Chapter 981

Hamilton's nerves hadn't settled by the time Jules turned up unannounced at the entrance.

Wearing a gleeful expression, he moved with purpose, clearly looking for Daniela.

Hamilton's eyes darkened. "Why are you here? No one invited you."

Jules raised a finger close to Hamilton's nose. "This is Daniela's villa. I'm here to speak with her."

Hamilton studied him with suspicion. Since when was Jules so close to Daniela?

"If there's something you need to say, tell me instead." Hamilton stood firm, blocking entry.

Jules let out a laugh, pulled out his phone, and began dialing.

While the tone rang, he glanced at Hamilton and sneered, "I don't waste breath on people like y/ou."

"Hello? Daniela? I'm downstairs, but Hamilton wouldn't let me in.Alright."

Jules shoved the phone into Hamilton's hand.

Daniela's voice crackled through the line. "Let Jules in."

As the call disconnected, Hamilton shot him a death stare while Jules marched past, heading up into Daniela's study.

Just then, Brad stepped in from outside, pointing at the exotic vehicle parked near the gate. "Hamilton, did you spot that ride? It's Jules'! Didn't he go bankrupt after that mess with Josh? How on earth did he suddenly get so rich? Do you know what happened?"

Ethan walked in behind, nodding. "Forget the car-did you check out what he's wearing? That's limited-edition, worth millions, and his kicks are well over ten million. Did he rob a vault?"

Hamilton's eyes stayed fixed upstairs. "You missed the pendant around his neck. The auction house listed it yesterday for over six billion dollars."

Brad and Ethan were dumbfounded.

"What the hell is Jules doing now? He was broke not long ago," Brad muttered.

Ethan replied, "Something's not adding up with this whole deal."

Hamilton said flatly, "He's upstairs. Let's go hear what's being said."

The other two nodded, and all three headed for the stairs, only to be stopped instantly.

Carol stepped in front of them. "Daniela's in the middle of something critical. No one goes up."

Hamilton stretched an arm out to hold Brad and Ethan back. "She's right. You both shouldn't interfere with whatever's going on up there. But I'm not like you." He turned to Carol. "Daniela's family to me.Why can't I listen in? They can stay back, but I'm going."

He stepped forward but froze when Carol produced a blade from her coat, stopping him cold.

Upstairs, Daniela remained seated at the center of her study as Jules entered.

She leaned back in her chair, Cedric standing silently nearby.

Jules approached with a. grin.

"Did you receive the money?" Daniela asked coolly.

Jules gave a nod. "Yes. It's all in-Josh's fortune. Over a trillion in total. Daniela, you're a genius. I honestly admire you!"

Daniela brushed off the praise. "I've already delivered what you asked for. It's time you delivered on your end."

Jules laughed again. "Naturally. No problem." Maybe her willingness earlier had fooled him into thinking shéwas easy to sway.

He didn't move, lowering himself slightly, feigning respect.

Still, he said, "You're incredibly resourceful. Things like this barely challenge you. Would it be possible to extend your help further? You see, loads of Oiscoll's citizens poured in money too. The total pot is massive,but for someone like you, it's pocket change. Why not give all of the money to me?"

Daniela let out a faint scoff. "Don't you think you are too greedy?"

Jules' eyes gleamed with arrogance. "Not really. Opportunities like this don't come twice. I need to grab what I can. Don't you think so?"

Daniela's tone cooled further. "And if I decline?"

Jules' smugness didn't falter. "You've already made a huge investment in me. What's the harm in going just a little further?"