Blackstone Code-Chapter 217:

After the shareholders' meeting ended, it was already past lunchtime. Just as Lynch was about to head out to grab something to eat, Nail appeared before him with Tom in tow.

Nail had ultimately decided to help Tom. After all, their decades-long friendship couldn't be completely destroyed over this matter. Otherwise, their friendship and time spent together would seem too cheap.

As soon as Lynch stepped out of his office, he stepped back in again and sat behind his desk. Looking at the two men and tilting his head slightly, he asked, "So, what brings you here?"

Tom seemed at a loss, clearly going through some internal turmoil. He knew Lynch well, having been good friends with Nail for decades. They were familiar with each other's families. From the time Lynch was born until he graduated high school, Tom would see him once or twice a month when visiting Nail.

Initially, he didn't connect the dots that the boss of the Interstellar Trading Company was Nail's son. After all, there were many people named Lynch, just like his own common name, Tom, shared by many others, including some pets.

Moreover, as someone from the lower rungs of society, he didn't have the means or resources to better understand the composition of the upper echelons. It was similar to how most people didn't know the top ten tax-paying companies in their city or who their owners were. People weren't interested in such unrelated matters. They cared more about evening's TV dramas or job-related issues.

Even at this moment, Tom still couldn't believe Nail's son could accomplish such significant feats. But the facts were undeniable, and he struggled to process it.

Nail, on the other hand, appeared very calm. Or perhaps he was too shocked to feel anything anymore. Of course, his attitude towards Lynch had subtly changed. At least in the past, when they were at home, he wouldn't speak to Lynch so "calmly."

Back then, he was the head of the family, and his tone was always commanding, allowing no room for refusal.

"Tom has run into some trouble. They stole materials from the factory and produced a batch of goods, most of which ended up in your hands. We're hoping if you could return the items to him, so he can try to get himself out from his trouble," Nell said, aiming to persuade Lynch. "Only his share, the others are not our concern."

Nail quickly laid out their intentions, but Lynch shook his head after hearing them out. "It's not that easy. No, it's impossible."

Seeing the gradually recovering Tom and the puzzled Nail, Lynch explained, "Even if you return those goods now, it won't change the current situation. Just from what you've said, I understand what kind of trouble he's getting into."

"Regardless of how much you sold those goods for, it has nothing to do with your boss. Don't worry about whether he can sell them or not; that's not your concern."

"In other words, if you want to resolve these issues, you must come up with the money to settle this matter. Otherwise..."

Lynch had already foreseen the outcome. If they couldn't come up with the money, the court would enforce the judgment, and the bank would auction their assets, including their cars and houses, if they had any.

This realization made Lynch think that he and the bank could do some business. These assets were high-quality resources, and more importantly, they'd be very cheap. The bank wouldn't care how much they sold for; they just wanted to end the task quickly and get a service fee. As long as the bank was satisfied, these assets could be bought for scrap prices and then sold for several times the profit at the next auction.

Thinking of this, Lynch was even more disinclined to help these people, especially since he barely knew Uncle Tom. His memory of Tom was limited to a few interactions, and that was it. Apart from being flicked a few times as a kid, they had no other significant interactions.

Considering all this, he had no intention of helping Tom. He stood up, "Sorry, Uncle Tom, I can't help you with this...," he paused, "Care to join me for lunch? I know a place with great steaks."

Nail couldn't help but ask, "Is there no other way?"

Lynch shook his head, "If it were a small matter of three or five thousand, or even thirty or fifty thousand, I could help. But in this case, I can't give Uncle Tom any more help."

"Even if he puts up his share, it won't be enough. They'll still face legal judgment and consequences, so no one can help."

As soon as he said this, there was a subtle change in Lynch's expression, as if he suddenly thought of something. This change was immediately caught by Nail and Tom. They watched him expectantly, not daring to interrupt his thoughts.

After about half a minute, Lynch's expression became more serious, "There is actually a way, but we can discuss it over lunch. I've been in meetings all morning..."

The two men didn't dare refuse Lynch and followed him to a newly reopened restaurant nearby.

During the strike wave, restaurants were severely affected as well. But their losses differed from other shops, mainly their food supplies were stolen. Nevertheless this loss wasn't too significant; they just needed to buy new supplies to reopen.

After the three sat down, ignoring the empty restaurant, Lynch finally shared the only solution under the expectant gazes of the two.

"If you can win your boss's forgiveness and the judge's sympathy, things will become much simpler," Lynch said casually while unfolding his napkin. "You need to confess the cause, process, and outcome of the crime. Name the initiator, the organizer, who committed which crimes, the fencing method, who managed the stolen goods distribution, and finally, your repentance, Uncle Tom." ŖΆŊοВƐ𝙨

"Our laws don't tolerate criminals much but are willing to help those who repent. If you can do all this, you might only get community service."

Lynch emphasized the key point, "As long as it's not a criminal punishment, it won't stain your personal record or hinder your future job prospects."

Tom's expression was pained and conflicted. He licked his dry lips, his voice hoarse, "Are you asking me to betray them?"

"Betray?" Lynch raised an eyebrow. "Why would you see it as betrayal? You're helping them recognize their mistakes and setting an example for them to confess their crimes."

"But I must tell you, the judge only sympathizes with the first person to do so."

After a pause, Lynch asked, "From what you've told me, everything seems to stem from that guy Schick. What's his situation now?"

Tom's face darkened further, "He's out on bail..."

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Lynch revealed an "as expected" expression, "I even think this might be a setup by Schick and your boss to get that penalty amount."

"Three millions is enough to clear some debts and get through this financial crisis."

Lynch's words hit Tom like an arrow to the heart because it was indeed possible, or rather, Lynch was too good at "convincing" people.

Soon, their food was served, ending the topic.

Tom was still pondering Lynch's suggestion, while Lynch and Nail talked about Nail's work.

The meal was enjoyable for some, but for Tom, facing his favorite dishes, he couldn't even muster the desire to pick up his utensils, sitting there in a daze.

After lunch, Lynch returned to the office to deal with accumulated tasks, while Nail and Tom headed to the police station to surrender.

Tom made the decision during lunch. Faced with the choice between himself and others, he chose himself, a decision that wasn't shameful, as ninety-nine percent of people would make the same choice.

However, the matter wouldn't end so easily. In the afternoon, Tom's surrender led to a breakthrough in the case. The police obtained specific names and critical information.

Seeing his old friend now a "prisoner," Nail felt deeply emotional.

That day, if he hadn't stuck to his principles, he might be the one behind bars now.

After consoling Tom for a bit, Nail left the police station, knowing that their decades-long relationship had ended today.

The two men had embarked on entirely different paths, leaving Nail feeling melancholic.

In fact, the aftermath was more troublesome than Nail had anticipated. Not long after, court marshals approached Lynch.

The marshals informed Lynch that the goods he acquired were stolen and would be temporarily confiscated. Lynch responded that he needed to consult a lawyer before giving a formal reply.

This was a typical and common response. Most wealthy individuals could afford lawyers who used their expertise to help these wealthy individuals avoid various issues.

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