath and added, do this for the family.
00:06:59Family, she yelled.
00:07:02Yesterday, I was being assaulted right in this room, and none of you lifted a finger to help me.
00:07:09Grandma Joan slammed her fist on the table.
00:07:12Enough, she said coldly.
00:07:14Lily, you'd be better off with Mr. Meriwether.
00:07:18I thought about it all night, and I've come to a decision.
00:07:21After Mr. Meriwether is released from jail, you will divorce Kevin.
00:07:26Then I'll make arrangements for you to marry our new business partner.
00:07:31Grandma, no, Lily said insistently.
00:07:34I'll never divorce Kevin.
00:07:36Whether you agree or not isn't up to you.
00:07:39The two of you will divorce today, Grandma Joan declared.
00:07:44This is for the future of the Jones family.
00:07:48It's not negotiable.
00:07:50As Grandma Jones finished speaking, the blood drained from Lily's face.
00:07:54But the rest of the family was smiling broadly.
00:07:57They figured that as long as Lily married Meriwether, they'd be able to sell their shares and start their new company.
00:08:04As for whether Lily would be happy or not, they weren't concerned at all.
00:08:08While they were rejoicing, Kevin suddenly laughed out loud.
00:08:12This really is a joke.
00:08:15Why are you laughing? Grandma Jones asked him angrily.
00:08:19Why am I laughing?
00:08:21It's because you're not only short-sighted, but you're also fools.
00:08:26You've been deceived and you also want to sacrifice my wife for this great chance for a comeback.
00:08:32Kevin continued to mock them.
00:08:35You're willing to sell one of your own just for money.
00:08:39You don't know anything about familial love.
00:08:42That's why I'm laughing.
00:08:44What are you talking about? Grandma Jones said as she stood up from her chair.
00:08:49Who are you to criticize us?
00:08:52You've lost control of your business.
00:08:55And now you're trying to give my wife to Meriwether in exchange for money to fund your next disaster.
00:09:02Kevin's expression slowly became serious.
00:09:05You're quite the leader.
00:09:08Get out of here!
00:09:10Someone toss him out the door right now!
00:09:13Grandma Jones yelled, I'd like to see you try.
00:09:16Kevin said calmly without a hint of fear in his voice.
00:09:21Who would dare to lay a hand on him after seeing him toss Meriwether around like a doll in this very room?
00:09:28Nobody said a word.
00:09:30Lily saw that the situation was getting out of control and she was very worried.
00:09:35She tugged at Kevin's sleeve and said, please don't say anything else.
00:09:39Grandma's already very angry.
00:09:42Don't worry, Lily. These people will come crawling back to you.
00:09:47Kevin said gently to Lily.
00:09:49The Joneses heard this and started to whisper to each other.
00:09:52What did he mean by that?
00:09:54Why would they beg Lily for anything?
00:09:57Grandma Jones looked at Kevin and Lily and realized that they loved each other.
00:10:01Before she could say anything, though, the family butler called from the foyer.
00:10:06Mrs. Jones, the CEO of KWTD Corporation, Mr. Tyler Dawn is here to see you.
00:10:14She motioned for her senior advisors to join her and walked quickly to the door to greet Tyler.
00:10:20I'm sorry to disturb you again, Tyler said as he walked into the reception room with his assistants.
00:10:26He had a big broad smile on his face.
00:10:29To what do we owe the pleasure? Grandma Jones asked graciously.
00:10:33I'm in a bit of a hurry, so I'll get straight to the point, he replied.
00:10:37May I ask if Lily is here today? I'm actually here to speak with her.
00:10:42Before Grandma Jones could answer, Tyler had already found Lily in the crowd.
00:10:46He walked up to her quickly.
00:10:48I'm Tyler Dawn. Very pleased to finally meet you, my friend, he smiled and said.
00:10:54It's true what they say. You are quite beautiful.
00:10:58When Tyler said this, nobody understood what was going on.
00:11:01Why was he being so friendly to Lily?
00:11:03But they weren't ready for what he said next.
00:11:06My dear friend, I have to leave town for some urgent business.
00:11:10So I've decided to transfer my shares in the Jones family company to you,
00:11:15along with the earnings from the import-export company.
00:11:18It will all be placed in your name and your name only.
00:11:22Then Tyler gestured for one of his assistants to hand a document to Lily for her to sign.
00:11:28For the first time today, nobody knew what to say.
00:11:53Grandma and the rest of the family were stunned for a moment.
00:11:56Then their faces lit up as it sank in that they could get everything back again.
00:12:01If Tyler Dawn transferred his shares to Lily,
00:12:03wouldn't that be the same as returning all the shares to the Jones family?
00:12:07Not only that, but they'd picked up an international trade company to boot.
00:12:12This was a great day for the Jones family.
00:12:15But Tyler had more to say.
00:12:17My friend, there is one thing I must make clear to you first.
00:12:21These shares are worth 300 million dollars.
00:12:24I only transfer them to you because I trust you.
00:12:27That's the only reason I did this.
00:12:30After saying this, Tyler gave Lily a smile and then turned around to look at everyone.
00:12:35Don't worry, I won't let you down, Lily said nervously.
00:12:39But, Mr. Dawn, there's one thing I don't understand.
00:12:43Why do you keep calling me friend?
00:12:45This is the first time we've met.
00:12:47A big smile suddenly appeared on Tyler's face.
00:12:51Before answering Lily's question, he walked over to Kevin.
00:12:54While everyone watched in amazement, Tyler put his hand on Kevin's shoulder.
00:12:58Of course it's because you're Mr. Williams' wife, Tyler said candidly.
00:13:03Mr. Williams, if you'd told me that Lily was your wife,
00:13:07I'd have transferred all the shares to her the last time I came here.
00:13:11What?
00:13:12If you'd taken a break from your business now and then and stopped by to visit,
00:13:16you'd have met her sooner, Kevin said with a laugh.
00:13:19I stand corrected, Tyler said with a friendly smile.
00:13:23Just then, one of Tyler's assistants walked over and whispered something in his ear.
00:13:27Tyler's demeanor got more serious.
00:13:30Kevin, I was hoping to have dinner with you, but I need to deal with an urgent matter in New York.
00:13:35Unfortunately, I have to run.
00:13:37Okay, have a safe trip, Kevin replied as he shook his hand.
00:13:41Then Tyler headed out the door, followed by his assistants and his bodyguards.
00:13:46It took a long time for the Jones family to finally come back to their senses.
00:13:51They looked at Kevin in shock and awe.
00:13:53How could he be such good friends with Tyler Dawn?
00:13:57Lily took a deep breath and asked Kevin hesitantly.
00:14:00You know Tyler Dawn?
00:14:02Yes, we're pretty good friends, Kevin answered very seriously.
00:14:06Then he added, Lily, now that this issue with the shares has been taken care of,
00:14:11I have to go and run some errands that my boss gave me.
00:14:14Before Lily could ask any questions that he wasn't ready to answer yet,
00:14:18Kevin turned around and quickly left the mansion.
00:14:21Jason could barely look at Lily.
00:14:23No one would have thought that 60% of the family shares would end up in Lily's hands.
00:14:28This controlling share in the company actually made her more important than Grandma Jones.
00:14:33Grandma Jones looked at Lily with a worried expression and had no idea what to say.
00:14:38Just then, Lily's phone vibrated.
00:14:41It was a text from Kevin with a simple message.
00:14:44He told her to hang on tight to the shares and not transfer them to anyone, no matter what.
00:14:51But Lily really didn't need Kevin's reminder.
00:14:54After what happened over the past two days,
00:14:56she wasn't particularly fond of the Jones family, relatives or not.
00:15:02Kevin had just returned to his office at Williams Media when he got a phone call.
00:15:07Yes, I'm Kevin. May I ask who this is?
00:15:10Kevin asked in confusion.
00:15:12After all, not many people knew his personal phone number.
00:15:15Hello, Mr. Williams. My name is Philip Quinn.
00:15:19Dominic Archer gave me your number.
00:15:21The man said seriously.
00:15:23Kevin knew right away what the man wanted.
00:15:25Would you like to purchase one of my herbal pills?
00:15:29Yes, Mr. Williams. Dominic said that your pill worked miracles for him.
00:15:34So go ahead and name your price. I promise not to bargain with you.
00:15:38Quinn replied openly.
00:15:39You won't bargain with me?
00:15:41Kevin was surprised and thought to himself.
00:15:44It sounds like I've found someone else with deep pockets.
00:15:48Then a smile appeared on Kevin's face.
00:15:50How about this?
00:15:52If you're really serious, give me a call at this time tomorrow.
00:15:56The price will be the same as I said for Dominic Archer.
00:15:59500,000. Can you afford that?
00:16:02500,000? No problem.
00:16:05Then it's a deal.
00:16:06Quinn replied happily.
00:16:08After hanging up the phone, Kevin had a moment of regret.
00:16:11Quinn didn't even flinch at $500,000.
00:16:15He should have probably raised the price.
00:16:17Just then, Ms. Wilson came into the office.
00:16:20Mr. Williams, you have visitors, she said excitedly.
00:16:24Visitors? For me?
00:16:27Kevin was stunned for a moment before he reacted.
00:16:30Please send them in.
00:16:32When the middle-aged couple entered the office,
00:16:35Kevin immediately jumped up from his chair and ran over to them.
00:16:38Mom, Dad, when did you get to Chicago?
00:16:41Kevin was so excited.
00:16:43He gave them a hug and said,
00:16:45Please have a seat.
00:16:47Ms. Wilson watched the reunion from the doorway and then quietly slipped out of the office.
00:16:52Kevin, I heard from your uncle that he put Williams Media under your name.
00:16:56I came to see for myself.
00:16:59Alan Williams said happily.
00:17:01Before Kevin could answer, his mother, Susan Williams, asked him.
00:17:04Kevin, are you really the CEO of Williams Media now?
00:17:08Yes, Mom and Dad.
00:17:10I've been helping the company a lot, so Uncle Thomas put me in charge, Kevin said humbly.
00:17:15Then he offered cheerfully.
00:17:17Hey, now that you're here, why don't you stay in Chicago?
00:17:20I bought an enormous penthouse apartment at the top of Corwin Tower.
00:17:24There's plenty of room for all of us.
00:17:26After Kevin was pushed out by the family,
00:17:29Alan and Sue went back to their old house in the country.
00:17:32Kevin hadn't seen them in almost a year.
00:17:34Alan and Sue looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
00:17:38That sounds fine.
00:17:40But we don't want to put you out.
00:17:42We can always find an apartment, Alan said.
00:17:45Then Sue spoke up and said,
00:17:47But actually, we came to tell you some good news.
00:17:50Your cousin, Monty Aspinwall, is getting married in New York tomorrow.
00:17:55Before Sue could finish, Kevin's phone rang.
00:17:57It was his Uncle Thomas.
00:17:59He accepted the call and heard his Uncle's calm voice.
00:18:03Hi, Kevin. Are you free tomorrow?
00:18:06Sure, Uncle Thomas. What's going on? Kevin asked curiously.
00:18:10It's like this. Your cousin is getting married tomorrow,
00:18:13so I'd like to invite you back into the family as a guest.
00:18:17Uncle Thomas said cheerfully.
00:18:19Of course. I'll definitely come, Kevin said excitedly.
00:18:23Then they discussed the details for a minute before saying goodbye.
00:18:27Did your uncle just invite you to attend Monty's wedding?
00:18:31Alan asked him with a smile.
00:18:33Yes, he did. Let's all go there together, Kevin said happily.
00:18:38In the entire family, except for his parents,
00:18:41Monty was the one who had the best relationship with Kevin.
00:18:44In fact, when Kevin was pushed out of the family,
00:18:46Monty was the first one to speak up in his defense.
00:18:49Unfortunately, not many people listened to what Monty had to say.
00:18:54That's a great idea, Alan answered as he looked at Kevin with a pleased expression.
00:18:59We'll let you get back to work now.
00:19:02Your father and I haven't been to the city in a long time.
00:19:05We're going to take a walk, Susan said with a smile.
00:19:08Then Alan and Susan headed out to spend the day walking around downtown Chicago.
00:19:14After his parents left, Kevin asked Miss Wilson to buy him a suit.
00:19:18He didn't forget to ask her to choose a gift for the newlyweds.
00:19:22The next morning, Kevin and his parents headed to Midway Airport to take the company jet to New York.
00:19:28The flight only took a couple of hours, and Miss Wilson, with her usual efficiency,
00:19:32had arranged for them to be picked up in a company limo to go to the Williams family mansion.
00:19:38They arrived a little early, but there were already countless luxury cars parked in front.
00:19:43Everywhere you looked, there was someone famous or influential coming and going from the mansion.
00:19:49Monty, who had been standing at the entrance welcoming the guests, brightened up immediately when he saw Kevin.
00:19:55Kevin! You're finally here! I've been waiting for you!
00:19:59Monty grinned as he gave Kevin a big hug.
00:20:02I missed you too, Kevin said as he slapped his cousin on the back.
00:20:06Then Monty noticed Alan and Susan Williams who had come along with Kevin.
00:20:10Uncle Alan! Aunt Susan! Monty called out happily.
00:20:15Monty! It's been such a long time! You're getting more and more handsome, Susan said with a smile.
00:20:22Thank you for the compliment, Aunt Susan.
00:20:25Monty was a little embarrassed. Then he turned to his fiancƩe and took her by the hand.
00:20:30Hannah, let me introduce you to more of my family. This is cousin Kevin, Uncle Alan, and Aunt Susan.
00:20:36Alan asked,
00:20:38Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?
00:20:41Oh, we're not superstitious, Hannah answered calmly.
00:20:45Then she shook each of their hands.
00:20:48Kevin nodded politely and smiled as he called her cousin Hannah.
00:20:52Although this was the first time he'd met her, he could tell that she was intelligent and witty.
00:20:57Kevin! My dad and the rest of the family are waiting in the main hall, Monty said anxiously.
00:21:02Oh, of course. You have a lot of other guests to greet.
00:21:06We'll head in and take a seat, Kevin said in an understanding tone of voice.
00:21:11As he looked at the big ornate front door of the mansion, Kevin started to get a little emotional.
00:21:16He vividly remembered the last time he walked out this door a few years ago.
00:21:21His father patted him on the shoulder and said,
00:21:24Kevin, that's all in the past now. Let's live in the present and look toward the future.
00:21:30You're right, Dad, Kevin said sincerely.
00:21:34When Kevin and his family walked into the reception hall, Uncle Thomas was greeting the guests warmly.
00:21:40When he saw Kevin, Thomas immediately put down his wine glass and walked over with a big smile.
00:21:45Kevin, I'm so glad you could make it.
00:21:48Then Thomas looked at Alan and Susan.
00:21:51It's good to see you finally made it back.
00:21:54It's been a few years, hasn't it?
00:21:56Monty's wedding seemed like a good opportunity to reconnect.
00:22:00Alan's tone was a little sad.
00:22:03Alan, please don't blame Dad and our uncle for what happened back then.
00:22:07They have their own troubles now.
00:22:09Thomas naturally understood why his brother was feeling like this.
00:22:13Just as Kevin was about to say something to liven up the atmosphere, he heard a sharp voice.
00:22:18I was wondering who this big shot was.
00:22:21I see the three of you made it to Monty's wedding.
00:22:24When are you leaving? Laura Williams said coldly.
00:22:27Laura, what did you just say?
00:22:30I called Alan and his family to personally invite them back.
00:22:33Thomas was very disappointed in his wife.
00:22:36Laura didn't understand what had happened with Kevin as well as her husband Thomas did.
00:22:40When the Williams family was facing a financial crisis, Grandpa Williams had personally sent his son Thomas a message.
00:22:47He was to make a special trip to Chicago to find Kevin and ask for forgiveness.
00:22:52That's when Kevin agreed to invest his fortune in the Williams family business.
00:22:57So technically speaking, even the Williams mansion belonged to Kevin now.
00:23:03In other words, if Kevin felt like it, he could easily bankrupt the entire Williams family.
00:23:08What are you talking about?
00:23:10They have the nerve to come back today after everything they did?
00:23:14Laura said spitefully.
00:23:16Their good little boy Kevin is even worse.
00:23:19He went off and married into another family, mooching off of them for three years.
00:23:24Laura's ranting drew the attention of a lot of the guests.
00:23:27Kevin and his parents were starting to get pissed off.
00:23:31Laura turned her nose up at Kevin and said,
00:23:33Don't think you can come in here acting all fancy just because you're in charge of Williams Media.
00:23:38Everyone knows that you're only in that position because Thomas took pity on you.
00:23:43The family has lots of other businesses.
00:23:46We don't need that one at all.
00:23:49Then Ethan Williams, Kevin's cousin, and the son of Thomas and Laura,
00:23:53stepped out from the crowd and said,
00:23:55Kevin, you got a lot of nerve coming here today.
