Chapter 261

John's convoy to Moonlit Lounge originally had three cars, but now only one remained.

The other two cars were in the back helping to obstruct the Brown Family's pursuit.

Unperturbed by the threat of being followed, John adjusted his attire with deliberate calm and strode into the entrance of the Moonlit Lounge, flanked by his two vigilant bodyguards.

On the roof of a bungalow near Moonlit Lounge, two people were lying prone, using binoculars to observe this side.

These two people were Isabella and Michael.

"Honey, where are your people? Why not call them over too? Now John only has two bodyguards by his side. If we have more people, we might seize the chance to snatch Jasper," Isabella said, feeling a bit excited.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Seriously, honey? Those bodyguards are armed. Do you think a judge would convict John if he actually shot someone? My employees were only paid a few thousand dollars-it's not worth their lives."

Isabella thought for a moment and agreed with Michael. John's bodyguards might be armed, so it wouldn't be wise to barge in at this moment.

However, at that moment, several cars arrived outside the Moonlit Lounge, and a group of people got out of the cars.

Isabella noticed these people and frowned, saying, "Are these people also John's subordinates? They seem similarly dressed."

Michael glanced at them and recognized his own subordinates, though he kept this from Isabella.

"I don't think so. Haven't you noticed how alert they were when they arrived? John has sent people to handle the pursuers, but these guys aren't offering any assistance," Michael analyzed.

"Then who sent them?" Isabella's curiosity was piqued.

Michael's eyes narrowed with a calculated gleam. "Come on, isn't it obvious? Other than John, only his uncle could have organized such a large group. If it's him behind this, it means Mason is already in the loop, and that puts us in a favorable position!"

Isabella's eyes lit up. "You're right. I'll give Mason a call."

Isabella walked to the side and dialed Mason's number, and this time Michael didn't stop her.

Mason was still awake and had indeed received the news of Jasper's appearance.

Isabella recounted what she saw to Mason, and based on their clothing, he deduced that the men belonged to Michael. He then verified Isabella's suspicion.

After Isabella and Mason finished their call, Mason immediately called Michael to further confirm the situation here, but the call failed to connect.

"Why can't I reach him?" Mason furrowed his brow slightly, feeling a strange suspicion creeping in.

"Are Isabella and Michael together now?" Mason squinted his eyes and prepared to call Isabella again.

Meanwhile, Michael, looking at his phone that was previously turned off, said to Isabella, "Since it's confirmed that these people are sent by Mason and his nephew, let's turn off our phones to avoid attracting their attention with sound or light."

Isabella nodded and turned off her phone, which also resulted in Mason not being able to reach her.

"Both of them turned off their phones. Isn't that too much of a coincidence?" Mason's worry grew deeper.

Inside the bar.

John walked into the Moonlit Lounge. Despite its weathered exterior, the interior was remarkably clean. The vintage tables and chairs, though old, were neatly arranged, evoking a sense of a past era.

Two bodyguards flanked John, their eyes vigilant, scanning the dimly lit room.

Just then, a beam of light suddenly shone on the stage of the bar, and the two bodyguards immediately shielded John protectively.

In the center of the light was Jasper, a guitar cradled in his hands.

Jasper plucked the guitar strings lightly, producing a soft sound. He did not continue, but instead, his gaze met John's with a knowing smile.

"Mr. Williams is always on time," Jasper grinned at John, setting the guitar down carefully.

John pushed aside the bodyguards with a cold face. "I'm not here for a performance. Let's get the contract signed."

"Believe me, Mr. Williams, my impatience rivals your own. However, before we finalize the contract, may I offer you a drink?" Jasper went behind the bar, selected a bottle of liquor, and poured two glasses.

Jasper drank the liquor of the glass in one gulp and said nostalgically, "This bar used to be my favorite place when I was young, but now it's dilapidated. Nothing can withstand the erosion of time."

John approached the counter but didn't touch the glass. Instead, he took two copies of the contract from the bodyguards.

"Sign your name now, and you can go," John commanded indifferently.

Jasper casually glanced at one of the contracts. "I can sign my name, but how much are you willing to pay me?"

John's laughter held no amusement. "You're asking me for money? You embezzled vast sums of public funds, and now your only concern is escaping the country to enjoy your ill-gotten gains. And you dare to ask me for money?"

Jasper's smile was faint, almost imperceptible. "No one would complain about having too much money, right? Mr. Williams. Greed is the most human of traits."

Jasper tapped his temple lightly, the gesture laden with unspoken meaning.

John's face darkened. "If I don't want to give you money, I can still make you sign this, like sending you to jail. I have a hundred ways to make you comply."

Jasper also sneered. "I guess your grandfather thought the same way! Competition drives the market. Although likening oneself to a commodity seems cheap, I don't mind."

John narrowed his eyes, his clenched fist showing his inner anger. He slammed the counter hard and then took out a black card from his wallet.

"This is from our family's bank. With this card, you can withdraw the money inside from any bank in any country. The amount of money on this card is more than what you embezzled," John declared, tossing the card onto the counter.

Jasper's eyes gleamed as he picked up the card, pressing it to his lips. "Generosity suits you, Mr. Williams. I'll sign."

Just then, things took an unexpected turn.