As the applause continued, Ethan also saw Sandro standing in the distant corner.

Sandro was raising his glass to him in a toast.

Ethan nodded back at him.

Sandro, my sword is sharper now, what about yours?

As the banquet resumed, those who previously avoided Ethan were now crowding around.

Someone even condemned Ramon's reckless words, saying it was jealousy of Ethan's talent and character.

Such is the way of the world.

After a while, Ned accompanied Governor Oswaldo as they approached.

But this time, the Black-robed Bishop Casar and his follower Ramon were absent.

Oswaldo seemed to have forgotten the previous matters, warmly engaging in conversation with Ethan, eventually saying: "By the way, Ethan, in a few days, there will be a Saint Kuanti investment meeting at City Hall. A compassionate and successful businessman like you should attend. Let's go together?"

"It would be my honor."

This was the matter Ned mentioned before, fortunately, Ethan successfully obtained an entry ticket.

After seeing off Oswaldo and Ned, Ethan intended to leave as well, but unexpectedly, a stranger stopped him.

This person was the man who bought his painting.

A new face.

"Mr. Ethan, do you have a moment? I would like to disturb you a bit," the man said, beginning to introduce himself.

"I am Jackson Matherwell, from the Royal Capital, a professional art collector. Your painting left me astounded."

"You flatter me." Ethan shook his hand.

"Actually, I came to Wenster upon Pupol's recommendation and didn't expect that besides the painting about time, you completed such a masterpiece. No wonder Pupol praises you so highly; you are destined to become a great master."

Jackson's words were somewhat exaggerated.

But his speech was concise and powerful, and his demeanor was impeccable, making it feel genuinely sincere.

"Actually, I would like to discuss cooperation in representing your works. I will soon take your 'Saint Kuanti's Orphan' back for promotion and it will certainly shock those people in the Royal Capital. Once your time-related piece is completed, I will immediately help promote you. You will quickly gain nationwide fame, and then we can organize an exhibition..."

He painted an extremely beautiful picture for Ethan.

Ethan nodded, finally saying: "I want to think about it first."

"No problem, here is my business card. I am staying at the Beihai Star for the next couple of days. If you have any thoughts, please contact me first."

Jackson left a delicate business card, then departed without lingering.

After leaving the venue, Ethan handed the card to Anya, instructing her to investigate Jackson thoroughly.

Later, he was sure to expand nationwide and even globally.

Having a competent manager to help with operations would be beneficial indeed.

But first, he needed to ensure the other party wasn't a fraud.

——————————

Several days had passed since the charity banquet.

Ethan was enjoying smooth progress, not only securing several good plots at the subsequent Saint Kuanti investment meeting but also gaining prospects for expanding the weapon factory.

Upon learning Ethan wanted to establish a weapon factory, Oswaldo personally approached him, offering assistance in obtaining the expansion authorization.

Since he hailed from the central part of the Kingdom, where Steel City was located, a place with the most weapon factories.

Although the opening rights for weapon factories were firmly in the hands of the Kingdom's military, there were always ways to circumvent them.

For instance, transferring an authorization qualification for a weapon factory.

Evidently, Oswaldo was willing to invest for his political achievements.

Everything was going smoothly, and the bootlegging business was reaching new heights.

The losses from the Saint Kuanti pollution were already fully recovered.

Ethan was ready to launch the initial business on the smuggling line purchased from the Corleone family.

Whether in the open or in the shadows, Ethan's sword was growing sharper.

This day marked another new meeting of the three major families.

With the situation having stabilized, the meeting location was reassigned back to the third floor of the Beihai Star.

Yet the framework now differed from the past.

Sandro still sat in the main seat, but Ethan was now sitting opposite him.

As for George, he sat aside, in a position of insignificance, mirroring his standing in the current situation.

Upon sitting down, John Hott enthusiastically praised Ethan's performance at the charity banquet, his painting, and his speech.

"Truly brought us prestige," though John Hott was wealthy and somewhat influential, in the face of true nobility, he was akin to those in the mire.

This comment soured George's mood, as he hadn't even qualified to attend the banquet.

Ethan was expanding his distance from him at an unimaginable speed.

He wondered, would he still have a chance for revenge?

"Ladies and gentlemen, the reason for inviting you today is to discuss something."

At this, Sandro lightly tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention.

"Recently, our business has realigned, so there's no need to overly focus on these aspects for now. So, should we reconsider some past accounts?"

This comment made Ethan raise an eyebrow, while George instantly grew tense.

Past accounts, what did that mean?

John Hott and others also grew slightly tense, wondering what Sandro intended to settle.

"Don't misunderstand, friends. I mean we need to make someone pay, someone who almost destroyed our enterprise."

Sandro raised a finger, slowly uttering a name.

"Albertine Court."

"That Prohibition Agent?" George slightly relaxed, at least it wasn't aimed at him.

"I've heard this person has been suspended," John Hott nodded, relaying new information, "Does he still pose a threat to us?"

"Marvin values him greatly, the suspension is likely temporary, hard to say what plots he might have later," Sandro continued, "So rather than giving him a chance to obstruct us again, we might as well eliminate him now."

"But he is a Prohibition Agent after all..." John Hott expressed some concern.

"As far as I know, in the Saint Kuanti battle, he caused many deaths. Those above would be glad for his demise, and if we eliminate him, nobody should care."

"I agree," George was the first to support, "It's time to show them some colors."

After exchanging glances, John Hott and the other brokers nodded as well.

Only Ethan remained.

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