00:23:59Laura chimed in,
00:24:00You're an embarrassment to the entire family.
00:24:03Why don't you just go back to Chicago?
00:24:06Lauren, Ethan, shut up.
00:24:09Don't do this in front of all the guests.
00:24:11Thomas whispered to the two of them.
00:24:14Then he turned around and said,
00:24:15Kevin, Alan, please don't pay any attention to them.
00:24:18They've already had too much to drink.
00:24:21But by now, Kevin was insulted.
00:24:24Alan was so angry that his chest was heaving up and down.
00:24:27And Susan was so repulsed that she was starting to look pale.
00:24:31What's wrong with you, Thomas?
00:24:33How can you help these outcasts?
00:24:36Laura complained.
00:24:37So far, the wedding wasn't off to a great start.
00:24:40Would Thomas be able to do anything at all to turn things around?
00:24:44Hi, guys.
00:24:45Kevin here.
00:24:46Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
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00:24:54Hi, guys.
00:24:55Kevin here.
00:24:56Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
00:25:01Click the link in the description to install the app now.
00:25:04When Kevin and his parents arrived at Monty's wedding in New York,
00:25:07everything went well until his aunt Laura and his cousin Ethan started to insult them.
00:25:12Uncle Thomas tried to calm things down, but he wasn't having any luck.
00:25:16You know, Dad, I think you're the one who drank too much.
00:25:19I can't believe you're actually siding with them, Ethan said with a sneer.
00:25:24Uncle Alan and Susan, what possessed you to come here?
00:25:28Actually, ever since they were kids, Ethan had never liked Kevin all that much.
00:25:32Even though he was older, it seemed that Kevin was always better than him,
00:25:35no matter what they were doing.
00:25:38The family had decided to expel Kevin as punishment after his failure in a large investment.
00:25:43But later on, when Kevin's luck turned around and he became super wealthy,
00:25:47Uncle Thomas went and tracked him down to ask him to take over as CEO of Williams Media,
00:25:52as long as he saved the family from bankruptcy.
00:25:55Ethan was jealous because he'd been running the company up until they needed the bailout from Kevin.
00:26:00How could he ever get over a humiliation like that?
00:26:04Ethan, let's not argue on Monty's wedding day.
00:26:08It won't go well for you, Kevin said coldly.
00:26:11Kevin didn't mind being insulted, but he absolutely couldn't stand seeing his parents treated like this.
00:26:17What? Did I hear you right? Are you saying you don't want to argue with me?
00:26:22Ethan laughed and said, what are you going to do about it?
00:26:25You couldn't take me anyway.
00:26:28Enough. What are you guys doing? We're all family, Thomas said angrily.
00:26:33Why do you guys always have to fight?
00:26:36Who said we're related? Laura sneered.
00:26:39Just look at what they're wearing.
00:26:41They look like a bunch of vagrants who have come to crash the wedding.
00:26:45When Laura finished speaking, Alan's face suddenly turned pale.
00:26:49He moaned and collapsed on the floor.
00:26:51Dad, what's wrong? Kevin said as he knelt down and cradled his father.
00:26:56Alan, you're scaring me, Susan said in a panic.
00:27:01Kevin immediately took out his phone and dialed 911.
00:27:04Then he looked up and glared at Ethan and Laura.
00:27:07He knew very well that his father had collapsed from holding in the anger that was boiling up inside him while he was listening to Laura and Ethan's insults.
00:27:17Ethan, if something happens to my father, I'll hold you personally responsible, Kevin said bitterly.
00:27:25He could feel the adrenaline building up inside him.
00:27:28Ethan turned his head and looked away.
00:27:30Then Kevin suddenly looked at his uncle Thomas and said,
00:27:34It seems I made a bad choice lending money to the Williams family.
00:27:38I think I may just pull out my eight billion and head back to Chicago.
00:27:43Everyone who heard this was stunned.
00:27:46They knew that Kevin had been shut out years ago.
00:27:49So where did he find eight billion dollars?
00:27:52Laura put her hands on her hips and snapped at Kevin.
00:27:55You seem to be confused.
00:27:57Why do you think we'd lend you any money?
00:28:00I think you've had a little too much to drink already.
00:28:04I'm not asking for a loan.
00:28:06I gave you the loan.
00:28:08I lent eight billion to the family to bail them out of the mess they'd gotten into.
00:28:13Just ask Uncle Thomas.
00:28:15He wrote up the contract, Kevin said firmly.
00:28:18Thomas was appalled and it showed on his face.
00:28:22He quickly walked over to Laura and pulled her away by the elbow.
00:28:26What's going on?
00:28:27Laura asked him.
00:28:28What's he talking about?
00:28:30Ethan was confused, too.
00:28:32Dad, what are you doing?
00:28:33He was naturally protective of his mother.
00:28:36Monty heard all the noise and rushed over with Hannah.
00:28:39Kevin, what happened to Uncle Alan?
00:28:42Monty asked nervously.
00:28:43Kevin didn't answer him.
00:28:45He just stared at Thomas coldly and said,
00:28:48I'll give you one day, Uncle Thomas.
00:28:51At this time tomorrow, I'm coming back for my money.
00:28:55Then he picked up his father from the floor and walked carefully towards the door.
00:28:59Suddenly, Ethan roared,
00:29:01Stop!
00:29:02Who said you could leave?
00:29:04Ethan, what are you talking about?
00:29:06Monty said unhappily.
00:29:08Monty, this is none of your business.
00:29:10Stay out of it, Ethan said with a ferocious expression on his face.
00:29:14If you weren't getting married today, I wouldn't have even wasted my time talking to you.
00:29:18It made Monty sad to hear this, but he took a step back.
00:29:22Monty was only tied to the Williams family through marriage,
00:29:25so he didn't have much say in things, especially compared to Ethan.
00:29:29An ambulance soon arrived at the mansion's entrance.
00:29:32Kevin helped him load his father in the van,
00:29:34and his mother rode along with them.
00:29:36Kevin would follow them as soon as he could.
00:29:38As the ambulance drove away with its siren blaring,
00:29:41Kevin turned around and went back inside.
00:29:44Ethan was the first to jump up.
00:29:46Don't you get it?
00:29:47You've already ruined Monty's wedding.
00:29:49Why the hell did you come back?
00:29:52Who says I can't come back?
00:29:54Kevin said coldly.
00:29:56You're no longer a member of this family.
00:29:58You just aren't welcome here.
00:30:00Get the hell out right now,
00:30:02Ethan said viciously.
00:30:04As far as Ethan was concerned,
00:30:07it was because of Kevin that he'd lost his place in Williams Media.
00:30:11And he thought that Kevin had just embarrassed his mother Laura
00:30:14in front of the entire family,
00:30:16so he really had it in for Kevin.
00:30:19Shut up, Thomas told him.
00:30:21Then he pointed to the other side of the room and said,
00:30:24Now go wait over there and don't say another word.
00:30:27Then Thomas turned around and looked at Kevin.
00:30:30He smiled awkwardly and said,
00:30:32Kevin, we're all family here.
00:30:34Let's work this out.
00:30:36No.
00:30:37Ethan just said that I'm no longer a member of this family.
00:30:40Kevin said blankly.
00:30:42His face didn't show any expression at all.
00:30:45Nothing his uncle said could get him to change his mind.
00:30:48But Kevin, how can you talk to Uncle Thomas like this?
00:30:52Monty asked worriedly.
00:30:54Monty Aspinwall.
00:30:56And Kevin emphasized that his cousin had a different last name.
00:31:00Don't worry.
00:31:01Tomorrow you can come over to Williams Media for a job.
00:31:04Some people don't want to see us succeed.
00:31:07Well, I guess you can't please everyone.
00:31:10Then Kevin gave Ethan a nasty look.
00:31:13Kevin, I don't know what to say.
00:31:16Monty replied, shaking his head.
00:31:18Thomas was at a loss for words too.
00:31:20After all, this whole mess had been caused by his wife and his son.
00:31:25Uncle Thomas, remember what I said.
00:31:28I'll be back tomorrow for my money.
00:31:30Kevin warned his uncle.
00:31:32Then he turned around and looked at Monty.
00:31:34He took a deep breath and said, I'm so sorry I messed up your wedding, Monty.
00:31:39He took a beautifully decorated gift envelope out of his pocket and handed it to his cousin.
00:31:44It was the one Miss Wilson had prepared for him with a very generous check inside.
00:31:49You don't have to put up with this.
00:31:51Come to Chicago.
00:31:53Without giving Monty any time to react, Kevin patted him on the shoulder and left the mansion.
00:31:58He knew his father was still unconscious, so he had to rush to the hospital immediately.
00:32:03As Thomas watched Kevin walk away, he turned to his son and shook his head.
00:32:07This is all because of you, Uncle Thomas said menacingly.
00:32:11Kevin got to the hospital within 20 minutes and saw that his father wasn't being treated yet.
00:32:17Instead, his gurney was just sitting in the corridor.
00:32:20His mother was pleading with the nurse, tears streaming down her cheeks.
00:32:24Please help him. I'll give you anything you want as soon as my son gets here.
00:32:29I'm sorry, but the administrator already told you.
00:32:32This is a private hospital and you have no insurance coverage.
00:32:36We can keep him stable, but there's nothing else we can do other than have him transferred to one of the city hospitals, the nurse said sternly.
00:32:43After Alan and Susan left Chicago to live in the countryside, their income came from selling vegetables.
00:32:49They'd managed to save a little money, but certainly not enough to pay for an operation.
00:32:54The intake administrator had sized them up and figured their son probably couldn't afford treatment either.
00:33:00She didn't want to risk a reprimand if Alan went into the operating room without approval.
00:33:05When Susan saw her son walk in, she immediately calmed down.
00:33:09Kevin, we're over here. Quickly tell them to go ahead and operate on your father.
00:33:14Mom, what's going on? Kevin asked in confusion.
00:33:18He didn't know why his mother looked so distraught.
00:33:21They said that if we can't afford the surgery, all they can do is stabilize him, Susan said as she wiped tears from her face.
00:33:29What kind of hospital is this? A human life is at stake and you want to get paid first?
00:33:35Kevin's expression became instantly cold.
00:33:38I'll cover everything. Now send him to surgery immediately.
00:33:43Your father's stable, but he needs our hospital's chief specialist. The bill for this kind of surgery is $120,000.
00:33:51The administrator said impatiently.
00:33:53I just explained this to your mother and she said that you would give it to her as soon as you arrive.
00:33:57Do you have $120,000 on you?
00:34:00I said I'll pay you. You need to operate on him immediately, Kevin said through his gritted teeth.
00:34:09The administrator didn't believe him and insisted that he pay immediately.
00:34:13Kevin couldn't take this any longer and shouted so loud that you could hear him in the parking lot.
00:34:18I told you to arrange the surgery immediately.
00:34:22The nurse was frightened by Kevin's outburst and her face turned pale.
00:34:26Everyone up and down the corridor began to wonder what was happening.
00:34:30They assumed that Kevin and his parents couldn't afford to pay for treatment and were fighting with the hospital administrator.
00:34:37Just then, the hospital director arrived with a few security guards.
00:34:41At the same moment, Kevin's phone rang.
00:34:43When he saw that it was Quinn calling, Kevin answered.
00:34:46Before Kevin could say anything, Quinn explained.
00:34:49Mr. Williams, I know you're in my hospital right now. Wait for me right there.
00:34:54I'll be down there as soon as I can.
00:34:56Then he hung up.
00:34:58What's going on here? The director asked in a very serious tone.
00:35:02Director, thank you for coming so quickly.
00:35:04These two people can't afford to pay the medical fees and are insisting on treatment.
00:35:08We've already stabilized the patient and there's nothing else we can do.
00:35:12Their son was just yelling at me and if you hadn't brought security, I'm sure he would have hit me.
00:35:18She exaggerated to make herself look good.
00:35:21Hearing this, the director slowly walked over to Kevin and said.
00:35:24Young man, I can understand your feelings, but the hospital has its rules and regulations.
00:35:29As long as you can arrange payment, we will immediately prepare your father for surgery.
00:35:34Pay first? What kind of hospital is this? Kevin said loudly.
00:35:40Those are the rules. All we are required to do is stabilize a patient.
00:35:44If our administrator believes the payment will not be possible, we are not required to do anything more.
00:35:49If you continue to cause trouble, I'll ask security to have you removed from the property.
00:35:54The hospital director threatened.
00:35:56All this for just $120,000? I'll give it to you now.
00:36:02Kevin grumbled as he slapped his bank card on the counter.
00:36:05The director took one look at Kevin's black card and stared at him in shock.
00:36:10Then he said, I'm sorry, but we don't accept fake cards.
00:36:14Kevin was so frustrated. His father lay there dying and he couldn't get anyone to-
00:36:20Hi guys, Kevin here. Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
00:36:26Click the link in the description to install the app now.
00:36:30Hi guys, Kevin here. Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
00:36:36Click the link in the description to install the app now.
00:36:40Alan was so upset by the argument at Monty's wedding that he collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital.
00:36:47When Kevin arrived, he was shocked to find that his father wasn't in the operating room yet.
00:36:52The hospital required proof of ability to pay for, so all they would do is stabilize him.
00:36:58Kevin offered his black card for payment, but the hospital director thought it was a fake.
00:37:03If you'll just get someone to swipe my card, you'll find out if it's real or not, won't you? Kevin said firmly.
00:37:11Seeing how relaxed Kevin's face was, the director was slightly intimidated.
00:37:16He turned around and gestured for the administrator's assistant to swipe the card.
00:37:21While this was going on, the hospital director turned around and spoke with the administrator who'd been arguing with Kevin.
00:37:28Go and call security. If that bank card is fake, instruct them to immediately arrest this young man and call the police.
00:37:36Moments later, the assistant came back with the bank card. She politely said to Kevin,
00:37:41Sir, here is your card as well as the hospital's invoice. Please remember to keep it in a safe place.
00:37:48The hospital director couldn't believe what had just happened.
00:37:52Could this be true? He thought to himself.
00:37:55Where did this guy come from? Is he a celebrity or something?
00:37:59Kevin was exhausted from worrying about his father and having to deal with all of this.
00:38:04He said quietly, Now can you please arrange for my father's surgery?
00:38:11Yes, sir, the director said politely. We'll prep him right away.
00:38:16The whole staff was in shock.
00:38:18No one would have thought that this seemingly ordinary looking young man could casually pay over $100,000.
00:38:25Once they had permission, the staff got to work with incredible speed.
00:38:30The head surgeon rushed over with almost a dozen doctors and nurses to take Alan into the operating room.
00:38:36As they were wheeling Alan to pre-op, the surgeon stopped right in front of Kevin and spoke to him.
00:38:42Kevin, what are you doing here? She asked curiously.
00:38:46Is the patient your father?
00:38:48And you are? Kevin asked hesitantly.
00:38:51He didn't recognize her.
00:38:53She slowly took off her mask and replied,
00:38:56I'm Dr. Willow. We met at President Wright's birthday party.
00:39:00Dr. Willow? Don't you work in Chicago? What are you doing in New York?
00:39:05Seeing a familiar face, Kevin finally relaxed a little.
00:39:09The hospital arranged for me to come here for an exchange program.
00:39:13I'm working on a new specialty, Dr. Willow explained briefly.
00:39:17What happened to your father?
00:39:19It looks like he had an acute myocardial infarction.
00:39:22A heart attack.
00:39:24Dr. Willow, you must save my father, Kevin said sincerely.
00:39:28Don't worry. I'll do my best.
00:39:31After saying that, Dr. Willow put her mask back on and headed toward the operating room.
00:39:36After she walked away, the hospital director came back and invited Kevin and his mother to wait in his office.
00:39:43Kevin took his mother by the arm and helped her to sit down on the sofa.
00:39:48Then he got her a cup of water from the water cooler.
00:39:51Kevin, how do you know Dr. Willow? His mother asked as she took a sip of water.
00:39:57It's really nothing, Mom. I met her at a birthday party in Chicago.
00:40:01But I never expected to see her here in New York, Kevin answered quietly.
00:40:06Mr. Williams, a nurse has just informed me that your father's surgery will take about three hours.
00:40:12I've already arranged for a private room for him, the director said very courteously.
00:40:17This was a huge change from his attitude just a little while ago.
00:40:21He clearly knew that there were no more than five people in all of the New York City area who had a black heart.
00:40:28So Kevin was someone he absolutely couldn't afford to offend.
00:40:32Kevin nodded his head indifferently.
00:40:34If there's nothing else, you can stay here with your mother.
00:40:37I have something to attend to right now, the director said carefully.
00:40:42Kevin didn't say anything but just nodded again.
00:40:45Kevin, where did you ever get so much money from? His mother asked in confusion.
