Chapter 527 Lure the Snake Out of Its Hole

• “Zhou Wenhua can act better than me. Just wait and see what happens.” Hendrik had no clue how to explain the tangled web between them. So he softened his words as much as he could. “Mm.” With it said that far, Jovienne could only nod. She didn’t press him. Still, something about this newcomer nagged at her—too slick to be simple. When work talk finally pulled her attention away, Hendrik picked up his phone and texted Zachary: Lure the snake out of its hole! … Almost at the same moment. Jiang Group. Cao Yingsheng walked out of the chairman’s office, face like stone. Last night he crashed in the study. First thing this morning, Jiang Yihuan stormed in to “file a complaint.” “If my daughter hadn’t insisted on marrying you, I would never have picked a wimp like you for a son-in-law!” “You’ve been married ages, still no kids, and your mind isn’t on the company! What do I keep you around for?” Remembering Edwin’s every harsh word, his mood sank even darker. Back in his office, he swept the documents off his desk and sent them flying. “Mr. Cao…” What he didn’t know was— Yao Ke’s arrival would hit him with an even heavier blow. “Why are you here now?” The Jiang family already had a chip on their shoulder about him. Naturally, they were wary of this childhood friend and confidant too. So the second he saw Yao Ke, Cao Yingsheng’s patience thinned. “Mr. Cao, Lin Qiuwen… something happened…” Yao Ke knew his timing sucked, but the situation was urgent. He had to say it. “What could possibly happen to her?” Cao Yingsheng let out a cold laugh, pulled a cigar from his pocket and clamped it between his teeth. He didn’t light it. “Some nosy paparazzi rounded up all the people she made deals with, snapped photos, and sent them to the media…” “What did you just say?!” He couldn’t sit still. He shot to his feet. His face screamed disbelief. Lin Qiuwen was one of the most cautious partners they had, yet she got exposed. Which meant their entire business pipeline was very likely blown. “What’s her side saying?” Yao Ke shook his head. “She got grabbed the moment she got home. Our people can’t get anywhere near her…” Unbelievable. “Where did that rich and assertive idiot William get his intel?!” Cao Yingsheng knew Mr. William all too well. Besides drinking with old business bigwigs and playing golf, the guy never followed the news. How was he suddenly right on cue this time? Yao Ke paused, then explained: “I heard the photos ran in a magazine… Mr. William just happened to see it…” “You expect anyone with a brain to buy that? And you believe it?” Cao Yingsheng couldn’t help doubting him. “I…” Yao Ke was stuck. He could only lower his head and keep quiet. He was telling the truth— even if it sounded far-fetched. “He doesn’t read magazines.” Cao Yingsheng sneered. Someone timed this perfectly and put that magazine right under his nose… And that someone… He turned to the pensive, head-bowed Yao Ke— Only he had been in on everything from start to finish. He knew every detail too well. Following a fallen young master, bullied by the Jiang family at every turn, had buried his talent. If, right now, a high and mighty household tossed him an olive branch… Betrayal could happen in a heartbeat. “You really don’t have anything to tell me?” Cao Yingsheng tried to fish for a confession. “Mr. Cao, I’ve been thinking. Everything lately feels too coincidental. It all seems aimed at us… Maybe we should—” Completely unaware of the suspicion, Yao Ke looked up and voiced his gut feeling. But the second his eyes met Cao Yingsheng’s sharp, black stare, he instinctively stepped back half a pace. He’s suspecting me?! “Mr. Cao, I—” “You’ve followed me for years. I’ve never kept you in the dark. And now you betray me!” Before he could explain, Cao Yingsheng threw a punch. Caught off guard, Yao Ke stumbled, nearly fell. Blood filled his mouth.