Flash Marriage To The Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

One said, "Come on, Paul, that 15 million dollars is just the deposit. Doesn't this money come at the perfect time for us to rebuild our hometown?"
Another said, "Exactly. Just look around Hernland—what other century-old family is as broke as we are? If you keep clinging to these old traditions, how are young people supposed to afford a house or get married? How is our village ever going to prosper?"
Lewis' eyes blazed with fury. "Have you all lost all sense of decency? The rules set by our ancestors are sacred. We can't defy them, and that's outright treason."
The young men wore displeased expressions but, after muttering under their breath, grudgingly fell silent.
They simply couldn't comprehend it, thinking, 'Who wouldn't take easy money when it's right there? Only a complete moron would pass that up.
'Fine, Paul can treat money like dirt if he wants, but does he have to force all of us to live by his principles too?
'And he keeps preaching about those ancient traditions from centuries ago—it's downright outdated.'
Seriously, everything would cost money.
Most of the villagers had long been discontent with Paul. Now, Blair Group—a top-tier conglomerate—had taken an interest in the local industry and was even willing to put down a 15-million-dollar deposit.
It was a whopping 15 million dollars, and that was just the deposit.
The villagers couldn't bear to let such a golden opportunity to strike it rich slip through their fingers.
Someone said, "Mr. Blair, please have some coffee. We've already reached a consensus—most of us are on board with your proposal. Just stay calm."
One villager eagerly poured coffee for Nelson, deliberately ignoring Lewis' warning glare.
"Don't worry, Paul. No matter what happens, we absolutely won't just give in," Dustin murmured while massaging the old man's shoulders, his narrowed eyes fixed on Nelson across the table.
Though Dustin spoke in a determined tone, his words lacked real conviction.
After all, they owed Nelson a debt of gratitude. No matter what, they were in his debt and had no reason to pick a fight with him.
Paul shut his eyes for a moment, looking utterly exhausted.
"Fine, have it your way," he said with a weary sigh, accepting the situation.
He thought bitterly, 'I've clung to my beliefs all my life, but even the best-laid plans can't withstand fate. One natural disaster was enough to completely overturn the order we once knew.'
After all, he already had one foot in the grave. There were so many things he'd like to stand firm on, but he simply didn't have the strength anymore.
Times were changing after all. He himself simply couldn't hold back the tide.
Since this was the majority's choice, he reluctantly agreed.
He shut his eyes, thinking bitterly, 'Once I close my eyes for good, am I really supposed to watch over everything from above?'
"Just sign it." Paul turned away with a weary wave at Lewis, heavy with resignation.
"Paul..." Lewis' voice trembled with reluctance and frustration.
Resting both hands on his cane and straightening his back, Paul declared, "We are no ungrateful souls. Having received others' kindness, we are honor-bound to repay it. But to all present—mark my words well, for I shall say this only once."
Paul paused, casting a sweeping gaze around at the assembled villagers. Most of them hung their heads in shame, not daring to meet his eyes.
In the heavy silence, Paul pronounced, "If the day ever comes when what rightfully belongs to us becomes a weapon used against us, remember this moment—for this is your own choice."
The villagers looked at one another, completely at a loss.
To be honest, Dustin didn't fully understand either, but as a member of the Mooney family, of course he had to stand with his own people.
Only Hallie's pupils trembled slightly upon hearing these words.
Remembering her mother's dying words, Hallie clenched her fists tightly.
"Wait." Just as Lewis was about to sign the acquisition agreement, a cool voice abruptly cut through the tension.
Everyone present instinctively turned toward the doorway.
The moment that voice rang out, Nelson knew exactly who it was. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he turned toward the doorway, locking gazes with Hallie.
"Hallie, what brings you here?" Sergio asked, looking at Hallie with surprise.
Zander looked utterly flabbergasted, a trace of reproach in his eyes. "Hallie, why didn't you tell us this man is the CEO of Blair Group? How on earth do you even know a big shot like him?"
Hallie opened her mouth, but for a moment, she couldn't find the words.
Paul's clouded eyes carefully studied the figure at the doorway, then lit up with affection as he beckoned to Hallie with a gentle smile.
He said, "Come here, Hallie. Let me take a good look at you."
Hallie walked over and said respectfully, "Paul."
The people around looked displeased, thinking, 'What's Hallie barging in like this for when we're about to sign the agreement?'
"Hallie, if you want to catch up, can't you pick a better time? Don't you see we're in the middle of negotiations here?" someone muttered under their breath.
Hallie said firmly, "Sorry, but this isn't a social call."
Hallie's faint smile faded as she swept a glance around the room, her crystal-clear eyes seeming to pierce straight through people's facades.
Hallie then turned and fixed her gaze squarely on Nelson, who was sitting across from her.
Hallie said, "Mr. Blair, if you're planning to acquire this place, shouldn't you at least consult Levine Group first? After all, our family has been collaborating with dozens of local medical families here for over a decade."
Nelson narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Hallie with a calculating gaze.
'Hallie's got some nerve, actually standing in my way. Does she really think she can take me on without even considering the consequences?' Nelson thought.
Nelson said, "Oh? If your partnership is truly so deep-rooted, then why haven't you ever lent a hand to your partners until now?"
Nelson, unhurried and composed, pointed it out—leaving Hallie momentarily stunned.
Of course she had thought about it, but with Tucker breathing down her neck, even if she used her shares to force a funding allocation, only pennies would actually make it to Kerriston.
Even though Hallie had her reasons, in a situation like this, any explanation she gave would just sound like an excuse. No one here would understand the mess in her family.
It suddenly occurred to Paul that after her grandfather passed away, Hallie inherited majority ownership of the company.
By now, it was set in stone—Hallie was the heir to Levine Group.
Hallie's mother had raised her here since Hallie was a child, working in medical research. They both deeply respected the traditional values passed down by their elders.
In that instant, Paul saw a glimmer of hope—a chance to turn things around.
Even though the odds were slim, he still wanted to give it a try.
Though these thoughts ran through his mind, Paul kept his face perfectly composed.
He said, "Mr. Blair, Levine Group shares a deep-rooted partnership with us. Since Hallie has concerns today, perhaps you two should discuss this privately first. As long as Hallie is willing to withdraw from our collaboration here, none of us will object."
With that, Paul struggled to his feet. "I'm too old to keep fighting anymore."