00:40:50I hope you're not involved in something illegal.
00:40:53Don't worry, Mom. I earned it myself, Kevin reassured her.
00:40:58Then he thought for a moment and continued.
00:41:01Mom, I'll go to Uncle Thomas tomorrow to get back the money I lent the family.
00:41:05While I'm there, I'll completely cut my ties with them.
00:41:09And when we get back to Chicago, I'll hire a visiting nurse to help you and Dad.
00:41:14Why would you throw your money away like that?
00:41:17Your father and I aren't old enough to need help taking care of ourselves.
00:41:22Then his mother's face looked worried.
00:41:24Kevin, will Lily be okay with letting us live with you?
00:41:28If she isn't willing, you mustn't force her.
00:41:31Don't let us get in the way of your marriage.
00:41:34Mom, don't worry. Lily is very down-to-earth and understanding, Kevin said with a smile.
00:41:41He wasn't worried about Lily objecting at all because he knew she would definitely agree.
00:41:46But even if she didn't agree, Kevin could just buy another apartment for his parents to live in.
00:41:52Money was the least of his worries right now.
00:41:55Susan fell asleep on the sofa probably from exhaustion after the scene at Monty's wedding,
00:42:00seeing her husband collapse and then the fight with the hospital administrator.
00:42:05Kevin slowly closed his eyes, focused on his breath, and meditated.
00:42:09When he opened his eyes again, three hours had gone by and the director was walking into the office with Dr. Willow.
00:42:16Dr. Willow, how is my father? Kevin quickly asked her.
00:42:21The surgery was successful and your father is out of danger, Dr. Willow replied.
00:42:26She looked absolutely exhausted. Obviously, the surgery wasn't as easy as she was letting on.
00:42:32Just then, they all heard footsteps hurrying down the hall.
00:42:36When the hospital director saw the middle-aged man in the lead, his face brightened.
00:42:41President Quinn, you must help me. This young man was rude to the intake administrator and pestered the head nurse.
00:42:48Worse yet, he even threatened to punch me.
00:42:51This was an odd turn. After being so polite, the director was suddenly turning on Kevin and his mother.
00:42:58But the hospital director knew that Quinn held a lot of power throughout New York and that he was the real head of this hospital.
00:43:05With his wealth, he had political connections that allowed him to do pretty much anything he wanted.
00:43:11He knew that all Quinn had to do was say the word and Kevin's family would definitely be tossed out.
00:43:17Dr. Willow got very worried when she heard him making these complaints.
00:43:21She'd heard about Quinn's reputation and now that she heard the director making these false accusations, she was afraid for Kevin's safety.
00:43:29Then the hospital director shouted at Kevin.
00:43:32What are you still standing there for? Get over here and apologize to President Quinn.
00:43:38Kevin, please go and apologize to President Quinn, Dr. Willow said worriedly.
00:43:43After all, Dr. Willow had heard about the scene Kevin had made in the emergency room, and she knew that Quinn had the director in his pocket.
00:43:51Don't worry, Kevin said to Dr. Willow softly.
00:43:54Then while Dr. Willow and the hospital director stared in amazement, Quinn walked over to Kevin and warmly shook his hand.
00:44:01Mr. Williams, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. It took me longer than expected to get over here, Quinn said very apologetically.
00:44:09No problem at all. I still have the item you requested.
00:44:13Besides, I have some details to work out with the director, Kevin said stoically.
00:44:18When he heard that, Quinn was stunned for a moment. Then he shouted at the director.
00:44:23Ernie Richter, have you been neglecting your duties?
00:44:27Richter didn't know what to say for a moment. He never imagined that Kevin would know President Quinn.
00:44:33Then he thought for a second and remembered what Quinn had just said.
00:44:37Suddenly he wondered, could President Quinn have come here especially for him?
00:44:43Holy crap, what kind of big shot did I just offend? Richter was on the verge of tears.
00:44:51Since Mr. Richter doesn't seem to want to answer your question, then let me do it for him, Kevin said with a smirk.
00:44:58President Quinn, I don't know how often you are able to visit this hospital. Do you know what kind of employees you have?
00:45:05These administrators have no conscience. They park dying patients in the corridor while they shake down their families for money.
00:45:13Then Kevin calmly recounted what had happened earlier.
00:45:17Ernie Richter, you're a real bastard, Quinn yelled right in the man's face.
00:45:23Before Richter could catch his breath and respond, Quinn continued his tirade.
00:45:28I give this hospital a lot of support and I've told you over and over to make sure that any patients who are in serious condition need to be treated.
00:45:37This is certainly not how you provide service in a respectable hospital.
00:45:42The mission is to help people, not to make a profit.
00:45:46As soon as he finished speaking, Quinn looked Richter in the eye and said,
00:45:50Well, what do you have to say for yourself?
00:45:53President Quinn, I know I was wrong, Richter said weakly.
00:45:58Shut up, Quinn frowned. Pack up your things and get out of here.
00:46:02He grabbed the director's name tag off his desk and threw it out into the hallway.
00:46:07Then Quinn noticed Dr. Willow, who had been standing patiently next to Kevin while all this was going on.
00:46:13Kevin saw this and quickly reminded him,
00:46:16President Quinn, please don't misunderstand. The administration was at fault, but it was Dr. Willow who saved my father.
00:46:23You did well, doctor, Quinn said seriously.
00:46:26As of right now, you're the new director of this hospital.
00:46:29Then he continued,
00:46:31Remember, the first thing you need to do when you take over is to reduce all charges by half.
00:46:36For any poor and seriously ill patients, we will only charge 10% of the set fees.
00:46:42That should set things straight.
00:46:44Dr. Willow shook her head in disbelief.
00:46:47President Quinn, thank you for your kind offer, but I came to this hospital as part of a research exchange program.
00:46:54I'm officially on the payroll of downtown general in Chicago.
00:46:58Chicago?
00:47:00Quinn took a long look at Dr. Willow and said decisively,
00:47:04You don't need to go back there. Human resources will help you complete all the paperwork today.
00:47:10Kevin was very impressed with Quinn's reaction.
00:47:13He knew that the man had done this more or less because he was interested in his herbal pill,
00:47:18but his concern for the hospital's patients was admirable.
00:47:22After making arrangements for Dr. Willow to take over as hospital director,
00:47:26Quinn turned around to look at Kevin and said,
00:47:29Mr. Williams, how do you think I handled that?
00:47:32Mr. Quinn, you've got my respect, Kevin said with a smile.
00:47:37At that moment, Susan woke up.
00:47:40It was amazing that she had slept through all of that.
00:47:43Kevin, is your father out of surgery yet?
00:47:46Yes, mom. It's over.
00:47:48Dad has been sent to recovery and then he'll have a private room.
00:47:51Kevin walked over to his mother and helped her up from the sofa.
00:47:54Seeing that Kevin was leaving with his mother, Quinn panicked.
00:47:57Mr. Williams, we still have some unfinished business.
00:48:00How about letting my staff take your mother up to recovery?
00:48:03They should be able to let her speak with him for a few minutes once the anesthesia is worn off.
00:48:08Before Kevin could answer, his mother said thoughtfully,
00:48:11Kevin, if you have something to do, go ahead.
00:48:14I'll be upstairs with your father.
00:48:17After saying this, Susan patted Kevin on the hand and started to walk out of the office.
00:48:22Quinn looked at his assistants and said,
00:48:24What are you all still doing here?
00:48:26Go ahead and escort Mrs. Williams up to recovery.
00:48:30And if she needs anything, do your best to make sure she's happy.
00:48:35Yes, sir.
00:48:36Two of his associates cheerfully headed out and invited Kevin's mother to follow them.
00:48:41President Quinn, if I'm no longer needed here, I'll be on my way.
00:48:46Dr. Willow said excitedly.
00:48:48When she saw Quinn arrive, Dr. Willow expected the worst.
00:48:51What she didn't expect was for him to be so friendly to Kevin,
00:48:54which really turned the whole situation around.
00:48:57Somehow she felt that it was because of Kevin that she'd gotten this promotion to hospital director.
00:49:03And now Kevin seemed even more mysterious to her than when she'd first met him.
00:49:08Mr. Williams, this isn't a good place to talk.
00:49:11Please come with me to my home.
00:49:13Your father will be in good hands while we're gone.
00:49:15Quinn said agreeably.
00:49:17He really couldn't wait to improve his health and his strength.
00:49:20That was far more important to him than firing Richter,
00:49:23who had no sense of medical ethics anyway.
00:49:26Sure, Kevin replied with a smile.
00:49:29They left the hospital together and Quinn personally drove Kevin to the most luxurious mansion in the whole metropolitan area.
00:49:36He politely invited Kevin to have a seat while his housekeeper prepared them espressos in the kitchen.
00:49:42Kevin smiled and took a small white vial from his pocket.
00:49:46It contained the six herbal pills that he'd prepared the previous night.
00:49:50Mr. Quinn, this should be just what you're looking for,
00:49:54Kevin said as he poured out a red pill and placed it on the table.
00:49:58It's hard to believe that such a small herbal pill can help me so much,
00:50:03Quinn said as he carefully held it in his hand.
00:50:06I guess there's only one thing left to do, he added.
00:50:25Click the link in the description to install the app now.
00:50:30That's right, Mr. Quinn. After you take this pill, you'll feel much better.
00:50:34The ingredients will help to boost all the effort and supplements that you've already tried, Kevin said reassuringly.
00:50:41That sounds truly amazing, Quinn said with a laugh.
00:50:45Then he looked at Kevin and said,
00:50:47Mr. Williams, you're really quite gifted to be able to concoct such a marvelous herbal supplement at such a young age.
00:50:54I appreciate the compliment, but I have a lot more to learn.
00:50:57Just remember that this pill will help you to reach your next goal,
00:51:01but if you are looking for any further improvements, there are other combinations of ingredients that you'll need, Kevin explained.
00:51:08So, do you have better mixtures that you can create?
00:51:11Quinn asked in surprise.
00:51:13There are some more advanced combinations that I could try, but I need to learn a lot more before I can refine my technique, Kevin replied honestly.
00:51:22What Kevin had learned was that the mixture of herbs he had been giving his friends and customers only worked up to a certain point.
00:51:29He was also finding out that there was a lot of very rich and powerful people who were interested in using these supplements to get an edge,
00:51:37and in a lot of different businesses and fields.
00:51:40Here was a man who actually owned a hospital, but still wanted his help.
00:51:44Mr. Williams, you really are remarkable, Quinn said in astonishment.
00:51:49Well, let's see how effective it is for you first, Kevin said with a smile.
00:51:54Then he said, when you take the pill, make sure that you relax, breathe calmly, and give it time to work.
00:52:01Mr. Williams, aren't you afraid that I won't pay you after I take it? Quinn joked.
00:52:07I trust you, Kevin said calmly, and I know you can afford to pay me.
00:52:12Now go ahead and take it. I'll wait around in case you have any questions.
00:52:16You're very straightforward, aren't you? Quinn said.
00:52:20Then he stopped delaying and took the pill.
00:52:23While he was waiting for it to take effect, he ordered his assistant to transfer the $500,000 to Kevin's account.
00:52:30While Quinn was relaxing and waiting for the herbal ingredients to have an effect on him, Kevin took a walk around the room.
00:52:37Quinn seemed to like impressionist art in antique clay ceramics.
00:52:42Quinn must be loaded, Kevin thought to himself.
00:52:45I'm certain that's an original Monet, not a reproduction.
00:52:50Then Kevin walked to the foyer to appreciate the ornate front door and the enormous sliding doors leading to the back patio.
00:52:57He frowned slightly. Something didn't look right to him.
00:53:00After a while, Quinn got up and walked over to him.
00:53:03Mr. Williams, I can already tell that your pill is working. I haven't felt this vibrant in years.
00:53:09I'm very glad to hear that, Kevin said seriously.
00:53:13But it helps that you've already put so much effort into your health and well-being.
00:53:17Some of these supplements require several doses, but it looks like this one should help you with a single pill.
00:53:24Then Kevin turned around in a circle, starting at the front door and looking at the various wings of the first floor.
00:53:31How have things been going for you since you moved here? Kevin asked carefully.
00:53:36Now that you mention it, my business was doing great when I built this place, but lately it's slowed down a little.
00:53:43I thought it was just the economy, so I've been trying to diversify. Why do you ask?
00:53:47Quinn was wondering what Kevin was getting at.
00:53:50I recently set up a new apartment at Corwin Tower in Chicago.
00:53:54While I was decorating it, a friend of mine gave me a book on feng shui. Kevin explained.
00:54:00I'm not usually superstitious, Quinn replied, but I am curious to hear what you have to say.
00:54:06I know a thing or two, but not a lot, Kevin went on.
00:54:10This is a beautiful mansion, but something's not quite right.
00:54:14If you're into feng shui, of course.
00:54:17Please continue, Quinn said politely.
00:54:20Kevin pointed at the beautiful oak door and said,
00:54:23It looks to me like any positive energy comes in the front door and goes straight out the back of the house.
00:54:30That's very interesting, Quinn said as he looked from the front of the house to the back.
00:54:36You know, my last home was very different.
00:54:38When you walked in, you felt like you wanted to sit down and settle in.
00:54:42When I walk in here, I just want to keep going and head out to the patio.
00:54:46Quinn said in amazement.
00:54:48Kevin looked him in the eyes and said,
00:54:51Mr. Quinn, you may want to consider getting someone in here to advise you.
00:54:55I'll bet you'll feel productive in no time.
00:54:58Quinn nodded in agreement.
00:55:00You know, I haven't been getting much done in this home.
00:55:03Maybe there's something to this feng shui stuff.
00:55:06As long as I'm working on improving my body, why not do the same for my home?
00:55:11He paused for a moment and said,
00:55:13You've been very helpful, my friend.
00:55:15It's my pleasure, Kevin said generously.
00:55:18I'll have a copy of the book sent to you right away.
00:55:21Then you'll know more about the subject than I do.
00:55:24I'd appreciate that, Quinn smiled.
00:55:27But now I need to head back to the hospital and visit with my father, Kevin said.
00:55:31Please let me drive you back, Quinn offered.
00:55:34Kevin replied, no thanks.
00:55:36You need to stay here and rest so you can get the full benefit of the herbal ingredients.
00:55:41Then I'll have my chauffeur take you back, Quinn said.
00:55:44It's the least I can do.
00:55:46When Kevin got back to the hospital, his father had already woken up and was feeling better.
00:55:51His mother was sitting by the bed feeding him some vanilla pudding.
00:55:55Dr. Willow walked in and said to Kevin,
00:55:58I'm glad you're finally back.
00:56:00How did the operation go? Were there any complications? Kevin asked.
00:56:04Everything's going as well as can be expected, she answered.
00:56:08I'm just observing your father's condition.
00:56:11I'm also checking to see if there's anything I can help with.
00:56:14Then she paused awkwardly and added,
00:56:17I have to go make rounds, excuse me.
00:56:20Kevin was confused by Dr. Willow's reaction to seeing him.
00:56:24Was he that frightening?
00:56:26Had she actually turned around and left when she saw him?
00:56:29While he was thinking about this, Alan suddenly said,
00:56:33Kevin, I have something to ask you.
00:56:36Dad, no matter what it is, I'm sure it can wait until you've recovered.
00:56:40Of course, Kevin knew what his father wanted to ask him,
00:56:43but he didn't want to discuss the fight at the Williams family mansion.
00:56:47He didn't feel like being nice to them.
00:56:49What Kevin wanted right now was to teach them a lesson.
00:56:52When his father heard that Kevin didn't want to talk about it,
00:56:56he sighed and went back to sleep.
00:56:58The night passed very quickly.
00:57:00Early the next morning, Dr. Willow had breakfast sent to Alan and Susan,
00:57:05but Kevin had already left by the time it arrived.
00:57:08When Kevin got to the Williams mansion,
00:57:10his Uncle Thomas was sitting in the head chair.
00:57:13The other family members who had shown up
00:57:15were sitting quietly with solemn expressions on their faces.
00:57:19They looked as if they were waiting for something unpleasant to happen.
00:57:23As Kevin slowly walked into the large reception room,
00:57:26his cousin Ethan leapt up from his chair.
00:57:29I can't believe you have the nerve to come back here, Ethan snarled.
00:57:33The rest of his relatives started to berate him,
00:57:36telling him to get the hell out of the family mansion
00:57:38because he didn't belong there.
00:57:40He just stood there and patiently waited for them to run out of insults.
00:57:45Then he stared at his uncle and said,
00:57:47It's already been a day since I informed you of my intent.
00:57:51Is the money ready?
00:57:53The insults started flying again and Kevin just stood there, unemotional.
00:57:58Thomas raised his hand and gestured for everyone to calm down.
