Chapter 270

John pondered the situation, considering the current circumstances.

"If Isabella's grandfather left such a substantial legacy, and the current head of the family can't get to it, it probably means someone else is holding it. It's not that Jasper is unwilling to use it; rather, those who control it believe he's not strong or intelligent enough to handle it. They're afraid he'll blow the family fortune, so they refuse to recognize his authority," John speculated, his eyes narrowing with a mix of intrigue and suspicion.

In the past, John had always looked down on the three companies of the Taylor Family, but now he had to reassess his opinion.

"The Taylor Family's legacy can probably only be used by someone from within the family. If what John says is true and the legacy is in someone's hands, then the only ones in the family who could compete for it are Isabella and Bianca," Michael analyzed thoughtfully.

Mason nodded. "This is all just speculation, and we don't know the specifics. Maybe Jasper knows something about the hidden legacy, but unfortunately, he's unconscious right now."

John glanced at Mason, his voice steady and confident. "Once I help Bianca take control of the three companies, I believe we can slowly figure it out."

Mason raised an eyebrow and smiled at John. "You sound pretty sure of yourself."

John smirked, "I found Jasper and got him to sign a contract before he got hurt and passed out. Now, those three companies' shares belong to Bianca."

He turned his gaze to Michael, trying to figure out if Mike had spilled the beans about the contract.

Mason frowned and asked Michael, "Is what John said true?"

Michael sighed and nodded. "Yeah, my guys saw Jasper and John sign the contract. They were there to make sure John didn't get hurt."

John was pleased with Michael's response.

He looked at Mason with a grin. "So, Grandpa, looks like I won this round. When am I getting my ten percent?"

Mason's gaze was steady, his tone calm. "Don't get too cocky. Plenty of marathon runners collapse right before the finish line. There's still a lot that can happen."

John shrugged, spreading his hands with a chuckle, "No worries, Grandpa. I can wait for the final sprint."

Mason's frown didn't ease up.

Michael seemed eager to change the subject. "Mason, about Paxton's moves against John, we need to demand an explanation and hit back to teach them a lesson."

Mason nodded, and John's expression darkened. Paxton definitely needed to be put in their place.

"I'm counting on you two! Make sure Paxton understands he messed up, but don't start a war with his family. They might not be as strong as us, but they can still cause a lot of trouble. And remember, the other two families in the Big Four are watching us closely." With that, Mason waved them off.

Once John and Michael left the room, John suddenly stopped Michael.

"Hey, Michael, I need one of your guys," John said with a grin.

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Which one are you after?"

"Mike. He saved my skin outside the bar!" John replied.

Michael's face tightened, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes. "If you want to thank him, just give him some cash. Mike loves money more than anything. Plus, he's my best guy, and I can't afford to lose him."

With that, Michael brushed past John and left the hospital.

John watched him go, a knowing smile creeping across his face.

All of John's moves just now were just tests. He needed to confirm Michael knew nothing of the deal between Mike and him.

'Looks like Michael really doesn't know about this. Perfect. Once I strike a deal with Mike, I'll have leverage over him and can use it to keep tabs on Michael!' John thought, a sinister smile spreading across his lips.

Meanwhile, Michael slid into the backseat of his car, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as the door clicked shut.

"Hey, Mr. Williams, why are you so happy?" Jerry, the driver, asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.

Michael's grin widened. "My foolish nephew is trying to test me. Maybe he's already thinking about using Mike to keep tabs on me."

Jerry, who was in on Michael and Mike's plan, chuckled too.

"I almost feel bad for John now. Can't wait to see his face when he finds out the truth," Jerry said, shaking his head with a smile.

"Yeah, it's gonna be a classic!" Michael replied, his face turning serious after the laughter.

"Did you check the phone I gave you?" Michael asked, his tone now serious.

Jerry's expression matched Michael's seriousness. "Yeah, I found a number. That number's connected to a human smuggler. John's probably using him to get Jasper out."

Michael rubbed his chin, eyes narrowing in thought.

Jerry stayed quiet, focusing on driving and giving Michael the space to think.

After a few minutes, Michael's eyes snapped open, his decision made. "Jerry, get someone to contact this guy. If we can bribe him and get him on our side, great. If he refuses, then take him out and assume his identity," Michael said calmly.

Jerry, skilled at reading Michael's intentions, nodded. "Mr. Williams, you think Jasper will keep using this phone after he wakes up?" Jerry asked, curious.

Michael nodded with a cold smile, "Honestly, I doubt Jasper will even call, or even wake up. But if we play our cards right, this could be useful later. I'm curious where he's been hiding the embezzled money."

Jerry caught a glimpse of Michael's expression in the rearview mirror and felt a chill run down his spine.

'The environment back home is just too cushy. John, raised in the lap of luxury, is like a fragile flower in a greenhouse. But Michael, he's like a weed that thrives in the toughest conditions, growing strong despite the wind and snow. How can John even begin to compete with Michael?' Jerry felt a pang of sympathy for John at that moment.