Chapter 301: Victor Hale's Throat Tightened

"How is this possible?" Victor Hale'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 Stone family, the retaliation from The Wards, and now the pressure from the Johnsons... Nolan Hale was dragging the entire Hale family down with him.

Camille Hale'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 Nolan to prison?

"Yes, yes! We'll compensate!" Victor hastily agreed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had long lost control of the negotiation.

Shawn smirked coldly. "Uncle Victor, your son nearly cost someone their life. If anything had happened to Adrian Stone's fiancée, do you think The Stones would let this go? Not to mention Dr. Ward saved my grandfather's life..."

He deliberately drew out his words, watching Victor's face pale further.

"I'll discipline him strictly!" Victor 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 Northstar Coal Mine... borders our Eastbank site?"

Victor'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.

Camille inwardly cursed. Her father's reaction was practically a confession.

"Uncle Victor," Shawn's gaze turned icy, "your Northstar Mine breached our tunnels twice this year, causing collapses. Are you truly unaware?"

The air in the office froze.

Camille 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, Northstar and the two adjacent mines are to be transferred to Eastbank at their original value. Second, the deed to Dr. Ward's family hotpot restaurant goes to her sister."

Victor looked as if struck by lightning. His teacup shattered on the floor. Northstar 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."

Camille 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!"

Victor'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. Elena was right—The Hales had indeed been eyeing Eastbank.