00:58:02Please, let's have some order here.
00:58:05We need to resolve this, he told them.
00:58:08Then he turned to his nephew and said sadly,
00:58:11Kevin, do you really want to see the entire family go bankrupt?
00:58:15The eight billion dollars that Kevin had invested in the family business
00:58:19had saved them from financial ruin.
00:58:22But returning the money to him now
00:58:23would put them in an even worse position than before.
00:58:27Kevin, aren't you a member of this family?
00:58:30Thomas asked him glumly.
00:58:32Am I a member of the Williams family?
00:58:35Kevin said with a sad smile.
00:58:37You must be joking.
00:58:38You all drove me out of the family three years ago.
00:58:41Who in this room really considers me to be a true Williams?
00:58:46Thomas didn't know how to answer.
00:58:48When my father collapsed and was taken to the hospital,
00:58:51which of you went to visit him?
00:58:53Kevin clenched his fists and said,
00:58:55If that's how you treat family,
00:58:57then I'd like my eight billion dollars back.
00:59:01Monty walked over to Kevin and put his hand on his shoulder.
00:59:04He pleaded with him.
00:59:06Kevin, you must realize that doing this will drive us to financial ruin.
00:59:11Mr. Aspinwall, Monty,
00:59:14I hope you can stand by my side like you did three years ago,
00:59:18Kevin said slowly.
00:59:19I promise I won't let you down.
00:59:22Can't we work this out somehow?
00:59:24Thomas implored him.
00:59:26What do you think I should do?
00:59:27Continue to let them insult me?
00:59:29Let Laura and Ethan make my father so angry that he has another heart attack?
00:59:34Kevin retorted.
00:59:36Thomas took a deep breath.
00:59:37He knew that his wife and son had gone too far.
00:59:40Kevin, this concerns the future of our family.
00:59:43It's out of my hands.
00:59:45I've already called your grandfather and he's on his way back to New York.
00:59:49He should be here soon.
00:59:51Kevin's uncle Thomas said quietly.
00:59:53When he arrives, we can sit down and discuss this further.
00:59:56What do you think?
00:59:58Whether we sell our shares or let the family go bankrupt,
01:00:01I'll leave it up to you.
01:00:03Grandpa Williams?
01:00:05Kevin was surprised to hear that his grandfather was on the way there.
01:00:08Without even thinking, he agreed.
01:00:10All right.
01:00:12After that, Kevin looked at Monty.
01:00:14When he saw the determination in Monty's eyes,
01:00:16he let out a heavy sigh before he turned around and walked out the door.
01:00:20Don't ever come back here.
01:00:22Ethan shouted at him.
01:00:24Kevin's other relatives started shouting more insults at him.
01:00:28The message was clear.
01:00:30He and his parents were out of the family.
01:00:32He forced a smile and thought to himself.
01:00:35It's true.
01:00:36You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your relatives.
01:00:40He forced a smile and thought to himself.
01:00:43It's true.
01:00:44You can choose your friends, but you just can't choose your relatives.
01:00:49Of course, Kevin didn't really want the Williams family to go bankrupt.
01:00:53All he wanted was for them to apologize to him and his parents for their behavior.
01:00:58As soon as Kevin got into the car, his phone rang.
01:01:01Kevin, where are you?
01:01:03It was Lily calling from Chicago.
01:01:06I'm in New York City, but I'm planning to head back very soon,
01:01:09Kevin said softly.
01:01:11Okay.
01:01:12I'll wait for you to come back.
01:01:14Then you can take me out for a stroll,
01:01:16Lily said with a slight hesitation.
01:01:18Okay.
01:01:19I'll be there in a couple of hours.
01:01:21I just have to get to the airport.
01:01:23After Kevin hung up the phone, he decided to call his parents
01:01:26and let them know that he was heading back to Chicago.
01:01:28He figured that Dr. Willow was keeping a close eye on his father,
01:01:32so he didn't need to worry too much.
01:01:35When Kevin got back to his apartment at Corwin Tower,
01:01:38Lily and Rachel were waiting for him by the elevator.
01:01:42Honey, I'm home, Kevin said with a smile.
01:01:45Let's go out for a walk.
01:01:47Let's go out for a walk.
01:01:49You can carry my shopping bags today, Lily said happily.
01:01:53Ever since Tyler had transferred the Jones family shares to Lily,
01:01:57her relatives' attitudes had changed completely.
01:02:00Pretty much a 180-degree reversal.
01:02:02Okay, Kevin smiled.
01:02:04Then he reached out to shake Rachel's hand.
01:02:07Hi, boss, Rachel said nervously.
01:02:10It took them about a half an hour to reach a good parking garage
01:02:13off of Michigan Avenue.
01:02:15Kevin followed Lily and Rachel patiently
01:02:17as they wandered aimlessly looking at the store windows.
01:02:20They finally decided to go into a very high-end jewelry store.
01:02:24Let's see what catches her eye, Kevin thought to himself.
01:02:44Click the link in the description to install the app now.
01:02:47Kevin and Lily walked into a chic jewelry store
01:02:50and Lily's eyes lit up when she saw a beautiful necklace
01:02:53in the display case.
01:02:55Do you want to try it on? Kevin said with a smile.
01:02:58Do you think you might want to buy it for me?
01:03:01Lily turned her head and said as she batted her eyelashes playfully.
01:03:06The price tag says it costs $20,000.
01:03:09Do you think you could afford it?
01:03:11Kevin didn't answer Lily's question.
01:03:13Instead, he turned around and said to the sales associate.
01:03:16Hi, could you please take this necklace out so my wife could try it on?
01:03:20The associate walked over reluctantly.
01:03:23She took one look at Kevin and assumed he couldn't afford the necklace.
01:03:27I'm sorry, but that's not permitted.
01:03:30All jewelry must be purchased before it can be removed from the case,
01:03:35she said in a condescending tone.
01:03:37Based on Kevin's clothing,
01:03:39she decided that he was just trying to impress the beautiful woman
01:03:42who was accompanying him.
01:03:44I'm sorry, did you say that you have to buy it before you can try it on?
01:03:49Kevin was amused.
01:03:51If my wife hasn't tried it on, how will she know if she likes it?
01:03:55The associate didn't want to waste any more time with Kevin,
01:03:58so she replied curtly.
01:04:00Don't worry about that.
01:04:02Our jewelers can make the appropriate adjustments
01:04:04so that the item will fit her correctly.
01:04:07Lily was starting to get self-conscious.
01:04:10She knew that Kevin couldn't be making an enormous salary
01:04:13even though his employers seemed to be pretty generous.
01:04:16She figured that $20,000 would be way out of Kevin's price range.
01:04:20And even though Lily was now in control of over half of her family's shares,
01:04:25along with the profits from the import-export company,
01:04:28the money wasn't really hers to spend on things like this.
01:04:32Kevin, why don't we leave?
01:04:35Lily said as she tugged on Kevin's sleeve.
01:04:38Kevin was disappointed to hear her say this.
01:04:41He wanted to give her the finest things that money could buy.
01:04:44Just then, everyone heard a shrill voice order the associate,
01:04:49Take this necklace out so I can try it on!
01:04:53They looked over and saw an elegantly dressed woman
01:04:56holding an older man's arm as she walked over to the display case.
01:05:01She was pointing at the necklace Lily wanted.
01:05:04Okay, just a moment, ma'am, the associate said
01:05:07as she unlocked the case to remove the necklace for the woman.
01:05:10Kevin was irritated by this.
01:05:13Didn't you just say that you don't allow anyone to try anything on
01:05:17if they haven't already paid for it? Kevin asked indignantly.
01:05:21But can you afford it? She replied disdainfully.
01:05:25I've seen a lot of people like you try this kind of stunt.
01:05:29You just want to take a photo when you try it on
01:05:31and then post it online to impress your friends.
01:05:35What are you talking about? Kevin asked sharply.
01:05:38If you really can afford it, why don't you just buy it?
01:05:42The sales associate said impatiently.
01:05:44How much money can someone like you earn in a year?
01:05:48And what if you get the necklace dirty?
01:05:50It costs us money to clean fine jewelry like this.
01:05:54This store only sells high-end jewelry.
01:05:58We have items that some people couldn't afford
01:06:01if they save for their entire lives, she added.
01:06:05Now Lily felt really awkward.
01:06:08She really didn't have the spare money to buy this necklace now.
01:06:12Kevin, let's hurry up and leave, Lily said timidly.
01:06:16He patted her on the hand and smiled.
01:06:18Then he took out his black card and tossed it on the counter.
01:06:22You know, I don't really have the time for this.
01:06:25Wrap up every piece of jewelry in the store.
01:06:28I'm buying it all for my wife.
01:06:31She didn't even look at the black card and said snobbishly.
01:06:34Yeah, right. We checked our inventory just an hour ago
01:06:39and the current stock in the display cases is valued at over $1.4 million.
01:06:46If your card is rejected, I'm calling the police.
01:06:50Then she entered some numbers on the computer and swiped the card.
01:06:54And the sale went through.
01:06:56She looked at Kevin, then at his card, and then back at the screen.
01:07:01Her legs started to feel weak and she sat down on her stool.
01:07:05The manager saw that something wasn't right and rushed out of the back office.
01:07:09When he looked at the screen and saw the numbers,
01:07:11he almost lost his balance and had to sit down too.
01:07:14They had never seen anything like this.
01:07:17As the manager handed Kevin back his card, he asked hesitantly,
01:07:21Sir, is this your card?
01:07:23Yes. I used it to buy these clothes, too.
01:07:27What do you think of my outfit? Kevin said sarcastically.
01:07:30I'm sorry, sir. That was a silly question.
01:07:33Thank you very much for your patronage.
01:07:36The manager was so freaked out that he couldn't even speak clearly.
01:07:39My pleasure, Kevin said as he took back his card.
01:07:43Wrap everything up and send it to the penthouse at Corwin Tower.
01:07:48Kevin didn't forget to sneer at the rude man and his charming companion.
01:07:52The two of them were so embarrassed that they practically ran out of the store
01:07:55without saying another word.
01:07:58Come on, honey. Let's go, Kevin said affectionately to Lily.
01:08:02I just wanted to try on the necklace.
01:08:05Why did you buy the entire store?
01:08:08Lily was very confused and asked him,
01:08:10Where did you get so much money from?
01:08:13I've never bought you anything nice,
01:08:15so I figured I had a lot of catching up to do, Kevin said as he shrugged the shoulders.
01:08:20Don't try to avoid my question. Tell me honestly.
01:08:24Where did you get all this money?
01:08:26Lily asked again. She wasn't so easy to fool.
01:08:30Well, as you know, I've been helping my boss for the past couple of weeks.
01:08:34My latest project just earned him about $140 million,
01:08:38so he gave me a bonus of 1% of the sale.
01:08:41It was just enough to cover this purchase.
01:08:44Kevin was lying, but technically he was his own boss,
01:08:47so he figured he was just bending the truth a little.
01:08:50Lily was even more confused now.
01:08:53How could Kevin's boss be so generous?
01:08:56Just then, Kevin's phone rang.
01:08:58When he saw that it was Phoebe Anderson calling, he immediately answered.
01:09:02Hello, Kevin. Are you free right now?
01:09:05She sounded a little anxious.
01:09:07Yes, I'm free. What's wrong?
01:09:09Kevin asked. He was puzzled by her tone of voice.
01:09:12Please come to the store. There's something I need you to settle right away.
01:09:16Phoebe said quickly.
01:09:18Then she hung up the phone before Kevin could say anything.
01:09:21Kevin shook his head helplessly.
01:09:23He could tell that Phoebe needed help right away,
01:09:26so he decided to bring Lily and Rachel along to Anderson's Antiques.
01:09:31As soon as he entered the store,
01:09:33he saw a large group of people standing around a table and whispering to each other.
01:09:38Several of them were antique shop owners from the neighborhood.
01:09:42They were convinced that they were looking at a replica
01:09:45because the object was in such good condition.
01:09:48Kevin finally managed to squeeze through the crowd along with Lily and Rachel.
01:09:52Phoebe was staring at an antique marble bust
01:09:55and frowning as she tried to make a decision.
01:09:58She was deep in thought.
01:10:00How much do you plan to sell this for?
01:10:02Phoebe asked the seller.
01:10:04Ma'am, this bust has been in my family for generations.
01:10:07If I didn't need money for an emergency, I'd never have brought it in.
01:10:11The young man scratched his chin and said,
01:10:13It should be worth about $60,000, don't you agree?
01:10:17The antique shop owners in the crowd started whispering to each other.
01:10:21Some thought it might be worth it.
01:10:23Others wouldn't give him $50 for it.
01:10:26Kevin squinted and took a close look at the marble bust.
01:10:29It looked like an authentic Roman bust,
01:10:32probably from the 2nd century.
01:10:35As he walked around it, he could see that someone had tried to repair it,
01:10:39probably in the 1600s.
01:10:41Kevin asked the young man right away,
01:10:43How much do you want?
01:10:45Didn't I just tell you? $60,000, he said impatiently.
01:10:49All right, I'll take it, Kevin said directly.
01:10:53As soon as he said this, the onlookers immediately started to quiet down.
01:10:57They couldn't believe that he was willing to spend so much on an obvious fake.
01:11:01But some of the antique shop owners remembered what happened the last time Kevin was there,
01:11:06and they were curious to see what he would do.
01:11:08But Phoebe was still staring at the bust with a thoughtful frown on her face.
01:11:13She felt that something was wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
01:11:17Suddenly, Lily tugged on Kevin's sleeve and asked him,
01:11:21Do you know anything about antiques? Be careful.
01:11:25Even though Lily didn't know anything about antique appraisal,
01:11:28she could hear what everyone in the room was saying and it made her very nervous,
01:11:31especially after watching Kevin buy the entire contents of a Michigan Avenue jewelry store.
01:11:37Don't worry, I know what I'm doing, Kevin whispered to her.
01:11:41But these people said it was a fake. Take a good look at it.
01:11:45$60,000 is a lot of money. Don't be cocky, Lily warned him.
01:11:51Trust me, Lily, Kevin said confidently.
01:11:54Hearing this, the young man got excited and said to Kevin,
01:11:57I can tell you have good taste.
01:12:00President Anderson, please allow me to cover this man's sale,
01:12:04Kevin said as he handed his black card to Phoebe.
01:12:07Are you sure you don't want to take a closer look? Be careful, Phoebe said worriedly.
01:12:12It wasn't that she didn't trust Kevin's judgment.
01:12:15On the contrary, Phoebe knew that Kevin was an expert
01:12:18who had already helped her save the company a fortune.
01:12:21But she still had her doubts about this item.
01:12:24Don't you trust me yet? Kevin laughed softly.
01:12:27The young man said, you rock. He gave Kevin a thumbs up,
01:12:32then took a bracelet out of his backpack.
01:12:35Phoebe's eyes lit up when she saw it.
01:12:38Do you want to sell this too? She asked delicately.
01:12:41As soon as she said this, everyone stared at the bracelet in the man's hand.
01:12:45I found this bracelet by accident. If you're interested in it,
01:12:49I'll sell it to you for $25,000.
01:12:52The man carefully placed the bracelet on the table.
01:12:55Phoebe's expression immediately turned serious.
01:12:59Once again, the antique dealers who were watching the spectacle
01:13:02started chattering to each other.
01:13:04They thought it looked interesting and they were impressed with its color.
01:13:08They couldn't tell if the stone was an emerald or tourmaline,
01:13:11but it was in such good condition they didn't believe it was an antique.
01:13:15If it was a reproduction, there was no way it was worth $25,000.
01:13:20The young man heard the discussion and pressed Phoebe to pay the full amount.
01:13:24I can't take any less than $25,000.
01:13:27If you don't want it, I'm sure I can find another buyer.
01:13:30After Phoebe carefully examined it, she let out a sigh.
01:13:34She could tell that this bracelet wasn't bad,
01:13:37but it couldn't possibly be worth $25,000.
01:13:40Kevin, who had just taken back his black card, asked her,
01:13:44may I take a look?
01:13:46If you want to buy it, you can have it for $20,000, the man said happily.
01:13:50After all, he had already made $60,000 from Kevin.
01:13:54Kevin picked up the bracelet and looked at it from all angles.
01:13:58Then he raised it over his head and looked at how the stone looked in the light.
01:14:02Then he put it next to his ear and flicked it a few times with his finger.
01:14:06Finally, he turned to Phoebe and informed her,
01:14:09you can buy it, $25,000 sounds reasonable.
01:14:12Some of the antique dealers started to criticize him for his decision.
01:14:16They thought that he was giving Phoebe bad advice.
01:14:19But the ones who had seen Kevin at work before knew better and smiled
01:14:23as they waited to see what would happen next.
01:14:43Click the link in the description to install the app now.
