Chapter 301
"How is this possible?" Sean Shaw's throat tightened as his fingers unconsciously traced the rim of his teacup. His useless son had truly outdone himself this time.
The wrath of the Smith family, the retaliation from the Whites, and now the pressure from the Johnsons... Kevin Shaw was dragging the entire Shaw family down with him.
Kelsey Shaw's eyes flickered as she spoke softly, "Shawn, what's done is done. Though no irreversible harm was caused, we're deeply remorseful. My brother has always been reckless—spoiled since childhood. We'll take full responsibility. Please, for the sake of our families' long-standing relationship..."
She deliberately paused, studying Shawn Johnson's expression. If he had personally intervened, he must have ulterior motives. Surely he didn't actually intend to send Kevin to prison?
"Yes, yes! We'll compensate!" Sean hastily agreed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had long lost control of the negotiation.
Shawn smirked coldly. "Uncle Sean, your son nearly cost someone their life. If anything had happened to Andrew Smith's fiancée, do you think the Smiths would let this go? Not to mention Dr. White saved my grandfather's life..."
He deliberately drew out his words, watching Sean's face pale further.
"I'll discipline him strictly!" Sean wiped his sweat, his voice trembling. "If that brat causes trouble again, I'll break his legs myself!"
Shawn twirled a pen between his fingers before abruptly changing the subject. "I heard your Tianchi Coal Mine... borders our Dongtan site?"
Sean's heart lurched, nearly dropping his teacup. Had they been discovered?
"I... I leave those matters to subordinates. I'm not entirely familiar..." He forced composure, but his voice betrayed him.
Kelsey inwardly cursed. Her father's reaction was practically a confession.
"Uncle Sean," Shawn's gaze turned icy, "your Tianchi mine breached our tunnels twice this year, causing collapses. Are you truly unaware?"
The air in the office froze.
Kelsey quickly interjected, "Shawn, the workers must have kept this from my father. We're willing to—"
"Enough." Shawn raised a hand to silence her. "Two conditions: First, Tianchi and the two adjacent mines are to be transferred to Dongtan at their original value. Second, the deed to Dr. White's family hotpot restaurant goes to her sister."
Sean looked as if struck by lightning. His teacup shattered on the floor. Tianchi generated hundreds of millions annually—this was nothing short of carving flesh from his bones!
"Take your time to consider." Shawn stood, straightening his suit. "I'll expect your answer by dusk. Otherwise..." He glanced meaningfully at his watch. "Your son has more than just this one crime to answer for."
Kelsey dug her nails into her palm. She knew all too well the skeletons in her brother's closet. If they dug deeper...
"Dad!" she urged urgently. "Agree!"
Sean's face was ashen. Compared to his son's life, what were coal mines worth?
"I... accept." The words seemed to drain the last of his strength.
Shawn smiled in satisfaction. "I'll take you to see your son."
As he turned, a glint of steel flashed in his eyes. Luna was right—the Shaws had indeed been eyeing Dongtan.