Chapter 190 Who Was the Real Adversary?
In Sherland, the newly risen Five Major Families were the Baker family, the Peterson family, the Sullivan family, the Davis family, and the Martinez family.
Once, they rose to prominence by following the Soler family, becoming overnight equal contenders with the old–school Five Major Families, together called the Ten Major Families of
Sherland.
If just one of these families were involved, perhaps the Bloom family wouldn’t care.
However, when these five families come together, even for an old powerful family like the Blooms, they cannot be taken lightly.
Especially now, as these five families, in alliance with the Soler family, have bought up a significant portion of the Bloom family’s stock, becoming the largest shareholder in their company. The Bloom family had to be even more careful.
Even today’s banquet was organized to warmly entertain the members of the Five Major Families, in hopes of transforming conflicts into amicable relations.
“What a grand display! The chiefs of the Five Major Families have all come! It seems they really respect the Bloom family!”
“Of course! An emaciated camel is still bigger than a horse. Even though the Bloom family has recently been in trouble due to tax issues, once they regain their strength, they still rank among the top ten distinguished families! If the Five Major Families are wise, they’ll seize the opportunity to benefit without offending the Blooms!”
“It seems the chiefs of the Five Major Families all value this meeting. If things go as expected, the Blooms will forge a good relationship with them, leading to mutual benefits.”
The guests analyzed the current situation, all believing that the reason the chiefs of the Five Major Families personally came was partly to show respect to the Bloom family, and partly to negotiate. and seek greater benefits.
“Ah? They’ve finally arrived?” Leones, who had been targeted by everyone, finally saw his allies arrive. He stood with hands behind his back, calm and unhurried, waiting for them to come and meet him.
“Mr. Baker, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Itai Sullivan, Mr. Davis, Mr. Martinez! How have you all been?” Benjamin Bloom personally greeted them.
“Mr. Benjamin Bloom, no need for formalities!” The chiefs of the Five Major Families reciprocated, all the while searching the crowd for Leones.
However, Benjamin and his entourage blocked their line of sight. Everyone crowded at the entrance, not seeing Leones.
“Come on in, quickly! Having all of you here truly brightens the occasion!” Benjamin, shoulder to shoulder with the chiefs of the Five Major Families, entered the venue together.
“Timothy!” At that moment, Ashley whispered, “How did it go? Have you gotten familiar with the
members of the Five Major Families?”
She had arranged for Timothy to greet the guests outside, hoping he could seize this opportunity to make an impression in front of these influential figures and broaden his horizons.
“Uh…” Timothy awkwardly scratched his head. He couldn’t very well admit that most of them hadn’t given him a second glance. “It was fine…”
Trying to divert the conversation, Timothy quickly inquired, “What about that guy? How did you
deal with him?”
Ashley smirked confidently. “Don’t worry. Your grandfather has thrown Leones out of the house. for good. He’s not allowed to set foot inside ever again!”
“Really!?” Timothy’s eyes lit up with joy. “Where is he now? Did you manage to catch him and
teach him a lesson?”
Thinking of the unexpected slap he had received at the entrance, Timothy’s anger surged. He wished he could retaliate immediately.-
Ashley whispered, “Enough, we have important matters to attend to now. There will be plenty of opportunities to deal with him in the future.”
By now, Benjamin had struck up a lively conversation with the chiefs of the Five Major Families. It wasn’t exactly a cheerful exchange, but it was pleasant enough.
“Mr. Benjamin Bloom, there’s no need for such formality.” Noticing how attentively Benjamin was treating everyone, to the point of humbling himself personally, the chiefs of the Five Major Families felt somewhat embarrassed.
Benjamin poured another round of drinks for the five chiefs, chuckling bitterly, “I have no choice but to be hospitable.”
“You Five Major Families hold the fate of the Bloom family in your hands. If I don’t treat you well, wouldn’t it be even more embarrassing when you decide to kick me out during a board meeting?” Proving himself a shrewd negotiator, Benjamin first showed respect, then jokingly voiced his concerns, keenly observing their reactions.
As expected, the chiefs of the Five Major Families chuckled awkwardly, unsure of how to justify their prior actions.
The truth was, the Five Major Families had no real quarrel with the Bloom family. Their hostile actions, including buying out the Bloom stocks to become major shareholders, were orchestrated. under Leones’s command.
“Gentlemen!” Benjamin raised his glass, offering it as a sign of respect. “If the Bloom family has offended any of you in the past, I sincerely apologize.
“I hope that after drinking this wine, we can set aside our differences and form a bond.
“I wish for the Bloom family and the Five Major Families to forge a lasting alliance. What do you think?”
Without waiting for their agreement, Benjamin downed three glasses of wine, showing his genuine intent.
The surrounding guests also cheered and applauded, speaking up in favor of the Bloom family and interceding on their behalf.
This placed the chiefs of the Five Major Families in a tricky position.
If they continued to refuse the Bloom family, it would make them appear unsympathetic and
heartless.
“Mr. Benjamin Bloom, to be frank,” Mr. Itai Sullivan said, “we hold no grudges against the Bloom family. Our actions were based on orders from above. It wasn’t for money or power.”
“Oh?” Benjamin nodded, suspecting as much. “Was it the Soler family?”
He could somewhat guess that the actions of the Five Major Families were aligned with the Soler
family.
But what perplexed Benjamin was, having never offended the Soler family, now that they were rising to power again, why did they first target the Bloom family?
Even if they were picking on the perceived weak, surely the Bloom family wasn’t so vulnerable an easy to bully, right?
“Yes, but also no,” Mr. Itai Sullivan responded with a rueful smile. “Even the Soler family acted upon orders.”
“Oh? Whose orders are the Solers following?” This revelation took Benjamin by surprise. He grew more puzzled about who he might have offended. Even Yule from the Ministry of Finance had cu ties with him.
Who, after all, was their real adversary?
“Huh? Mr. Benjamin Bloom, you don’t know?” Now, even Mr. Itai Sullivan and the others looked confused, scanning the crowd. “Haven’t you met him yet?”