01:14:47Kevin, do you have any idea what you're talking about?
01:14:51After all, Miss Anderson is an expert, Lily said somewhat awkwardly.
01:14:56She knew very well that the Anderson family had a lot of experience in the antique business
01:15:01and that Phoebe had an excellent reputation in the Chicago area as an appraiser.
01:15:06However, what happened next shocked everyone.
01:15:09Phoebe said very calmly, I trust in Kevin's ability.
01:15:13He definitely wouldn't steer me wrong on something like this.
01:15:17Hearing this, Lily was instantly stunned.
01:15:20She'd been with Kevin for three years and had no idea that he knew how to appraise antiques.
01:15:25Why would Phoebe, who came from such a distinguished family, trust him so much?
01:15:30Kevin looked down at the bracelet in his hand and said,
01:15:33has everyone here heard of the jewelry that was found in King Tut's tomb?
01:15:38They all nodded as they listened to hear what Kevin would say next.
01:15:42Well, there were many other artifacts found in countless other Egyptian tombs around the same time.
01:15:48I believe that this bracelet was made by a master artisan based on a lost bracelet from one of those excavations.
01:15:56The original bracelet was intended to give the wearer fertility and immortality.
01:16:02That's why it was left with the deceased in the tomb for the afterlife.
01:16:06I've only seen sketches of the original,
01:16:09but I believe that this reproduction was made with the same intent and the same materials.
01:16:15Together with the original bracelet, the pair of them would be worth quite a bit more,
01:16:20perhaps as much as three million dollars.
01:16:24When the onlookers heard this, they immediately started to chatter.
01:16:28The people who had mocked Kevin earlier felt very awkward.
01:16:31Lily also felt rather awkward.
01:16:34She couldn't help but wonder why Phoebe trusted him so much while she, his wife, had questioned his ability.
01:16:40She stared blankly at Kevin and suddenly felt that she had never really understood him.
01:16:46Okay, transfer $25,000 to this gentleman, Phoebe said excitedly.
01:16:52One of her employees immediately transferred the money to the routing number he'd given them.
01:16:57Who said I only want $25,000, the man suddenly said.
01:17:01I want $1,000,000 for the bracelet. You still owe me $975,000.
01:17:07Sir, how can you do this? I've already transferred the money to you and our transaction is complete, Phoebe said very unhappily.
01:17:15Didn't you hear what he said? The two bracelets together could be worth at least $3,000,000, the man greedily said.
01:17:22Even though there's only one now, it's got to be worth at least a million.
01:17:26Everyone started berating the man for going back on his word after agreeing on a price.
01:17:31The man didn't care what they thought and said,
01:17:33My price is $1,000,000. If you don't want to pay that, then the deal is off.
01:17:39Phoebe was getting more and more upset.
01:17:41From what Kevin had said, the bracelet would only have more value if it were paired with the original, which had been lost a hundred years ago.
01:17:49By itself, it was just a curiosity.
01:17:52In that case, have our money transferred back to our account and leave our store immediately, Phoebe said coldly.
01:17:59She would rather not earn any money at all than put up with this nonsense.
01:18:04I have a rule when I'm doing business. Once the money is in my pocket, I never take it out again, the man said very arrogantly.
01:18:12He had an evil smile on his face and was clearly making things difficult for Phoebe.
01:18:18The crowd of antique dealers and other onlookers were exasperated by this man's behavior.
01:18:23How could he refuse to return the money if the sale was off? Shouldn't he be arrested for this?
01:18:30Phoebe gave in to her anger and turned to the store's guards.
01:18:33Security, arrest him, she said loudly.
01:18:37Kevin didn't expect something like this to happen.
01:18:39With a sullen look on his face, he walked over to the man and grabbed a shoulder.
01:18:44Let me go, he yelled. Do you know who I am? I'm Reuben Cook. Maybe you've heard of my cousin Drake Cook.
01:18:51He pushed at Kevin to break free but failed. As he struggled, some fruit fell out of his backpack.
01:18:58What the heck is this? Kevin said when he saw the fruit.
01:19:02Do you think you can bully me just because there are so many of you? Reuben said brazenly.
01:19:08If anyone lays a hand on me, I'll call my cousin.
01:19:11If you're not careful, he'll come down here and tear this place apart, he said confidently.
01:19:17The room was silent as everyone wondered what would happen next.
01:19:21I don't care who owns this place. You need to play by my rules, Reuben griped.
01:19:26You're nothing compared to Drake.
01:19:29Get him out of here, Phoebe said angrily.
01:19:32How dare you touch me? Reuben yelled as he finally broke free from Kevin's grip and took a step back.
01:19:39He quickly took out his phone and tapped on one of his contacts.
01:19:43While the call was connecting, he said to them, you're in deep shit now.
01:19:48Drake, I'm surrounded, Reuben said frantically. Send someone down to Anderson Antiques to save me.
01:19:56Everyone could hear Drake's deep voice as he asked,
01:20:00What have you done this time?
01:20:02The onlookers got nervous when they realized that Reuben was asking someone like Drake for help.
01:20:08What a mess they were in. Some of them were already making a move for the door.
01:20:13Nobody's leaving. You're all screwed now, Reuben said arrogantly.
01:20:18Reuben exaggerated everything and tried to make himself look like a victim.
01:20:23Drake, I came here to sell two antiques.
01:20:25But now everyone has me surrounded and they want me to pay them before they'll let me leave.
01:20:30I'll be right there.
01:20:32Everyone could hear Drake shout over the phone.
01:20:35I want to see who has the cojones to try something like this.
01:20:39As it turns out, Drake had asked his cousin Reuben to take the bust and the bracelet to Anderson's Antiques to have them appraised.
01:20:46If he liked the price, he was prepared to sell them.
01:20:49Reuben ended the call and warned Phoebe.
01:20:52If you have any sense, you'll give me the full million dollars.
01:20:55Unlike me, Drake has a nasty temper.
01:20:58Phoebe was so furious that she couldn't speak.
01:21:01Everyone started to encourage her to accept the deal to make Reuben go away.
01:21:05Some of them even blamed Kevin for putting them in this predicament.
01:21:09But nobody was willing to ask Reuben to return the store's money.
01:21:13They all started glaring at Kevin.
01:21:16If he hadn't said that the bracelet could be worth a lot more, Reuben wouldn't be demanding a million dollars now.
01:21:22Phoebe didn't know what to do.
01:21:24$25,000 wasn't much money for the store, but this kind of behavior was intolerable.
01:21:30After a few minutes, a couple of black SUVs screeched to a halt in front of the store's entrance.
01:21:36Drake rushed into the room, followed by his bodyguards.
01:21:40Who's been bullying my cousin?
01:21:42Drake roared.
01:21:43Aside from Kevin, everyone else in the room was trembling with fear.
01:21:47Reuben quickly ran over to Drake and pointed at the crowd.
01:21:50They said they'd have me arrested if I didn't sell the bust and the bracelet to them.
01:21:54How could this be? Drake asked sternly.
01:21:57Who's in charge here?
01:21:59Phoebe's face turned pale.
01:22:01Just as she was about to face Drake, Kevin put his hand on her shoulder and took a step forward.
01:22:07Drake, it isn't him. It's that woman.
01:22:10Reuben said as he pointed at Phoebe.
01:22:13But Drake didn't answer him.
01:22:15He stared blankly at Kevin and his expression turned from anger to confusion to fear.
01:22:22Drake, you got a lot of guts bringing your men in here to cause trouble, Kevin said without flinching.
01:22:28As soon as he said this, everyone started to panic, especially the ones who knew Kevin.
01:22:32They didn't want to get drawn into one of his fights.
01:22:35Reuben snarled at Kevin.
01:22:37Don't think you're so great just because you bought some of my stuff.
01:22:41Before Reuben could say anything else, Drake gave him a backhand to the face.
01:22:46Why did you hit me? Reuben said in shock.
01:22:49You're embarrassing me.
01:22:51Drake scolded him as he pushed his cousin aside.
01:22:54I'll deal with you later.
01:22:56Then Drake took a deep breath.
01:22:59Phoebe bit her lip nervously when she saw Drake walking towards Kevin.
01:23:03However, what happened next shocked everyone in the room.
01:23:07Drake apologized politely to Kevin.
01:23:10I'm sorry, Mr. Williams. I had no idea this would happen.
01:23:13My cousin can get carried away sometimes.
01:23:16They were all wondering how Drake knew Kevin.
01:23:19Not only that, he just apologized instead of wiping the floor with him.
01:23:23So, did you send this jackass over here?
01:23:27Kevin asked in a menacing tone.
01:23:29This definitely had an effect on Drake and it showed in his expression.
01:23:34He turned around and shouted at his cousin.
01:23:37Get over here, you son of a bitch!
01:23:40Reuben walked over to him, covering his face to try and protect himself from another powerful slap.
01:23:45Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Williams,
01:23:48Drake said as he pulled Reuben by the ear and made him stand in front of Kevin.
01:23:53I'm sorry, Mr. Williams. I was wrong to do that, he stammered.
01:23:58Kevin glared at Reuben and then turned his eyes to Drake.
01:24:01Drake, did you really send your cousin in here to strong arm the Andersons and take their money?
01:24:07Kevin asked with a steely look in his eyes.
01:24:10He just told us that you were coming here to tear this place apart.
01:24:14Mr. Williams, this is just a big misunderstanding.
01:24:18Drake was on the verge of tears.
01:24:20Misunderstanding? I'm the one who appraised those two antiques.
01:24:24Are you saying there's something wrong with my judgment?
01:24:27Do you want President Anderson to throw me out of here?
01:24:30Kevin asked roughly.
01:24:32Seriously, Mr. Williams, I didn't expect things to turn out like this.
01:24:35Drake replied with an awkward smile.
01:24:38Nobody could believe they were watching this.
01:24:40Seeing that Kevin hadn't accepted his apology, Drake gritted his teeth and slapped Reuben again.
01:24:46Look at the trouble you've gotten me into, he yelled.
01:24:49Mr. Williams, is there anything I can do to make you accept my apology?
01:24:53Drake pleaded.
01:24:54You shouldn't apologize to me.
01:24:56This is President Anderson's store and your cousin has caused her a lot of trouble today.
01:25:01You really should be apologizing to her.
01:25:04Before Kevin had finished speaking, Drake had walked over to stand in front of Phoebe.
01:25:08What was he going to do?
01:25:27Click the link in the description to install the app now.
01:25:30Drake walked up to Phoebe and smiled apologetically.
01:25:34President Anderson, this is all my fault.
01:25:37Sometimes Reuben can be obnoxious and I should have known better than to send him to such a fine establishment.
01:25:42Please accept my sincere apologies.
01:25:45That's a very nice apology, but it really should come from him, Phoebe said as she pointed to Reuben.
01:25:51Drake grabbed Reuben and shook him.
01:25:54Shouldn't you hear her?
01:25:55Open that big mouth of yours and apologize to President Anderson.
01:25:59You could tell that he was in pain, but Reuben forced himself to speak.
01:26:03I'm sorry, ma'am, he mumbled.
01:26:06Is everything settled now, Mr. Williams?
01:26:09Drake asked politely.
01:26:10We're good, Kevin replied.
01:26:12Then he turned around and looked at Reuben.
01:26:15I want you to leave that fruit.
01:26:17Do you have any objections?
01:26:19Of course not, Reuben said as he placed it on the table in front of Kevin.
01:26:23How did you get this?
01:26:25Kevin asked as he picked up the fruit and examined it.
01:26:28He kept turning the black fruit over and over until he was sure that he wasn't mistaken.
01:26:33According to the book that he'd taken from Marshall's office, this was an incredibly rare fruit.
01:26:39Whoever had put it in the bin at the health food store certainly had no idea what it was.
01:26:45It probably just looked like a black diamond apple, which isn't quite as rare.
01:26:49But that's not what it was.
01:26:51Actually, it was an important ingredient for refining numerous herbal medicines that were described in the book.
01:26:58Well, are you going to tell him or aren't you?
01:27:01Drake reprimanded his cousin.
01:27:03Mr. Williams, I found this at a health food store on Cicero Avenue.
01:27:07It looked interesting because it was darker than the rest of the fruit.
01:27:11It was the only one like this.
01:27:13I figured I'd let it ripen and eat it later.
01:27:15Reuben answered timidly.
01:27:17All right, Drake, take him away, Kevin said lightly.
01:27:21And don't let this happen again.
01:27:23Thank you, sir.
01:27:25Drake felt as if he'd gotten a presidential pardon.
01:27:28He grabbed Reuben by the elbow and rushed out of the store,
01:27:31followed by his bodyguards who were careful not to disturb anything on the way out.
01:27:36Kevin didn't stay long either.
01:27:38He said goodbye to Phoebe and led Lily and Rachel out to the sidewalk.
01:27:42What's the deal with you and Drake?
01:27:45Why does he respect you so much?
01:27:47Lily stared at Kevin and asked.
01:27:49It's because he knows I'm very good friends with Mitchell Cook.
01:27:53Kevin replied quietly.
01:27:55Lily looked at Kevin and suddenly felt that her seemingly useless husband,
01:27:59whom everyone looked down on, was somehow different.
01:28:02Just then, Phoebe ran out of the store chasing after them.
01:28:06Kevin, I really have to thank you for this, she said gratefully.
01:28:10It was nothing.
01:28:11Just remember to give me a raise, Kevin said with a smile.
01:28:15It's lunchtime now.
01:28:17How about I treat everyone to a meal at my house?
01:28:19Phoebe asked them excitedly.
01:28:21Before Kevin could say anything, Lily smiled and said,
01:28:24That would be wonderful.
01:28:26Thank you for the invitation.
01:28:28Lily thought that it might help the Jones family
01:28:31if she could develop a good relationship with Phoebe.
01:28:34After all, the Anderson family was very well respected in Chicago.
01:28:38Phoebe gave Kevin the address of her family's estate.
01:28:41It was about an hour and a half from the antique store.
01:28:44When he got out of the car, Kevin shook his head in disbelief.
01:28:48The estate was located in the western suburbs facing towards the east.
01:28:53There were no buildings as far as the eye could see,
01:28:56which was rare in this part of the city,
01:28:58where it seemed that every bit of farmland
01:29:00had been replaced by housing developments.
01:29:03Business must be good, Kevin said to himself.
01:29:06After everyone sat down on the sofa,
01:29:09Lily looked around the large, tastefully decorated room.
01:29:12Then she asked with some hesitation,
01:29:15President Anderson, forgive me for asking,
01:29:18but why don't you have any antiques in your home?
01:29:21It's very simple, Kevin said as the three women turned to look at him.
01:29:26You know about this, too? Lily asked in surprise.
01:29:30As it turns out, I do.
01:29:32While Phoebe's family specializes in antiques,
01:29:35they prefer not to bring any into their home, Kevin explained.
01:29:39It may sound superstitious,
01:29:41but they avoid bringing any objects into the house that might,
01:29:44well, might be haunted, he said very seriously.
01:29:48Lily and Rachel had their doubts about this explanation.
01:29:51Lily snickered a little and said,
01:29:54Bull, you're just putting us on.
01:29:56Actually, he's right,
01:29:58Phoebe said as she brought a tray of appetizers over from the sideboard.
01:30:02My father told me the same thing.
01:30:04Antiques are beautiful, but we prefer to keep them at the store.
01:30:08They chatted for a while longer,
01:30:10and then Phoebe went into the kitchen to prepare their meal.
01:30:13Rachel and Lily got up and went into the kitchen to help her.
01:30:16Kevin took his glass of iced tea and leaned back on the sofa,
01:30:20but the sofa was a lot softer than he expected,
01:30:23and as he sank into it, he spilled his drink all over his tan pants.
01:30:28Kevin grabbed a few tissues in a hurry and tried to dry himself off.
01:30:32Just then, Phoebe walked out of the kitchen and asked him,
01:30:35Kevin, do you like chili?
01:30:37What happened, Phoebe asked,
01:30:40as she saw Kevin sitting there with a huge dark stain on his light-colored pants.
01:30:44It's not what it looks like, Kevin tried to explain.
01:30:48Rachel and Lily rushed out when they heard all the commotion.
01:30:51What's going on?
01:30:53How am I going to explain this, Kevin thought to himself.
01:30:56They think I peed my pants.
01:30:58I swear, it isn't what it looks like.
01:31:01I just spilled my iced tea.
01:31:03Don't you believe me?
01:31:05Kevin almost wanted to die.
01:31:07The three women stared at him, unsure how to respond.
01:31:10I'm going to the bathroom, Kevin said abruptly.
01:31:13Then he practically ran out of the room.
01:31:16Just dry off as fast as you can and get back out here.
01:31:19Lily couldn't believe how embarrassing this was.
