Chapter 149: His Protection

President Lynch’s body was already a wreck from a life of debauchery. He ate and drank to excess day in and day out, leaving him in terrible shape. After Samuel’s latest move, the shock was too much. He suddenly collapsed and was rushed away in an ambulance.

Jean watched the scene unfold, pursing his lips. He glanced at the perfectly composed man beside him and, in that moment, suddenly realized Samuel’s true strength.

Felix Ford was right—he was not an easy man to deal with.

For someone who had shaken the business world at such a young age, his composure was even greater than Jean had imagined.

And Jean became keenly aware of the gap between them.

He had turned their own plot against them, remained calm in a crisis, and ultimately checkmated his opponent. Every step had seemed reactive, but in reality, the entire situation was under his control. He was the one devising the strategy, orchestrating everything from behind the scenes—the true grandmaster of the game.

In comparison, his own initial suggestion to call the police seemed so amateurish.

Jean’s usually placid expression finally crumbled, and even his long-held pride was being chipped away, piece by piece.

Compared to him, Jean was just too weak.

This realization left him feeling utterly defeated. His head drooped, and his spirits sank.

Suddenly, a large hand rested on his head. It was a little calloused, but also warm.

Jean froze for a moment. Forgetting his usual fastidiousness, he looked up at the man, a rare, dazed expression on his face.

Seeing him like this, Samuel couldn’t help but chuckle, his voice softening. "Don’t feel so defeated. You’re still young. Thinking to call the police was already a great idea. They certainly deserve to face legal consequences. When you grow up, you’ll do even better than me."

His eyes were full of conviction; he wasn’t just saying it to placate him.

The dejection in Jean’s heart slowly receded. Feeling the warmth on his head, he took a step to the side, out from under Samuel’s hand. He smoothed his ruffled hair, a hint of awkwardness flashing across his fair, young face. His voice was a little strained as he said, "I’ll definitely become stronger than you."

After speaking, he paused. He looked up at the man who was so much taller than him, slowly clenching his fists. His voice grew firmer. "When I grow up."

Samuel looked down at the fighting spirit rekindling in the little guy’s eyes and raised an eyebrow slightly. "Alright. I’ll be waiting for you to grow up."

Jean let out a long breath. Though he knew he couldn’t compare to Samuel now, he also understood there was a twenty-something-year gap between them that intelligence alone couldn’t bridge. Jean was smart, but Samuel wasn’t stupid, and he had far more experience. It was only natural that he could handle things better.

He prided himself on his intelligence, but he didn’t envy the intelligence of others. He preferred to spend his time improving himself rather than wasting it on pointless jealousy.

’One day, I’ll prove myself with my own abilities.’

Sensing the fierce determination radiating from him, Samuel felt another surge of admiration for the boy.

’This kid isn’t just smart; he has a great temperament, too.’

"Let’s go. Time to head home," Samuel said, seeing that Jean was still lost in thought.

Jean sat obediently in his seat. His gaze toward the man now held a hint of admiration he himself hadn’t yet noticed. He asked curiously, "When did you create that proposal?"

He remembered that Samuel hadn’t been working serious overtime recently, and a proposal that perfect couldn’t have been created in just a few days.

But hadn’t he only found out the proposal was stolen that day?

He ventured a guess, "Don’t tell me you knew the proposal was going to be stolen long before it happened?"

Samuel shook his head. "I can’t predict the future. I just make it a habit to always have a Plan B."

"That way, regardless of whether something unexpected happens, I’m never caught completely off guard when a crisis hits."

’So that’s how it was.’

Jean nodded. ’He spent less time than anyone else, yet both of his proposals were far superior to the competition. He’s truly incredible.’

’I have to become as amazing as him. That way, Mom can start relying on me sooner.’

Thinking of his mother, he suddenly remembered the phone call Samuel had made. He hadn’t been able to hear exactly what the person on the other end said, but he’d caught a few fragments and had a rough idea. He asked, "Are you having people watch Dr. Vance?"

Samuel didn’t deny it. "It’s not surveillance. It’s more like I’m helping her build a wall to keep annoying people out."

’The "annoying people" he mentioned must be Holly Vance and his family.’

’They really are annoying.’

’Mom isn’t afraid of them, but seeing trash like that is bound to ruin her mood. It’s better if she doesn’t see them at all.’

He nodded without saying more, not noticing that he was no longer as resistant to Samuel getting close to Amanda Vance as he had been before.

「The hospital.」

Sarah Sullivan was wearing a face mask, sunglasses, and a hat, her entire figure bundled up tightly. She kept her head down as she walked inside.

’My daughter is so young, and she’s already had her uterus removed. The rest of her life is ruined! I will absolutely never let Amanda Vance get away with this.’

But these men in black had appeared out of nowhere. The moment they saw her and Holly Vance, they would drag them out and toss them outside without a word, causing them to lose all face and dignity.

She refused to believe they could recognize her when she was bundled up so tightly.

’A cold smile touched her lips, her eyes darkening. ’Amanda Vance, you little bitch, I’ll make sure you...’’

Before she could finish her thought, a powerful arm suddenly shot out and clamped down on her arm. The familiar sensation sent a chill through Sarah Sullivan’s entire body. "You—"

She only managed to get a single word out before a hand clamped over her mouth. The man was huge and muscular, dragging her along without the slightest effort. He even greeted the security guards they passed.

Sarah’s heart went cold. It had been the same before. The security guards saw these men in black and didn’t react at all, as if they were blind.

’Security guards like this should have been fired long ago!’

She seethed with resentment, cursing them endlessly in her mind. Feeling the curious stares of the people around them, her face flushed with shame. At least her mask was hiding her face so no one could see her clearly.

The moment she had that thought, a hand suddenly untied her mask. Immediately after, her hat and sunglasses were snatched off and tossed into a nearby trash can. Her face was now completely exposed for all to see.

Sarah completely lost it, screaming, "Let me go! Help!"

The man in black just sneered, ignoring her completely. In a few swift movements, he dragged her to the entrance and tossed her out.

Rocco was squatting by a flowerbed, eating from a takeout container. When he saw her, he shot her a disgusted look. "I spotted you the second you showed up. Did you really think I wouldn’t recognize you just because you were all bundled up? Anyone could tell you were up to no good. You think I’m blind? You people are so damn annoying. Can’t even let a guy eat his meal in peace."

He swore again under his breath, shoveled the rest of the food into his mouth, and finished it in a few quick bites. Getting up, he turned to the man who had dragged her out. "Good work, brother."

"Don’t mention it, boss. You’re the one with the sharp eyes. She almost slipped past us."

"Everyone, stay on your toes. If you let her get to Dr. Vance and upset her, just wait and see how the big boss deals with you."

"Yes, yes, of course."

"What about Holly Vance? He didn’t come?"

"No, just the woman."

"Mm."

"Who the hell are you people! I’ll call the police and have you arrested!" Sarah Sullivan seethed, her eyes shooting daggers at them.

Rocco sneered. "Go ahead. They can investigate you while they’re at it. See if you’ve done anything illegal. Might be a good chance for you to not get out for a while."

Sarah’s gaze faltered, and much of her bluster evaporated. "Who are you people?"

"Don’t you worry about who we are." Rocco flashed a vicious grin. He already had an intimidating face, and his smile held no warmth, making him look even more terrifying. The sight made Sarah’s face go pale.

"If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay far away from Dr. Vance. You want to come to the hospital to see your daughter? Fine. But if you dare cause a scene in front of Dr. Vance, see if I don’t break your legs."

’Amanda Vance! It’s her again!’

Sarah Sullivan repeated the name in her mind, the fire in her eyes about to erupt.