Chapter 194: The Invisible Confrontation

Lynch had originally planned to stay in Eminence for only a week but ended up staying eleven days. On his way back, he sighed with relief. The gains from this trip far exceeded what he had expected.

The real gain wasn’t from Herbert or his associates—especially not Herbert himself. This ruthless capitalist would sell everyone out the moment the profits were high enough.

Lynch had heard rumors about Herbert from others. Despite his gentlemanly appearance, Herbert was known by a harsh nickname: the Dream Shredder.

Any company he targeted rarely escaped being dismantled.

The recent downturn in the real economy had limited his opportunities to act, which dulled his reputation, but it wasn’t because he had softened—only that the returns weren’t there.

People like him were cold-blooded, indifferent, and calculating. They assessed every situation objectively, including those affecting themselves, then chose whatever served their interests best.

Don’t expect emotions or a small alliance to hold him back—he only sought to use those people.

Lynch’s real insight came from the small printing factory owner. Bonds could quickly turn into cash, and this kind of secured method was very appealing to a speculator like Lynch.

He didn’t trust the small owner, though, and planned to verify through other means.

“Thanks for your hard work these days.” As they stepped out of the station, Lynch’s luxury car was already waiting outside. He had notified his service company in advance, and they had brought his car.

Vera shook her head. “Honestly, I gained a lot too. It was quite an experience. Before this, I had no idea people there talked about such…” She smiled slyly, then chose a softer word, vulgar things.

In her impression, upper-class social circles discussed serious topics—classic literature, world-famous paintings, opera, or jewelry.

But the ladies she met weren’t much different from those in her own neighborhood. They always talked about food, entertainment, and were curious about Vera’s special relationship with Lynch.

At first, she refused to join, but that only drew more attention. The ladies eagerly debated how Vera “had Lynch under control” and whether their nightlife was harmonious.

Some of their words were so blunt Vera felt embarrassed, but the women seemed accustomed to it—very different from her expectations.

She didn’t realize these women only had outward appearances left.

Their husbands were rarely home. As wealthy, famous capitalists, they attracted attention from many eager women. Sometimes it wasn’t about willingness—others just acted regardless.

The seductive advances from these women were hard for the men to resist, especially those in their 30s and 40s at their prime.

Once fallen, it would happen again and again.

Yet these men didn’t divorce their wives, as that meant splitting assets. They also avoided hiring assassins to eliminate their wives—that would only make things spiral out of control.

Maintaining the façade of marriage was their choice. Men indulged outside, and women weren’t exactly faithful either.

Drivers, gardeners, cooks, young employees—as long as their circles didn’t overlap and cause problems, everyone did their own thing.

This is why these women boldly discussed topics that made Vera blush—they had long lost fear.

Some said it was the emptiness brought by wealth. Whether that was true or not, who cared? As long as they were happy.

The car slowly started. Lynch’s gaze shifted from Vera to the roadside outside the window. In just half a month, Sabin City’s situation had worsened.

The financial crisis had hit Sabin hard. More people on the streets had lost jobs and homes.

Because of the recent market boom, small factory owners had put operating funds into stocks.

Returns from stocks were higher than from production and sales, so they invested more in the market.

But the crash wiped them out. They lost everything, couldn’t pay wages, and had to declare bankruptcy.

All assets entered liquidation; the government reclaimed land, and workers flooded the streets.

The streets looked like they had regressed decades or even centuries, heavy with oppression.

The car stopped outside Vera’s neighborhood. Once middle-class, it now lacked vitality. The guardhouse was empty; the gate barrier was lifted, letting cars pass freely.

Lynch wanted to drop Vera at the gate, but seeing the state of things, he ordered the driver to take the car inside.

Since entering, Lynch saw seven or eight houses with For Sale signs and phone numbers clearly showing these properties were now bank-owned.

The car stopped slowly in front of Vera’s home. Some remaining residents peered out from windows and, seeing the driver, Vera, and a young handsome boy, watched closely.

“Come in for a cup of coffee…” It was still daytime, and since Lynch was dropping her off at the door, inviting her in seemed proper.

Lynch was about to refuse, feeling it awkward under all these eyes, but the door opened first.

Gap stood inside, unreadable. After two or three seconds, a smile appeared. “You must be Mr. Lynch. Please, come in.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds before Lynch changed his mind and nodded in agreement.

The curious and malicious gazes from the windows gradually faded as Lynch entered.

The house was a typical middle-class home. The living room had a large carpet and ivory white leather sofas—a style almost iconic of an era, famously seen in the popular TV show Middle-Class Family. This style was believed to elevate a family’s social status and remained popular with middle-class families.

Gap sat with Lynch while Vera went to change and brought drinks and pastries. Gap then asserted his role as the household head.

“When I first heard Vera had a job, I thought it was just something to keep her busy—being stuck at home isn’t good.”

He laughed, “But in no time, she became an office supervisor, managing several people. That surprised me.”

“I know her capabilities well and thank you for giving her the opportunity.”

Though his words seemed fine, Lynch sensed a warning beneath them. Gap was cautioning Lynch that Vera was his wife.

It was a subtle warning. Using I don’t think Vera is qualified for her current job as a pretext, he implied Lynch’s giving her the job was motivated by greed.

Lynch smiled without much concern. “I never underestimate anyone—man, woman, old or young.”

“As long as someone has ideals and courage, they deserve to pursue them. She is your wife, Mr. Gap.”

Lynch made a small counterattack, telling him not to belittle his wife. Gap hadn’t expected Lynch to understand the subtle accusation, let alone respond in kind.

He didn’t respond immediately but watched Lynch carefully.

There was no denying that Lynch had everything Gap—and most men—envied.

He was young, with a tall, slender build rare in today’s society. He was handsome, which was the most frustrating part because no amount of effort could change that.

He was also wealthy, making it even more unbearable. Gap’s friends in Eminence had talked about Lynch, which only fueled Gap’s anger.

In Eminence, people saw his wife and Lynch as a couple. This made Gap furious.

But civilized anger differs from savage anger. The civilized consider many factors—law, class differences, social status, relative power—and choose a way to vent without losing face.

Savages just throw a punch.

Gap was a civilized man. Though he wanted to punch Lynch, he knew the consequences and costs. Just as he was about to speak, Vera approached with a tray, interrupting them.

“What are you two talking about?” she asked, setting down tea and pastries.

Gap put his arm around Vera’s waist, as if marking his territory. “Nothing, just some casual chat.”

Vera looked at Lynch, doubting two men sneaking a chat could be casual. Lynch nodded, confirming, “We were discussing the lead actress in a newly released film. Mr. Gap and I share similar opinions.”

She then looked at Gap, who wasn’t sure what was going on but had to agree. “That’s right!”

Vera smiled subtly, certain Gap was being teased but not upset. “I heard it’s an adult film…”