01:31:22She went back into the kitchen to keep chopping vegetables,
01:31:25thinking about the horrible first impression she was making on Phoebe.
01:31:29Suddenly, the front door was violently kicked open.
01:31:33Who are you? Phoebe asked in alarm.
01:31:36Tie them up, Marshall shouted to his men as he looked around the room.
01:31:40Kevin, where did you go? Come out now.
01:31:44Kevin, who was still in the bathroom trying to dry his pants,
01:31:47heard all of this and started to fear for his wife and friends.
01:31:50He thought to himself,
01:31:52Is that Marshall? What's he doing here?
01:31:55Marshall kicked the bathroom door open.
01:31:58Marshall, what's come over you? Kevin bellowed.
01:32:01So, you're still pretending, huh?
01:32:04Marshall roared angrily.
01:32:06Then he threw a punch at Kevin.
01:32:08It was a powerful punch that could have knocked out someone twice his size.
01:32:12Kevin stepped just to the side as the punch passed him by.
01:32:16He could feel a blast of air against his face
01:32:18as Marshall ended up hitting the wall instead.
01:32:21Several cracks appeared on the spot where his fist landed.
01:32:25Marshall, how dare you attack me? Kevin said indignantly.
01:32:30Marshall suddenly looked behind him to make sure that nobody could hear him
01:32:33and lowered his voice.
01:32:35I have to know. Where is the book you took from my office?
01:32:39Just give it back to me and I won't have you punished
01:32:41for impersonating the Night King.
01:32:43What are you talking about?
01:32:45I can't possibly carry books around with me all day long.
01:32:49Kevin replied very calmly.
01:32:51Aren't you going to hand it over?
01:32:53Marshall said with a monstrous look in his eyes.
01:32:56Those three women out there mean a lot to you, don't they?
01:32:59How about if I give them a fade worse than death?
01:33:02Is that a threat? Kevin asked expressionlessly.
01:33:06Let's talk somewhere else, Marshall said as he pulled his fist back.
01:33:11They walked into one of the other rooms.
01:33:13As he went down the hall,
01:33:15Kevin could see Lily and the other two women tied up in chairs
01:33:19by the dining room table surrounded by Marshall's men.
01:33:22Kevin didn't dare to fight back
01:33:24now that Marshall had taken his wife and friends hostage.
01:33:27After Kevin closed the door, Marshall asked in a bitter tone of voice,
01:33:31Where's the book?
01:33:33I told you, I don't have it with me, Kevin said coldly.
01:33:37Are you saying you don't want to hand it over? Marshall said.
01:33:41Just as he was about to attack Kevin again,
01:33:44Marshall fell to the ground heavily and broke out in a cold sweat.
01:33:49Damn it, Marshall cursed.
01:33:52Kevin relaxed when he saw the painful expression on Marshall's face.
01:33:56Have you been poisoned? Kevin asked with a slight frown.
01:34:00Marshall didn't answer Kevin's question.
01:34:02He felt like there were countless ants biting him from head to toe.
01:34:06Kevin walked over to Marshall and knelt down next to him
01:34:09to observe him for almost a minute.
01:34:11An herbal did this to you, didn't it? Kevin asked in surprise.
01:34:15How do you know? Marshall said in shock.
01:34:18Kevin knew which herbal pill Marshall had taken.
01:34:21While some of the herbal concoctions in the book
01:34:23could help someone with just one dose,
01:34:25others had to be taken over a period of time to have an effect.
01:34:29But this one had a very serious flaw.
01:34:32You had to take it every six months
01:34:34or you'd have a serious relapse and possibly die.
01:34:37The head of the Alliance did this in order to better control the members.
01:34:42Marshall, if I can make an herbal pill that will help you,
01:34:46will you let us go? Kevin asked calmly.
01:34:49He clearly remembered reading about this in the book.
01:34:52He remembered the recipe and knew that the black fruit
01:34:55he'd gotten earlier in the day was indispensable.
01:34:58It was an incredible coincidence,
01:35:00but Kevin wasn't worried about that right now.
01:35:03He needed to save Lily, Rachel, and Phoebe.
01:35:06That's impossible. Only the head of the Alliance can make that,
01:35:10Marshall said in astonishment.
01:35:13I don't care if you believe me or not.
01:35:15If you get the pill, will you let us go? Kevin asked again.
01:35:19All right. It's a deal, Marshall stammered.
01:35:23You still have two hours before it gets critical, Kevin said to him.
01:35:27I'll be back in a minute.
01:35:29After saying this, Kevin opened the window and climbed out.
01:35:32Then he went to his car and got the black fruit.
01:35:35Although Kevin was reluctant to help Marshall,
01:35:38this was the only way he could save Lily and the others.
01:35:41When Kevin got back, he took Marshall to the kitchen.
01:35:44As he watched Kevin, Marshall was dumbfounded.
01:35:47How does he know how to do this, he wondered to himself.
01:35:51Half an hour later, Kevin had finished refining the pill
01:35:54that would act as an antidote to save Marshall
01:35:57from the effects of the pill that the head of the Alliance had given him.
01:36:01By now, Marshall was drenched in sweat.
01:36:04The pain was torture, and he collapsed to the floor.
01:36:07If you want to live, then take it now,
01:36:10Kevin said as he put the pill in Marshall's mouth.
01:36:13Five or six minutes later, Marshall looked a lot better
01:36:16and slowly got up from the kitchen floor.
01:36:19You'll be fine in another few minutes.
01:36:22Now can you let us go, Kevin said calmly.
01:36:25If Marshall hadn't kidnapped Lily, Rachel, and Phoebe,
01:36:28and if he hadn't come in there with so many men,
01:36:31Kevin wouldn't have used the black fruit to make the antidote for him.
01:36:34Marshall looked Kevin in the eye and begged him.
01:36:37Sir, please save my men.
01:36:40They've been given the same pill.
01:36:43Without the antidote that you just made, they'll all die within three days.
01:36:46Marshall's original plan was to get the book back
01:36:49and return it to the Alliance in exchange for the herbal medication that he needed,
01:36:53but it turned out to be very difficult for him to find Kevin.
01:36:57First he went to Dominic Archer's family,
01:37:00then the Jones family, and then the Williams family,
01:37:03one after another, but he couldn't track him down until today.
01:37:07At this point, even if he had the book,
01:37:10he wouldn't be able to get to the Alliance headquarters
01:37:13and then return in time to save his men.
01:37:16Kevin frowned and interrupted Marshall.
01:37:19While I admire your loyalty to your men, I really can't save them.
01:37:22What do you mean, Mr. Williams?
01:37:25If you could make the antidote for me, I'm sure you can do the same for them.
01:37:28Marshall sounded desperate.
01:37:31Unfortunately, to make another batch, I would need more of the black fruit.
01:37:35As you can see, I used all that I had to make your pill.
01:37:38I just found it by chance today,
01:37:41and I have no idea where to get more on such short notice.
01:37:44Kevin said helplessly.
01:37:47Are you talking about the black fruit that looks almost completely black
01:37:50and has a faint fragrance? Marshall asked.
01:37:53You know about it? Kevin asked in surprise.
01:37:56Mr. Williams, they're really not all that hard to find.
01:37:59I'll send one of my men to get some for you right away.
01:38:03Marshall was very excited and relieved.
01:38:06Kevin got excited, too.
01:38:09If Marshall really had a source for that black fruit he needed to make his pills,
01:38:12it would be a huge help to him.
01:38:15At this point, Kevin knew that making enough of the pill to help Marshall's men
01:38:18would be a piece of cake.
01:38:21Knowing that Kevin would help him save his men made Marshall feel a little ashamed
01:38:24of his behavior toward him.
01:38:27He had almost harmed someone who could be a valuable asset to his organization.
01:38:31All they had to do now was to wait for his aid to come back with the black fruit.
01:38:34Hi, guys. Kevin here.
01:38:37Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
01:38:40Click the link in the description to install the app now.
01:38:43Hi, guys. Kevin here.
01:38:46Listen to full episodes of Insta Empire exclusively on the Pocket FM app.
01:38:49Click the link in the description to install the app now.
01:38:52Mr. Williams, thanks to your skill,
01:38:55you've given me and my men a new lease on life.
01:38:58From now on, you can count on our love.
01:39:01From now on, you can count on our loyalty,
01:39:04Marshall said sincerely.
01:39:07There's no need for that.
01:39:10As long as you stay out of my way, we'll be fine, Kevin replied quietly.
01:39:13He really didn't want to have anything to do with the Alliance
01:39:16now that he knew about its violent and sinister reputation.
01:39:19Before we go, I have some advice for you,
01:39:22Marshall slowly explained.
01:39:25You have an unusual skill that's highly valued
01:39:28by some very rich and powerful individuals.
01:39:31The ability to make these herbal supplements could draw attention from the wrong people.
01:39:34He continued in a very serious tone.
01:39:37In order to get their hands on your methods,
01:39:40they would be willing to use any means necessary.
01:39:43You have to think of your family.
01:39:46Make sure that you're well protected.
01:39:49Otherwise, you may end up in the hands of some vile people.
01:39:52Marshall suddenly stopped and said to Kevin ominously,
01:39:55Mr. Williams, please think about it carefully.
01:39:58I'm a lightweight compared to these bastards.
01:40:01Kevin frowned when he heard this.
01:40:04If Marshall was trying to scare him, he was doing a good job.
01:40:07Kevin had gotten a taste of what was going on behind the scenes
01:40:10in business, politics, and the criminal underworld.
01:40:13He had to do something to keep Lily and their family safe.
01:40:16Thank you for your advice, Kevin said appreciatively.
01:40:19I'm glad you're going to listen to me, Marshall said candidly.
01:40:22Now I'll take my men to get more of the black fruit for you.
01:40:25After he said this, Marshall headed out the door.
01:40:28Kevin returned to the dining room
01:40:31and saw that Lily, Rachel, and Phoebe were still tied up.
01:40:34Are you okay? He asked them anxiously.
01:40:37Kevin, what's going on? Who were those men?
01:40:40Lily asked curiously.
01:40:43Nothing to worry about. They were looking for the wrong person,
01:40:46but I straightened it all out, Kevin said calmly.
01:40:49Before Kevin had a chance to untie the three women,
01:40:52they all heard the sound of the front door opening.
01:40:55It was Truman Anderson, Phoebe's father.
01:40:58He stood in the doorway with a shocked expression on his face.
01:41:01Kevin, what are you doing here?
01:41:04Then as he looked over and saw his daughter
01:41:07and the other two women tied up with belts,
01:41:10Truman became infuriated.
01:41:13What the hell is going on here?
01:41:16Truman shouted at the top of his lungs.
01:41:19Truman, this isn't what it looks like, Kevin tried to explain.
01:41:22It's not what it looks like, Truman thundered.
01:41:25What the hell do you think it looks like?
01:41:28Kevin tried to answer, but he had no idea what to say.
01:41:31How could you do something like this to my daughter?
01:41:34Truman yelled as he threw his briefcase at Kevin.
01:41:37Lily wanted to explain that this wasn't Kevin's fault,
01:41:40but Truman wouldn't listen to anyone.
01:41:43He was so furious.
01:41:46Phoebe tried to stand up so she could explain what had happened,
01:41:49but because she had been tied up for so long,
01:41:52her legs had gotten numb.
01:41:55As she tried to get up, she winced and cried out in pain.
01:41:58This only made Truman even angrier.
01:42:01He raised his trembling hand and pointed at Kevin, growling.
01:42:04I can't believe I trusted you to work in my company.
01:42:07Please, this is all a misunderstanding.
01:42:11Kevin explained as he helped Truman to sit down on the sofa.
01:42:14Then he immediately went over to the three women
01:42:17and undid the belts that were still tied around their wrists and ankles.
01:42:20Kevin felt that it was hopeless to try to explain,
01:42:23so he just took Lily and Rachel and left the house.
01:42:26Truman was still trying to catch his breath.
01:42:29He turned to his daughter and asked her,
01:42:32Phoebe, tell me honestly, did Kevin do this?
01:42:35Dad, what are you talking about?
01:42:39You've really misunderstood what happened.
01:42:42Phoebe reassured him.
01:42:45After taking a moment to catch his breath and compose himself,
01:42:48Truman finally said,
01:42:51Phoebe, I only know what I saw.
01:42:54Dad, can you please listen to my explanation?
01:42:57Phoebe said slowly.
01:43:00A bunch of hoodlums broke through the front door while we were making lunch.
01:43:03They tied us up and tried to beat up Kevin.
01:43:07But believe me, it wasn't Kevin's fault.
01:43:10Truman still wasn't convinced,
01:43:13but he trusted his daughter.
01:43:16Well, if you say so, but that's not what I saw.
01:43:19His voice trailed off as he tried to accept her explanation.
01:43:22Dad, you still don't believe me?
01:43:25Phoebe said in an exasperated tone.
01:43:28She stomped her foot on the floor in frustration.
01:43:31Her father had Kevin all wrong.
01:43:35He was a huge help with her appraisals,
01:43:38and he even got someone like Drake to back down
01:43:41and leave the store peacefully.
01:43:44Actually, even though she trusted Kevin,
01:43:47there was still something mysterious about him.
01:43:50Truman let out another long sigh.
01:43:53He wasn't sure what to think.
01:43:56While this was going on,
01:43:59Kevin was driving Lily and Rachel back into the city.
01:44:03I didn't know Truman had such a quick temper,
01:44:06Kevin said to Lily.
01:44:09What are you talking about? Lily snapped at him.
01:44:12The whole thing was your fault.
01:44:15How could it be my fault? I didn't tie you up,
01:44:18Kevin said helplessly.
01:44:21Rachel, who had been very quiet until now, suddenly said,
01:44:24It's getting late. Just drop me off at the corner up ahead.
01:44:27I'll call for a ride home.
01:44:30Before Kevin could reply, Lily said,
01:44:33Don't worry, Rachel. It's no trouble at all.
01:44:36Kevin can take you home while I stop by the market to buy some vegetables.
01:44:39Lily then turned to Kevin and asked him,
01:44:42What do you want for dinner? I'm cooking.
01:44:45Kevin was very shocked to hear her say that.
01:44:48They'd been married for almost three years,
01:44:51and he couldn't remember when Lily had ever offered to cook.
01:44:54This put Kevin in a good mood, and he quickly headed for the market.
01:44:57As he got there, Kevin said to Lily,
01:45:00Wait for me here after you're done. I'll pick you up right after I drop Rachel off.
01:45:03It shouldn't be too long.
01:45:06Lily nodded in agreement. Then she said a few words to Rachel
01:45:09and slowly got out of the car and walked into the market.
01:45:12That left Kevin and Rachel alone in the big Porsche sedan.
01:45:15When Lily was there, Rachel always felt a little more at ease,
01:45:18but when she was alone with Kevin,
01:45:21she immediately clammed up, unsure how to act.
01:45:24Don't be too nervous. I'm not that scary.
01:45:27Kevin said with a smile as he pulled out of the parking lot.
01:45:30I'm not nervous, Rachel replied quickly,
01:45:33but she really was anxious.
01:45:36Ever since she found out about Kevin's true identity
01:45:39every time she thought about how she'd always treated him,
01:45:42she felt a little ashamed and regretted her actions.
01:45:45Kevin glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
01:45:48He had an idea about what she was thinking.
01:45:51Don't worry about the past. You and Lily are good friends
01:45:54and you were just protecting her because you thought she was suffering with me.
01:45:57No, I didn't.
01:46:00Rachel replied so quietly he could barely hear her.
01:46:03I know you're good for Lily,
01:46:06so I want to give you some great news, Kevin said with a grin.
01:46:09Then he continued.
01:46:12I'm getting ready to open the biggest hotel in Chicago
01:46:15and I've decided to ask you to be the vice president.
01:46:18Really? Rachel replied excitedly.
01:46:21Of course it's true, but I need to know soon
01:46:24so please don't take too long to decide, Kevin said very casually.
01:46:27He'd already made an agreement with Mitchell Cook.
01:46:30The two of them were going to join forces
01:46:33and go into the food and beverage industry in Chicago.
01:46:36Just don't disappoint me and if you accept my offer,
01:46:39I'll give you three times the industry standard, Kevin added.
01:46:42Rachel was dumbfounded and stammered.
01:46:45Am I dreaming?
01:46:48You really want me to be the vice president?
01:46:51There's only one condition.
01:46:54I want you to help me keep an eye on Lily.
01:46:57If any man tries to get close to her,
01:47:00you must let me know immediately, Kevin said very seriously.
01:47:03I won't let you down, Rachel replied excitedly.
01:47:06At that very moment at the Jones mansion,
01:47:09Grandma Jones was sitting with the top members of the family.
01:47:12She looked despondent.
01:47:15I called everyone here today to discuss something
01:47:18that's very important for our future,
01:47:21Grandma Jones said weakly.
