Jasper paused and turned to look back at Dylan.

He wasn’t looking their way, but Jasper knew exactly who he was referring to.

Giving a slight nod, he turned to Karl and said, "Let’s go." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

However, Karl shook his head, refusing outright. "I’m not leaving. If you want to go, go yourself."

Jasper pursed his lips but didn’t bother asking him again.

Instead—

He simply grabbed Karl by the collar and dragged him out.

Karl cried out, struggling to break free from his grip, but Jasper’s hold remained firm, and unyielding.

Only after they were outside the study did Jasper finally let him go.

Karl glared at him, his eyes filled with accusation. "Why did you do that? You got the money, yet you stopped me from asking for mine. Don’t you think that’s unfair?"

"Unfair?" Jasper repeated, arching a brow. "How is it unfair? I just saved you from making a useless effort."

"Efforts never go to waste," Karl countered stubbornly.

Jasper raised a brow at that. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Of course, they don’t."

Then, stepping aside slightly, he gestured toward the study door. "Why don’t you go back and see where your persistent efforts will lead you? I’m sure within an hour, you’ll find yourself at the country’s borders."

Karl immediately flinched at the suggestion.

"No... he wouldn’t send me to the borders."

Jasper simply gestured again toward the door he had just closed behind them. "Why don’t you go back and try? We won’t have to wait long to find out."

Karl took a step forward —almost convinced to test his luck for a second.

But just as he lifted his foot for the second step, his confidence faltered.

He quickly stepped back.

"What’s wrong?" Jasper asked, clearly amused. "Not curious to see where your efforts might take you?"

Karl frowned but avoided answering directly. "I don’t need to. I believe in Big Brother. He loves me too much to send me away—especially to the borders. And after today, I also believe he is kind."

"Kind?" Jasper echoed.

"Of course," Karl said, pointing back toward Dylan’s study. "Didn’t you just see? He agreed to invest in that movie without hesitation, just because you said the investors were troubling Director Rhodes."

Jasper couldn’t help but rub the bridge of his nose, hiding the smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"If Big Brother can treat an outsider like Director Rhodes with such kindness," Karl continued, "do you really think he would bully his own brother?"

Before he could finish —

A soft chuckle escaped Jasper’s lips, easily making Karl frown.

"Why are you laughing now?" Karl asked, annoyed.

This time, Jasper didn’t hide his smile. Tucking one hand into his pocket, he looked at Karl and asked,

"For Director Rhodes? You think Big Brother agreed to invest because of him?"

Karl paused at that.

He thought about it again. Though he couldn’t quite understand why the Old Demon would suddenly take interest in the entertainment industry...

If he had agreed, it had to be for a solid reason. And what better reason than the capability and reputation of Director Camden Rhodes?

Looking at Jasper, he said, "Of course, it has to be him. Director Rhodes is known for his dedication and is respected by many. Old Dem— I mean, Big Brother must have been impressed by him."

Jasper shook his head.

Placing a hand on Karl’s shoulder, he gave it a light pat. "You really need to think a little more next time."

"What?" Karl’s brows furrowed again. "If not for Director Rhodes, then what? Is it to get back at those investors? Or... is it that unknown actress?"

Jasper didn’t answer, but the smirk on his lips deepened.

Karl paused, staring at him in confusion.

"That actress?" he asked slowly. "Are you saying Big Brother agreed to it because of her?"

"You’re not completely hopeless, it seems," Jasper replied casually.

But his words only made Karl more confused.

"Why would Brother do it for her? Does he even know her?"

"Brother knowing Sister-in-law is only natural, isn’t it?" Jasper said lightly.

And without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

Karl froze, unable to process his words immediately.

Then, as realization began to dawn on him, his eyes widened.

He quickly looked up to ask more—but Jasper was already several steps ahead.

Turning around, he saw him walking away without a pause.

"Wait... did you say Sister-in-law? Since when did we get one?"

Jasper didn’t stop. Without even turning back, he replied, "Not too long ago."

Karl wanted to ask more—

But before he could, Jasper had already disappeared from sight. He didn’t bother stopping to explain anything further.

Was he even his brother?

Karl stomped his foot in frustration.

Just then, his phone rang.

Pulling it out, he saw his friend’s name flashing on the screen. Answering the call, he asked irritably, "What is it now?"

"Brother Karl, where are you?" the voice on the other end asked. "We’re all waiting for you here."

"Don’t wait for me," Karl snapped. "I don’t have money to go partying with you guys."

With that, he hung up without waiting for a reply.

He checked his account balance again.

Barely a million.

At this rate, how was he supposed to survive the next few months?

Just as he was worrying about it, his phone rang again.

Seeing the same name, he frowned—but still answered.

"What now? I already said I’m not coming."

"Brother Karl," the friend said quickly, "don’t come to the party. I won’t go either without you. But—I found a way for you to make money. If you’re interested, we can go there."

Karl paused mid-step.

"A way to make money? From where?" he asked.

The friend’s voice lowered slightly. "It’s a place I recently came across. They help people double their money within hours."

"Within hours?" Karl echoed, stunned. "That fast? Is it even safe?"

"Of course, Brother Karl. It’s not some shady place. I’ve heard many people go there to make quick money. I haven’t tried it myself, but it should be reliable."

Karl thought for a moment.

Then slowly, he nodded.

"Fine. Wait there. I’m coming."