Blackstone Code-Chapter 416: Guess What!

Mr. Wadrick was discussing upcoming projects with several colleagues. Following some of Lynch’s advice, he planned to secure a major infrastructure contract for at least one state in Nagaryll.

He wasn’t particularly interested in these deals. Although the returns were high, the payoff period was extremely long—at least ten to twenty years.

More importantly, politics had a far greater impact on these deals than capital did. If relations between the Kingdom of Nagaryll and the Federation soured or conflict erupted, or if there was domestic unrest in Nagaryll, the consortium’s interests would be severely affected.

This wasn’t a matter of hundreds of thousands or millions, but tens of millions or even hundreds of millions. The years of effort and manpower invested were enormous.

This was why the board initially rejected the idea. Although they held unmatched influence domestically, very few internationally had heard of them, leaving them powerless on the global stage.

Rather than risk expanding into international markets, they preferred to deepen domestic ones. Though profits were shrinking, they were safe and reliable.

Fortunately, after discussing these issues with Lynch—and more accurately, after seeing a hidden “contract” he revealed—the board was convinced.

If their interests were threatened, they would decisively overthrow the local government. Installing a puppet regime was an easy task.

Even the Federation government welcomed such events. Though they publicly condemned interference in other countries’ affairs, privately they were pleased.

With this reasoning, some of the younger board members, like Mr. Wadrick himself, began to stir. At their peak in life—in wealth, ability, energy, intelligence, and influence—they were eager to try something bold before growing old.

For example, controlling a country. This was one reason Lynch’s proposal was quickly accepted. When a consortium monopolizes a country’s trade—or even half of it—that’s an astounding fortune.

It’s well known that capitalists will sell a deadly axe at a high price, even if it harms themselves, as long as the profit is high enough—even the noose to hang themselves or their kin can be sold as collateral.

Under such potential influence, the board fully approved Mr. Wadrick’s international strategy and began active negotiations.

While they discussed these matters, the butler appeared behind Mr. Wadrick and whispered something like, “I saw Lynch and the young lady going upstairs together, and they’re carrying a bottle of wine.”

Mr. Wadrick’s eye twitched. Pretending to cough, he turned his head and quietly said, “Have Maryjo keep an eye on them.” His gaze sharpened on the butler’s eyes. “If necessary, make sure they don’t get out of line.”

The butler’s mouth twitched, lowered his head, and quickly left.

Mrs. Wadrick asked curiously, “What’s going on?”

Mr. Wadrick replied casually, “The servants spotted a little mouse, but I’ve sent Maryjo to handle it.”

Perhaps influenced by the topic, their conversation shifted from normal matters to the estate’s pest problems—bugs, mice, and small animals invading rooms—and then to related work and environmental issues.

Meanwhile, the butler had found Maryjo.

Maryjo, the estate’s head maid, was in her thirties, well-built and beautiful, always carrying an alluring charm.

But underestimating her for her looks was suicidal.

Trained rigorously in military techniques from childhood, Maryjo mastered lethal assassination skills.

Wealthy families often groomed such exceptional talents. Maryjo’s role was to closely protect Severella or the Wadricks whenever necessary.

People rarely suspected a maid who looked more like a pampered noble pet. Her face and figure were her best disguise.

But expose your back in a cramped space, and she would unleash terrifying combat skills.

Most of the time, she genuinely performed maid duties as head maid.

Assigning her to watch those two youngsters, the butler could already imagine Lynch’s mischief getting swiftly stopped with a punch from Maryjo.

He chuckled as he passed Mr. Wadrick’s orders to Maryjo, who gladly accepted. Protecting the young lady’s virtue was everyone’s duty in this estate.

It was somewhat laughable how many things never appeared to the public in their true form.

For instance, most people viewed high society as decadent, rotten, and foul.

Daily news often featured scandals—wild orgies, shocking scenes involving well-known families, or sexual scandals from fashion, entertainment, and politics. ᚱäΝọʙЁṣ

Such reports reminded everyone this was no conservative era.

With feminist movements promoting female dominance equal to men in relationships, many things spiraled out of control.

Perhaps influenced by this, the Federation’s lower and middle classes treated chastity casually.

Some girls received gifts on their sixteenth birthdays—either a man or other intimate experiences. Some felt ashamed if they entered university inexperienced.

This was a terrifying reality—girls ashamed of preserving their purity.

In contrast, Federation high society and old families still emphasized chastity to their heirs, often seen as outdated but at least listened to.

As for rebellious family members, their indulgence was a family strategy born of necessity.

Many lacked inheritance rights, holding less than one percent of shares and no board voting power.

Their meager shares still earned them large sums. They enjoyed noble status without needing to strive, nor could they risk challenging true heirs.

So why not indulge?

Their futures were fixed—might as well enjoy themselves.

They created the illusion that the new ruling generation was corrupt and decadent.

Even if the public disliked them, they thought, Just wait a bit longer.

Look at their heirs—only reckless behavior and misdeeds. The family would rot on its own.

Quite amusing.

Maryjo knocked on Severella’s door, holding a tray with a silver pot and two silver cups edged in gold.

Since cosmetics became widespread, some pure silver items needed modification—areas touching skin couldn’t be silver.

Certain cosmetic ingredients darkened silver rapidly, so gold was used instead for parts in direct contact with skin.“Miss, I’ve brought your tea…”

“Come in.”

In the room’s sitting area, the two young people sat together. To the girl, Maryjo felt like part of the house.

It might sound rude to say so, but that was how she felt about Maryjo. To put it more kindly, she considered her like family.

Maryjo saw the two sitting together and relaxed slightly. Without a word, she walked over and set the tray on the coffee table.

She poured some herbal tea for them and stepped back.

The girl looked at her, while Maryjo kept her gaze downward. After a moment, the girl said, “You can leave now, Maryjo. We need to discuss some writing matters.”

Maryjo said nothing, as if she hadn’t heard. The girl felt a bit embarrassed, frustrated that her words had no effect—especially with Lynch sitting beside her, making her feel powerless and awkward.

Just then, Lynch reached out and gently held Severella’s arm. “Let her stay. I guess your father sent her.”

The girl frowned but didn’t insist Maryjo leave. Instead, she looked at Lynch and asked, “What is she here for?”