01:47:24Lily now has a controlling share in our company.
01:47:27Does anyone have an idea what we can do about this?
01:47:30Grandma Jones had been miserable
01:47:33ever since Tyler gave Lily 60% of the company shares.
01:47:36Lily had instantly replaced her as the most important shareholder.
01:47:39Lily had instantly replaced her as the most important member of the family.
01:47:42But what could Grandma do about it?
01:47:45Jason was the first to offer an option.
01:47:48Grandma, I feel that Lily simply doesn't have the expertise
01:47:51to control so many shares.
01:47:54The rest of them agreed with Jason.
01:47:57Some of them even wondered if Oliver and Lily had somehow
01:48:00colluded with Tyler Dawn to grab a controlling interest
01:48:03in the family corporation.
01:48:06They also thought it was better to have the shares
01:48:09in the hands of a member of the family
01:48:12and not under the control of an outsider.
01:48:15Even so, hardly anyone spoke up in Lily's defense.
01:48:18That's water under the bridge, Grandma Jones said gloomily.
01:48:21What we need to figure out is how to make Lily
01:48:24hand over the shares.
01:48:27When she said this, the entire room fell silent.
01:48:30Suddenly, Jason's eyes lit up.
01:48:33Lily slowly stood up and said,
01:48:36Grandma, I have an idea, but I'm afraid you won't agree.
01:48:39What idea do you have? Tell me!
01:48:42Grandma Jones' face brightened.
01:48:45Maybe she had been right to put her trust in Jason.
01:48:48He always seemed to come up with a solution.
01:48:51Grandma, you can talk to Lily nicely and ask her to give you
01:48:54some of her shares, Jason said with an evil smile.
01:48:57Even if she gave me 10%,
01:49:00she would still have half the shares,
01:49:03Grandma Jones said hopelessly.
01:49:06Jason said, don't worry.
01:49:09When Lily signs the transfer paperwork,
01:49:12we can slip another document underneath the contract.
01:49:15Before Jason finished speaking, they all knew what he meant.
01:49:18It was devious, but it might work.
01:49:21I guess there's no other way, Grandma Jones sighed.
01:49:24Then Jason added, Grandma, don't forget that Tyler Dawn
01:49:27was actually an import-export company.
01:49:30This was actually what Jason hated the most.
01:49:33He really didn't know why Tyler had been so generous to Lily.
01:49:36Grandma Jones perked up when he said this.
01:49:39If she could get back the company shares,
01:49:42she could start another company and finally put the Jones family back on top.
01:49:45Five days later, in the CEO's office of Williams Media,
01:49:48Kevin looked intently at the documents on his desk.
01:49:51Mr. Williams, as soon as the market opens this morning,
01:49:55our company shares are expected to drop by 20%.
01:49:58Ms. Wilson reported with a serious expression.
01:50:01What's behind this?
01:50:04Kevin asked as he looked at the documents and then at his computer screen.
01:50:07About three days ago, someone started to manipulate
01:50:10the shares of the largest companies in Chicago.
01:50:13Ms. Wilson explained.
01:50:16Kevin sat back slowly in his chair and muttered,
01:50:19I can't believe they were able to set this up in just a few days.
01:50:22It must have taken a lot of work.
01:50:25Mr. Williams, do you know what happened?
01:50:28Ms. Wilson asked in surprise.
01:50:31Ever since Kevin took over Williams Media,
01:50:34he hadn't been very active in his role as CEO.
01:50:37He had been busy with a lot of other things,
01:50:40from antique appraisals to herbal supplements.
01:50:43Ms. Wilson helped to keep things going smoothly, as she always did.
01:50:46But she never dared to complain.
01:50:50But Ms. Wilson never thought that Kevin, who was hardly ever in his office,
01:50:53would know anything about the matter.
01:50:56Please go down to the first floor and wait.
01:50:59We'll have a few important visitors stopping by, Kevin said very calmly.
01:51:02Yes, sir.
01:51:05Since Kevin didn't give any more details than that,
01:51:08Ms. Wilson naturally didn't dare to ask who they were.
01:51:11After she left, Kevin slapped his desk and took out his phone to make a call.
01:51:14Hello, Kevin, what's the matter?
01:51:17Thomas answered coldly.
01:51:20Uncle Thomas, you know very well what's the matter.
01:51:23There's no point in hiding it, Kevin said coldly.
01:51:26His uncle was silent for a few seconds before he continued.
01:51:29That's right, Kevin, the Williams family did this.
01:51:32Why, Kevin asked him.
01:51:35He really wanted to know the answer.
01:51:38You know perfectly well why we did this, Kevin, Thomas replied coldly.
01:51:41Your performance lately has made everyone unhappy.
01:51:44Your grandfather thinks that you're getting carried away.
01:51:47You need something to bring you down to earth
01:51:50and keep you from following the wrong path.
01:51:53This is for your own good.
01:51:56How can you even say that?
01:51:59Aren't you afraid that I'll take back the $3 billion that I lent the family?
01:52:02Kevin asked him impatiently.
01:52:05Kevin, if you want your money back, I can transfer it to you right now.
01:52:08However, if you want to use it to save Williams Media, it won't work,
01:52:12Thomas said gravely.
01:52:15This is your grandfather's decision.
01:52:18I advise you to come back and apologize to your family.
01:52:21We can still work this out.
01:52:24It looked like Kevin didn't have any options left.
01:52:42Click the link in the description to install the app now.
01:52:45When Kevin got to his office at Williams Media,
01:52:48he found out that the company's shares were about to tank.
01:52:51He suspected that the Williams family was behind the manipulation of stocks
01:52:54in the largest companies in Chicago.
01:52:57He called his uncle Thomas to find out if he was behind it.
01:53:00The family wanted him to come back to New York
01:53:03to talk it out with his grandfather.
01:53:06Kevin didn't answer him. He just hung up the phone.
01:53:09Then he tapped on his desk while he thought about what to do.
01:53:12He couldn't understand how the Williams family
01:53:15had suddenly found enough money to do this.
01:53:18Their situation was desperate.
01:53:21After thinking for a while, Kevin decided to call Mitchell Cook,
01:53:24Adriana Wright, Gilbert Rhodes, and the others
01:53:27to come to an emergency meeting at his office.
01:53:30Within an hour, they'd all arrived.
01:53:33Mr. Williams, what's going on?
01:53:36Why did the Williams family suddenly launch this financial attack on Chicago?
01:53:39Adriana was the first to ask.
01:53:42With their influence, they'll have no trouble
01:53:45taking over all the major industries in the city.
01:53:48But the way they're doing it, they'll destroy the entire economy,
01:53:51Cook said bitterly.
01:53:54As the most prominent business leaders in Chicago,
01:53:57they naturally found who was behind this madness,
01:54:00but they didn't understand the reason behind it.
01:54:03Gilbert Rhodes suddenly stood up, looked directly at Kevin and asked,
01:54:06Mr. Williams, are they doing this to get even with you?
01:54:09It's useless to dwell on that now.
01:54:12The important thing is that the Williams family
01:54:15has already made their move, Kevin said stoically.
01:54:18Hearing this, Cook and the others
01:54:21were unsure how to respond to the threat.
01:54:24They were considered to be the most influential business leaders
01:54:27in all of Chicago, with enormous financial resources.
01:54:31But they still didn't have enough clout to stand up
01:54:34to the colossal financial power of the Williams family.
01:54:37They simply weren't a match for them.
01:54:40Let's not get pessimistic.
01:54:43The reason I called you here today is to discuss countermeasures,
01:54:46Kevin said confidently.
01:54:49Mr. Williams, just tell me what to do.
01:54:52We'll support you with all we've got, no matter what,
01:54:55Emo Squire said very frankly.
01:54:58Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today,
01:55:01Adriana said optimistically.
01:55:04Mitchell Cook and Gilbert Rhodes didn't say anything,
01:55:07but they nodded in agreement.
01:55:10Kevin thought for a moment and said,
01:55:13although the situation looks critical,
01:55:16it doesn't mean that the Williams family will definitely succeed.
01:55:19The first step we need to take is to stabilize the stock market.
01:55:22Kevin slammed his fist on his desk and said firmly,
01:55:25let's use our money to push back at them.
01:55:28Kevin is right. We definitely can't avoid it.
01:55:31They're playing rough, so we will too.
01:55:34Even if it kills us,
01:55:37we'll make sure they don't get out of this unhurt,
01:55:40Mitchell Cook said forcefully.
01:55:43Within an hour of the meeting, everyone in the stock exchange was shocked.
01:55:46As everyone watched, the Williams group stepped up
01:55:49and invested $3 billion.
01:55:52After that, Mitchell Cook, Adriana and the others followed suit.
01:55:55Each of them took billions of dollars
01:55:58and poured everything they could into the stock market.
01:56:01The enormous transfers of funds attracted everyone's attention.
01:56:04When the stock market closed in the afternoon,
01:56:07they had managed to stabilize Chicago's financial position.
01:56:10Cook and the others promised that they would follow
01:56:13Williams Media's lead and match Kevin's actions.
01:56:16They vowed to protect Chicago's financial base,
01:56:19even if it cost them their lives and their fortunes.
01:56:22That night, the Jones family held a meeting in their mansion.
01:56:25How much of our stock fell today?
01:56:28Grandma Jones asked with a gloomy expression.
01:56:31Grandma, our shares dropped by 60%,
01:56:34one of her nephews said with a depressed look on his face.
01:56:37There was silence in the room
01:56:40while they tried to figure out how to respond.
01:56:43What can we do?
01:56:47If this keeps up, we may lose everything,
01:56:50Grandma Jones said with some frustration.
01:56:53This kind of economic war wasn't something
01:56:56that a small family could afford to be in.
01:56:59Grandma, I have a suggestion, but I don't know if everyone will agree,
01:57:02Jason said slowly.
01:57:05Oh, what do you suggest?
01:57:08Grandma Jones asked in surprise.
01:57:11Didn't Williams Media lead the way today?
01:57:14We can take half of our shares and buy into their company,
01:57:17Jason explained carefully.
01:57:20That way, however this turns out,
01:57:23we'll at least be able to maintain half of our wealth.
01:57:26That's right, we can ask Williams Media for help,
01:57:29one of his uncles replied.
01:57:32But they still weren't sure if Williams Media would go along with this.
01:57:35They also weren't sure they'd be able to work together.
01:57:38Kevin, who was standing next to Lily,
01:57:41he instantly understood Jason's ultimate goal.
01:57:44Lily, what do you think about Jason's proposal?
01:57:47Grandma Jones asked gently.
01:57:50It's up to you to decide, Grandma,
01:57:53Lily said with a sullen look on her face.
01:57:56The Jones Corporation shares were dropping in value
01:57:59and they were practically bleeding money.
01:58:02They didn't see any other way to stop it.
01:58:05All right, since you said that the decision is up to Grandma,
01:58:08you'll have to contribute 50% of the company's shares,
01:58:11Jason said deviously.
01:58:14Kevin stood up before Lily could say anything.
01:58:17Jason, what do you mean?
01:58:20What right do you have to make my wife turn over all her shares?
01:58:2360% of the company's shares are now in Lily's hands.
01:58:26If she doesn't do this, then who will?
01:58:29Jason said with a sour look on his face.
01:58:32If she still considers herself to be a member of the Jones family,
01:58:35she needs to do this right now.
01:58:38Everyone started arguing, claiming that the shares weren't really hers
01:58:41and that it was about time she did something for the family.
01:58:44The discussion got louder and louder.
01:58:47Quiet, Grandma Jones said loudly.
01:58:50Stop arguing.
01:58:53Then Grandma Jones looked at Lily and forced a smile.
01:58:56Lily, this concerns the survival of our family.
01:58:59Why don't you turn over your shares?
01:59:02In any case, don't you agree that it's not fair
01:59:05for them to be in your hands anyway?
01:59:08I don't agree, Kevin shouted.
01:59:11What did you say? Grandma Jones snapped back.
01:59:14Before Kevin could say anything, Jason jumped on him too.
01:59:17Kevin, don't think you're so special
01:59:20just because you know a few rich people.
01:59:23If you're so great, why don't you get them to bail us out?
01:59:26They all started to criticize Kevin again,
01:59:29complaining that he wasn't a true member of the family
01:59:32and had no voice in their meetings.
01:59:35Then Jason continued to explain his plan.
01:59:38Grandma, I recently met with a senior member of Williams Media.
01:59:41As long as Lily is willing to turn over her shares,
01:59:44I have a way to transfer them to Williams Media.
01:59:47After the crisis is over, we can sell them
01:59:50and buy back control of our company.
01:59:53And how do we allocate the shares after that?
01:59:56Kevin asked loudly.
01:59:59Everyone stopped talking when he said this.
02:00:02Grandma Jones had an unhappy look on her face.
02:00:05Lily wanted to say something, but she just couldn't get herself to speak.
02:00:08Grandma is the head of the family.
02:00:11Of course, the shares would go to her, Jason said very naturally.
02:00:14Jason, you have no shame, Kevin said loudly.
02:00:17How dare you disagree with me?
02:00:20Jason grumbled.
02:00:23It sounds like Lily isn't willing to go along with this plan anyway.
02:00:26Just as Kevin was about to say something else,
02:00:29Lily tugged on his sleeve.
02:00:32Lily, what do you think we should do?
02:00:35Grandma Jones asked in a slow, calculating voice.
02:00:38Grandma, as long as you think it's appropriate,
02:00:41I have no objections, Lily said tensely.
02:00:44When she heard this,
02:00:47a smile immediately appeared on Grandma Jones' face.
02:00:50Jason's mouth also curled into a wicked smile
02:00:53and a proud expression flashed in his eyes.
02:00:56No, Kevin shouted.
02:00:59What did you say?
02:01:02Grandma Jones said as she looked at Kevin angrily.
02:01:05If we must use our shares for this transfer,
02:01:08Grandma, you should contribute 20%
02:01:11and my wife should give 30%.
02:01:14Moreover, after the crisis is resolved,
02:01:17Kevin said matter-of-factly.
02:01:20How dare you? Grandma Jones yelled as she banged her fist on her armrest.
02:01:23Do you have the right to speak here?
02:01:26Get out!
02:01:29Grandma Jones stared at Kevin menacingly.
02:01:32This was the second time Kevin had contradicted her in public.
02:01:35If she didn't teach him a lesson now,
02:01:38she wouldn't have any control over him in the future.
02:01:41Kevin suddenly sneered and said,
02:01:45What are you laughing at?
02:01:48Grandma Jones asked hesitantly.
02:01:51I'm laughing at the Jones family.
02:01:54You do consider yourselves to be a family, don't you?
02:01:57How could you be so desperate?
02:02:00Kevin sneered and continued.
02:02:03First, you want to use my wife and exchange her for Meriwether shares.
02:02:06Now that the shares are in her hands,
02:02:09you want to trick her into giving them back to you.
02:02:12Can't you see how funny that is?
02:02:15Everyone stared at him awkwardly,
02:02:18but none of them refuted him because they knew he was telling the truth.
02:02:21You bastard! Someone throw him out of here!
02:02:24Grandma Jones screamed.
02:02:27Who's willing to take the first swing?
02:02:30Kevin said calmly as he looked around the room.
02:02:33Kevin knew they wouldn't try anything.
02:02:36They'd all seen how he pulverized Meriwether in just a couple of minutes.
02:02:40All right, Kevin.
02:02:43Lily said as she suddenly stood up and took him by the hand.
02:02:46She turned to Grandma Jones and said,
02:02:49Grandma, it's getting late. Let's talk about this again tomorrow.
02:02:52Then Lily led Kevin out the door.
02:02:55When Jason saw that Grandma Jones wasn't going to stop them,
02:02:58he didn't say anything.
02:03:01After all, Lily was currently holding the high cards,
02:03:04and right now there was nothing he could do about it.
02:03:08Lily, I'll let you and that useless husband of yours appreciate the moment,
02:03:11but when you lose your shares, I'll teach you a lesson.
02:03:14Jason thought to himself.
02:03:17As Kevin and Lily got into their car and drove away,
02:03:20no one said anything.
02:03:23When Kevin got to the office the next day,
02:03:26Miss Wilson had already been waiting for him for half an hour.
02:03:29What is it? Kevin asked worriedly.
02:03:32He couldn't let Williams Media fail,
02:03:36Sir, many of our senior executives want to have a meeting with you.
02:03:39Miss Wilson didn't answer Kevin's question directly,
02:03:42but he could tell from her serious expression that the news wasn't good.
02:03:45Okay.
02:03:48Have them wait for me in the meeting room in half an hour,
02:03:51Kevin said thoughtfully.
02:03:54Next, Kevin checked the company stock situation on his computer.
02:03:57As the markets opened, their share prices fell by ten percent.
