Chapter 10 The Trap

• Today was Mr. Quinton's first visit to the Cokes, and Iris's family deliberately showed up late!
• This was unacceptable!
• Mary would have indeed exploded on the spot if it weren't for the guests.
• "Go sit at that side table. Don't be an eyesore here!" Mary barely contained her anger as she pointed to a small table nearby.
• That table was occupied by the servants and maids of the house.
• Cassian and Mirabel's faces turned red with embarrassment, though they didn't dare say a word.
• There were empty seats at the main table, but Mary made them sit at the small one, obviously trying to humiliate them.
• This was all Marc's fault. They would have arrived on time if Marc hadn't been late.
• The relatives laughed silently, covering their mouths to stifle their laughter.
• Even the servants at the small table looked at Marc with disdain, whispering.
• "Look at his clothes. Doesn't it look like he made them out of curtains?"
• "Yeah, it does. Must be some cheap knockoff from a street stall."
• "Pfft ... Hahaha ... "
• With sharp ears, Mirabel heard every word the servants said and glared at Marc angrily.
• Iris, face flushed, whispered to Marc, "Tomorrow, let's go shopping for new clothes. You shouldn't wear that outfit again."
• Marc nodded eagerly.
• He wouldn't turn down a chance to spend time alone with Iris.
• "Mr. Quinton, since the Vermillion Group has been acquired by the Quintons, I have a small favour to ask," Mary said after toasting, turning to Magnus.
• "Our family had a 1.2 million-dollar deal with the Vermillion Group. I wonder if ... "
• "Just 1.2 million dollars?" Magnus feigned surprise then waved his hand grandly.
• "Grandma, Oriel is about to join the Quintons. Signing a 1.2 million-dollar contract is an insult.
• "Here's what we'll do. The group is currently finalising equity transfers. Once I fully take over, every member of the Cokes will receive 0.05 per cent of the company's shares. All of you will be part of the board of directors!"
• His words were like a thunderclap!
• The Cokes members were ecstatic, almost fainting from happiness.
• A 12 billion company, with 0.05 per cent shares, was an astronomical amount.
• Each member of the Cokes would receive shares worth six million dollars!
• Six million dollars! And annual dividends on top of that. They could live in luxury for the rest of their lives.
• "Thank you, Mr. Quinton. You truly live up to your reputation as the heir of the top family in Malviston, always so generous."
• "Oriel is truly blessed to marry you – a blessing in life!"
• The relatives started showering Magnus with praise.
• If it weren't for Mary sitting there, they might have called him 'Boss' on the spot.
• Even Cassian and Mirabel's hearts were racing with excitement.
• They were also part of the Cokes and would receive shares. This was like a pie falling from the sky!
• As they were thinking this, Oriel suddenly said, "Darling, those four people at that table shouldn't receive shares. Strictly speaking, they aren't considered part of the Cokes."
• She, of course, was referring to Iris's family.
• With Oriel now seeing them as enemies, she naturally wouldn't let them benefit.
• Magnus smiled. "Honey, isn't that a bit harsh?"
• Mary interjected, "Oriel is right. They aren't truly part of the Cokes, so there's no need to give them shares."
• Cassian protested, "Mom ... "
• The Mary glared at him. "Don't call me mom. I am not your mother!"
• Cassian and Mirabel were left speechless, feeling a chill in their hearts.
• Iris frowned with a hint of frustration. "Dad, Mom, we don't need other people's things!"
• Magnus shrugged and put his arm around Oriel. "Honey, we'll do as you say. I'll always listen to you."
• Oriel proudly puffed out her chest, sipped red wine, and said, "This is the difference between people. My husband spends money like it's nothing, while some people can't even afford a decent outfit.
• "Ah, millions in shares, and they can only watch with envy. I wonder what that feels like, hehe."
• Marc shook his head and laughed coldly. He suddenly felt a bit sorry for Oriel.
• She was on the verge of falling into an abyss yet was still blissfully ignorant.
• It is indeed a wise saying: 'Before fate brings your downfall, it drives you to madness.'
• At that moment, Magnus's phone rang.
• He answered casually, "Mr. Caldwell, got another inside tip?
• "Great, I'll play around with 150 million dollars first."
• He hung up the phone.
• Oriel curiously asked, "Darling, what's going on?"
• "Oh, I like to dabble in Avelar stocks occasionally. Some of my classmates are CEOs in the Fortune 500, and they occasionally give me inside information. I just play around to pass the time."
• Magnus dialled a number on his phone.
• "Alaric, transfer 150 million dollars from our accounts and buy some Avelar stocks for me. I'll give you the codes later. If they go up, sell them. That's it."
• Magnus hung up the phone, looking relaxed as he addressed everyone, "Let's eat, let's eat. Please don't treat me like a guest anymore. From now on, we're all family."
• Mary's eyes sparkled. She asked cautiously, "Mr. Quinton, you're still playing Avelar stock market? Are you profiting?"
• Magnus replied, "It's alright, just making some pocket change."
• The Cokes members marvelled quietly. Mr. Quinton was indeed bold!
• Investing 150 million dollars casually and saying it's just pocket change, how extravagant!
• Half an hour later, Magnus's phone rang again.
• "What? Sold them? Made 30 million dollars?" He chuckled. "Alright, then credit it to my account."
• Mary's eyes turned green. In just half an hour, he netted 30 million dollars.
• Mr. Quinton's insider information was incredibly accurate!
• If they could buy a few profitable stocks through Mr. Quinton, the Cokes would soon rise to the top in Riverton!
• "Mr. Quinton, there's one more thing I want to ask of you.
• "If you get any more insider tips, could you share them with me, too?
• "I also wish to engage in Avelar stock market," Mary hesitantly mentioned after Magnus concluded the call.
• Although Magnus had pledged to allocate shares to the Cokes, it ultimately belonged to the Quintons.
• Mary believes in self-reliance; you can't depend on others for everything.
• It's only satisfying when you earn your own money and spend it.
• Magnus waved casually.
• "No need, no need. Oriel will soon be my wife. The Cokes won't have to worry about money."
• The Mary grew anxious. "Please, let me join in the fun. Money's not an issue for you."
• Magnus's heart leaped with excitement. The fish had finally bitten!
• Despite his calm demeanour, he pretended to hesitate.
• "Since you put it that way, I'll follow Grandma's wishes. But I can't casually disclose insider information; that's illegal.
• "You can give me the money, and I'll have my people manage it," he said with serious emphasis.
• "But this must be kept confidential. If it spreads, I'll be in trouble."
• Mary quickly nodded. "No problem. Only family will know about this; it won't leak out."
• She turned to Philip and instructed, "Transfer 1.5 million dollars from the account to Mr. Quinton."