02:04:00By now, they had already lost hundreds of millions.
02:04:04Kevin sighed slightly and took out the bracelet
02:04:07that he'd bought from Ruben at Phoebe's antique store.
02:04:10What's the use? Kevin said with a slight frown.
02:04:13While he was turning the bracelet over and over in his hand,
02:04:16he started to feel more relaxed and confident.
02:04:19That's odd, he thought to himself.
02:04:22Then he took a closer look at the stone that was set in the bracelet.
02:04:25It wasn't a green emerald at all.
02:04:28It was actually a green tourmaline.
02:04:32How could he have made such a rookie mistake?
02:04:35But it did explain why he was drawn to it in the first place.
02:04:38Kevin slowly put the bracelet on the table.
02:04:41After thinking for a moment,
02:04:44he decided to call Officer Emmett to ask her opinion.
02:04:47After all, she had set him on the path to making herbal remedies.
02:04:50Maybe she knew something about this, too.
02:04:53Hello, Kevin? What do you want?
02:04:56Officer Emmett answered in a surprised tone.
02:05:00I was wondering what you might know about green tourmaline,
02:05:03Kevin asked hesitantly.
02:05:06I was wondering when you might ask me something like that,
02:05:09she said frankly.
02:05:12A lot of people believe that certain stones can help you
02:05:15to focus your energy to relax or work on your health.
02:05:18Things like that.
02:05:21Interesting, Kevin smiled and said.
02:05:24I felt drawn to a tourmaline bracelet the other day at the antique store.
02:05:28What do you think? Why should I tell you?
02:05:31Officer Emmett said jokingly.
02:05:34I'm serious, Kevin insisted.
02:05:37I'll tell you, but you need to say please.
02:05:40Officer Emmett replied mischievously.
02:05:43Come on, I'm serious.
02:05:46Kevin was starting to get frustrated.
02:05:49He knew she was just teasing,
02:05:52but he didn't have a lot of time for this today.
02:05:55Please, Kevin said in a very low voice.
02:05:58I'm sorry I can't hear you. Could you speak up?
02:06:01Officer Emmett said in a satisfied tone.
02:06:04Kevin took a deep breath and said very clearly.
02:06:07Please.
02:06:10That's better, Officer Emmett said.
02:06:13Come to the downtown Luxe Banks office in an hour.
02:06:16Don't forget to bring the bracelet. I'll explain everything to you then.
02:06:19See you later.
02:06:22Miss Wilson came into Kevin's office
02:06:25as soon as he put his phone in his pocket.
02:06:28Mr. Williams, all the senior executives are waiting for you in the conference room.
02:06:31Kevin nodded and left the office.
02:06:34This was the first high-level meeting that Kevin had held
02:06:37since he took over Williams Media,
02:06:40so a lot of them didn't have a great impression of his leadership abilities.
02:06:43As soon as he walked into the conference room,
02:06:46one of the vice presidents stood up and said,
02:06:49Mr. Williams, we can't fight this anymore.
02:06:52Even if we win, we'll suffer heavy losses.
02:06:55The executives were all panicked about what the Williams family
02:06:58was doing to their company.
02:07:01They were willing to give up and let them buy them out
02:07:04if that was what it took to save Williams Media.
02:07:07Kevin sat patiently and listened to them.
02:07:10Finally, Kevin's eyes swept across the room before he slowly said,
02:07:13Are you all done?
02:07:17One of the older, more experienced executives said firmly,
02:07:20How much money did the Williams family offer you
02:07:23to make you react like this?
02:07:26Kevin asked calmly.
02:07:29When he said this, the entire meeting room grew quiet.
02:07:32Kevin leaned forward in his chair and looked everyone in the eye
02:07:35one by one before he said,
02:07:38I came to this meeting today to tell you something.
02:07:41If anyone feels that fighting the Williams family is a mistake,
02:07:45please leave now.
02:07:48Then Kevin sat back in his chair, feeling very confident and relaxed.
02:07:52He knew that they would get through this,
02:07:55but he just wasn't sure.
02:08:15Kevin was meeting with the senior executives at Williams Media.
02:08:18They were panicking because of all the pressure
02:08:21the Williams family was putting on them.
02:08:24But Kevin was confident that they could get through this.
02:08:27When Kevin told them that anyone who wasn't up for the fight
02:08:30could leave, they were impressed by his attitude.
02:08:33All right, since no one has any objections, let's get to work.
02:08:36Kevin turned to Miss Wilson and said,
02:08:39You're authorized to transfer any amount of money
02:08:42You're authorized to transfer any amount of funds necessary.
02:08:45Our first goal is to stabilize the stock market
02:08:48as much as possible.
02:08:51After he said this, Kevin got up and left.
02:08:54He went straight down to the parking garage and got in his Pagani Roadster
02:08:57to drive to the downtown branch of Luxe Bank.
02:09:00When he got to the bank a while later,
02:09:03he was lucky to find some street parking.
02:09:06Kevin decided to leave the bracelet in his car before he walked inside.
02:09:09Because of the volatile stock market over the past few days,
02:09:12many people were worried about losing their life savings.
02:09:15So there was a crowd in the bank trying to withdraw their money.
02:09:18Kevin went straight to the VIP area
02:09:21because he figured Officer Emmett would be waiting for him there.
02:09:24But before he got to the teller's window,
02:09:27he was stopped by a staff member.
02:09:30Hello sir, how may I help you?
02:09:33The woman said with a smile.
02:09:37I'm just looking for someone.
02:09:40Judging by Kevin's clothes,
02:09:43the woman immediately determined that he was just an ordinary customer
02:09:46and wasn't qualified to go to the VIP section.
02:09:49Sorry sir, these windows are reserved for VIPs.
02:09:52No one else is allowed in here.
02:09:55If you are looking for someone, you can wait over there by the door.
02:09:58The woman said icily.
02:10:01I also have some business to take care of. Can I go ahead?
02:10:04You can go to the regular customer area to do your business,
02:10:07she said with a fake smile.
02:10:10Then the woman thought to herself,
02:10:13the customers in the VIP area are all worth over a million dollars.
02:10:16Kevin, who was wearing sloppy ordinary clothes,
02:10:19probably didn't earn more than $20,000 a year.
02:10:22I'd like to make a withdrawal, Kevin said helplessly.
02:10:25He was starting to get irritated.
02:10:28You can make a withdrawal from the ATM by the entrance,
02:10:31the woman said impatiently.
02:10:34She didn't want to waste any more time with Kevin.
02:10:37Kevin frowned. He thought that he was pretty handsome.
02:10:40How come he kept getting this kind of reaction from people?
02:10:43Then he took a deep breath and looked at her name tag.
02:10:46I'll just stand here and wait, um, Ms. Gray.
02:10:49It shouldn't be long, okay?
02:10:52No sir, this is the VIP area.
02:10:55I'm afraid you're disturbing our customers,
02:10:58Ms. Gray said in disgust.
02:11:01Please move along.
02:11:04Their conversation was starting to attract attention.
02:11:07The VIP customers were annoyed by his intrusion.
02:11:10How could a poor man like him dare to come into their private section?
02:11:13Kevin took another deep breath and said to her,
02:11:16you're giving me no choice.
02:11:19I've decided that I'm going to withdraw all my money from your bank.
02:11:22I'm sorry, but you don't seem to understand.
02:11:26There's an ATM in the lobby, she said impatiently.
02:11:29If you don't leave this area immediately,
02:11:32I'll be forced to have you removed by security.
02:11:35Ms. Gray,
02:11:38I'd like to withdraw $2 million in cash immediately,
02:11:41Kevin said as he took out his bank card
02:11:44and slapped it in her hand.
02:11:47The VIP onlookers started to whisper to each other.
02:11:50Did he really say he was withdrawing $2 million?
02:11:53He's not fooling anyone.
02:11:56Just look at how he's dressed.
02:11:59She looked disdainfully at the bank card in her hand.
02:12:02There wasn't even a name on it.
02:12:05Just as she was about to throw the card out,
02:12:08the bank manager happened to walk by.
02:12:11When he saw the black card,
02:12:14he was so unnerved that his legs got weak.
02:12:17Ms. Gray, what's going on here?
02:12:20Before she didn't forget to give Kevin a snooty look,
02:12:23Johnson was so angry that he muttered to himself,
02:12:26We really have to do better training.
02:12:29He paused and then explained,
02:12:32This is a black card.
02:12:35There isn't another one in all of Chicago.
02:12:38The VIPs who were watching the scene were shocked,
02:12:41and the employee felt incredibly awkward.
02:12:44Sir, are you sure you aren't mistaken?
02:12:47Nonsense, Ms. Gray, Johnson said
02:12:50as he took back the card and walked over to Kevin.
02:12:53He held the card carefully like it was a FabergƩ egg.
02:12:56Sir, my name is Evan Johnson.
02:12:59I'm the manager of this branch.
02:13:02It would be our pleasure to serve you, he said apologetically,
02:13:05trying very hard not to let his voice quiver.
02:13:08In all his years working for the bank,
02:13:11he had never seen one of these cards.
02:13:14I'm just making a withdrawal,
02:13:17Kevin said as he sneered at the rude employee.
02:13:20Am I qualified to stand here now?
02:13:23Sir, I'm so sorry, Ms. Gray replied ever so politely.
02:13:26She was mortified.
02:13:29How could she have insulted a VIP customer?
02:13:32Sir, please accept our apologies for this misunderstanding.
02:13:35If you need anything at all, please let me know,
02:13:38Johnson said with a big smile.
02:13:41Ms. Gray, how much I'd like to withdraw,
02:13:44Kevin said nonchalantly.
02:13:47I'm sure she can handle things now.
02:13:50Okay, Johnson said amiably.
02:13:53Then he turned around and reprimanded her.
02:13:56What are you standing here for?
02:13:59Take care of the transaction right away.
02:14:02Yes, sir, she said as she walked behind the counter.
02:14:05Sir, please, come with me to wait in the private room,
02:14:09and the VIPs who had witnessed the spectacle were speechless.
02:14:12When they got to the private room,
02:14:15Kevin sat down casually on the sofa and crossed his legs.
02:14:18Johnson smiled and walked over to the cappuccino machine
02:14:21and offered Kevin a coffee.
02:14:24A few minutes later, the embarrassed employee came into the room,
02:14:27struggling to carry a large canvas bank bag with both hands.
02:14:30Sir, the $2 million withdrawal you requested,
02:14:33Ms. Gray said apprehensively.
02:14:36She could barely look Kevin in the eye.
02:14:39She was so embarrassed by how rudely she treated Kevin when he walked in.
02:14:42You know, I don't really think I need to carry around that much cash.
02:14:45How about if you take out $500
02:14:48and put the rest back in the vault,
02:14:51Kevin said as he leisurely sipped his cappuccino.
02:14:54Yes, sir, she replied.
02:14:57She knew that Kevin was just screwing with her,
02:15:00but she realized she deserved it.
02:15:03I should probably be a lot more polite to the bank customers in the future,
02:15:06VIPs or not.
02:15:09Kevin slowly walked out of the VIP room accompanied by Mr. Johnson and Ms. Gray.
02:15:12He stuffed the $500 in his pocket.
02:15:15As he stepped into the lobby,
02:15:18Officer Emmett walked over to him and asked,
02:15:21Kevin, what are you doing here?
02:15:24Didn't you want me to meet you here?
02:15:27I figured as long as I'm at the bank, I might as well make a withdrawal.
02:15:30Officer Emmett nodded slightly,
02:15:33but then she noticed that Kevin was coming out of the VIP area.
02:15:36But what were you doing at the VIP window?
02:15:39Officer Emmett asked as she looked him straight in the eyes.
02:15:42She was here to do some banking too,
02:15:45but she had to do it at an ordinary window.
02:15:48Officer Emmett knew very well that the bank's VIP room
02:15:51was only accessible to millionaires.
02:15:54Maybe they let me use it because the regular lines were getting too long,
02:15:58That seemed to make sense to Officer Emmett,
02:16:01so she decided to change the subject.
02:16:04Kevin, please don't misunderstand Blair's actions.
02:16:07He didn't do any of that on purpose.
02:16:10Before she could finish, Kevin interrupted her.
02:16:13I'm not here to talk about him.
02:16:16Let's find a place to sit down so you can explain to me what's going on with that bracelet.
02:16:19Suddenly, there was a scream from the lobby.
02:16:22We're being robbed!
02:16:25The lobby was opened by five men in black.
02:16:28One of them fired his gun at the ceiling and shouted,
02:16:31Everyone, on the floor!
02:16:34Put all your valuables on the floor in front of you and don't look up.
02:16:37One of the men snarled menacingly.
02:16:40The head bank robber shouted,
02:16:43If you value your lives, you'll do as we say.
02:16:46The shocked customers hit the floor and tried to follow the thieves' instructions.
02:16:49Officer Emmett was about to react,
02:16:52but there were too many armed robbers and she didn't want any innocent people to get hurt.
02:16:55What a bunch of scum, she said to Kevin.
02:16:58Robbing a bank in broad daylight.
02:17:01Well, if they came here at night, there'd be nothing to rob,
02:17:04Kevin replied with a smile.
02:17:07How can you joke at a time like this?
02:17:10Officer Emmett grumbled.
02:17:13What else can we do? Kevin pointed out with a smirk.
02:17:16Should we go stop them?
02:17:19If they come down here in the daytime, they're probably prepared for resistance.
02:17:22I'm guessing they're dangerous and desperate.
02:17:25Officer Emmett commented as she maneuvered to scan the room
02:17:28while she was still lying on the floor.
02:17:31There are too many innocent people here. We need to wait for a better opportunity.
02:17:34Kevin nodded in agreement when she said this.
02:17:37In fact, he wasn't sure he wanted to stop them
02:17:40because he was worried she'd draw him into another fight,
02:17:43like she did with the grave robbers over on Wacker Drive.
02:17:46Just then, the leader of the gang pointed a gun
02:17:49at the bank employees and snarled,
02:17:52Go to the vault and bring back $8 million in unmarked bills,
02:17:55and don't try anything you'll regret.
02:17:58The bank manager, Mr. Johnson, pleaded with them.
02:18:01We don't have that much money right now.
02:18:04The robber responded by shooting Johnson in the thigh.
02:18:07He fell to the ground, grabbing his leg in pain
02:18:10and letting out an agonizing wail.
02:18:14I won't say this again. $8 million in cash right now!
02:18:19He yelled as he pointed his gun at Johnson's head.
02:18:22The customers and employees were frozen with fear.
02:18:25Too many customers have taken out their money the past few days,
02:18:28plus a lot of companies have withdrawn their funds to put into the stock market.
02:18:32We really don't have $8 million in the vault,
02:18:35Johnson said as he gritted his teeth in pain.
02:18:38One more word and you're a dead man,
02:18:41the robber said as he spat on the floor.
02:18:44Just as he was about to pull the trigger,
02:18:47Officer Emmett stood up holding her badge in her hand.
02:18:50Chicago PD! You're all under arrest!
02:18:53Put down your weapons and place your hands on your heads!
02:18:56Kevin, who was still lying on the floor,
02:18:59looked up at Officer Emmett and shook his head in disbelief.
02:19:02What the hell is wrong with her?
02:19:05Didn't we agree to wait for a better chance,
02:19:08Kevin thought to himself?
02:19:10All the men in black turned to look at Officer Emmett.
02:19:13The group's leader looked around the room and then looked back at her.
02:19:16Sure, Officer.
02:19:18Then he paused and said,
02:19:20Wait a second. Why should we listen to you?
02:19:24Oh my God, I thought she had better judgment than this.
02:19:28No backup and no gun.
02:19:30Why should they listen to you?
02:19:32Kevin couldn't help but think.
02:19:34Just then the brawny robber motioned to his accomplices.
02:19:37You two go and tie her up and throw her into the car.
02:19:41He started walking towards Officer Emmett while he said this.
02:19:44As the two men moved in to tie her up,
02:19:47Officer Emmett spun around and made a savage side kick to the first one's gut.
02:19:51Then she spun in the other direction and threw a high snap kick to the other man's head.
02:19:56A gunshot rang out and dust floated from the ceiling.
02:20:00You're as good at fighting as you are beautiful,
02:20:03the man smiled creepily and said.
02:20:06Let's see which is faster, your foot or my gun.
02:20:11He pointed to all the people lying on the floor and threatened.
02:20:14We've got five guns.
02:20:16How many of them do you think you can save?
02:20:19You're a piece of crap, Officer Emmett shouted angrily.
02:20:23Kevin realized that she'd stood up and drawn their attention
02:20:26to keep Johnson from getting shot in the head.
02:20:29But now the robber was threatening everyone in the room.
02:20:32Kevin jumped up and said to Officer Emmett,
02:20:35go and check his injuries, leave these guys to me.