Chapter 144: Chapter 144: The Butterfly Effect

In truth, it was an undeniable fact that Julian Sterling had been harboring the intention to stir up trouble for quite a long time. Ever since the moment Ethan Caldwell had departed for his business trip, Julian had already meticulously formulated at least two or three distinct strategies in his mind. However, it had to be admitted that at that particular juncture, every single avenue seemed to have reached a frustrating impasse. Although Julian possessed a method to pave the way for an approach toward Kevin Harrington, the execution still felt somewhat contrived, lacking the seamless flow of a natural coincidence.

One could argue that the pivotal turning point for this entire sequence of events was the moment Ethan returned and brought up the matter concerning Dahlia Thorne.

Or perhaps, to be more precise, the definitive watershed moment was the very instance when Julian himself was abducted by Aaron Sterling.

It was truly a classic case of a blessing in disguise, a glimmer of fortune hidden within a stroke of bad luck.

“Hmm? So, it isn’t the Sterling family…” Ethan mused aloud, his deep voice thoughtful as he pondered: “Mm… let me guess then. Is it the Harrington family?”

Julian feigned a look of absolute astonishment, his eyes widening in a performance of innocent surprise: “CEO Caldwell, you truly are impressive. Tell me, how did you deduce that I was targeting them?”

“Because Cedric Harrington had a hand in the incident where you were abducted by Aaron. With a temperament like yours, could you possibly swallow such an insult in silence? However, the timeline does not quite align. Based on your implication, you must have begun your calculations long before that incident occurred. Why him specifically?”

“Because from the very moment I deduced that Aaron’s collaboration with Helios Technologies was being orchestrated and pushed by Cedric, I found him to be an utter eyesore.” Julian explained leisurely. He then waved his hand slightly, signaling that he had finished eating and had no desire for more food.

Observing this, Ethan moved the bowls and dishes aside, clearing the space on the bedside table. He then climbed into the center of the bed, pulling Julian into his warm embrace. He suspected that the person in his arms had not yet finished his story.

Sure enough, Julian’s voice resonated slowly once more: “Actually, everything began just a little while before you went on your business trip. I did not want to let the Harrington family rest easy. I had a gut feeling that the reason Aaron kept fixating on that specific plot of land was likely connected to the side of Helios Technologies. Otherwise, why would the two parties suddenly join hands in cooperation, with Aaron so obstinately focused on that land? Is one piece of land not much like another? And if it involves the Harringtons, who do you think is the most suspicious character?”

“The one actively pushing for the collaboration, and also the primary beneficiary, Cedric Harrington?”

“Mm, that is exactly why I do not like him.” Julian buried himself into the broad chest of the man, watching as Ethan retrieved a tablet from the headboard: “That is why, at that time, I drew up several plans. Among them was a business proposal specifically targeting the stagnation in the project between the Sterling and Harrington families.”

“Mm… how should I put it? On the surface, the plan looked incredibly grandiose, with profits on paper sketched out to sky-high figures. It was most suitable to be used on those foolish people who harbor delusions of grandeur. It was just that, during that phase, even though I tried to find ways to bait the hook for Lucas Hill to approach the people from the Harrington family, it was simply too difficult.”

“Then, you took advantage of the argument between Kevin Harrington and his mother to approach him?” Ethan asked as he began to unlock the tablet. The screen displayed a series of notifications, messages sent to Ethan by the informant who had previously contacted Julian.

Julian was not surprised in the least. Since he was utilizing a subordinate under Ethan’s command, he was fully prepared to face the situation where that person would report back to their master. It was just that Julian had not expected this man to openly display the messages right in front of him like this, without a hint of secrecy.

Seeing the person in his arms look up at him, Ethan lowered his head, placing tender, affectionate kisses upon the crown of Julian’s hair: “Since I have entrusted the person to you, I will not question it, nor will I hide these matters from you.”

Having settled that issue, Ethan voiced his lingering curiosity regarding the scheme: “But why is it only now that the push has been successful? Did the incident with Aaron cause Cedric to become more careless?”

“Actually, it has nothing to do with that, though that incident did play a small part.” Julian shifted his position, lying prone on Ethan’s chest, his voice dropping to a low, rumbling hum: “Although Kevin is both stupid and ambitious, he is not so naive as to easily trust strangers. Even though I tried to use everyone around to help Lucas approach Kevin, Kevin did not easily place his trust in Lucas. Naturally, the plan was just set aside, he did not consider it. Later, you mentioned a person, which made me think of a different direction…”

“Dahlia Thorne?”

Worthy of being the current head of the Caldwell Empire, he was incredibly sharp. Julian did not deny it: “Correct. When you mentioned Dahlia Thorne, I thought of borrowing her identity.”

“A plan that could target both Cedric and Jason Harrington. Even if Kevin fears he cannot take down Cedric, if he can conveniently kick another rival like Jason off the stage, he would still be very happy. And as long as Jason falls from grace, Kevin would have an excuse to strut arrogantly and flaunt his power in front of his mother. If Cedric is too high to reach, then he just needs to aim for Jason.”

Hearing this, Ethan could not help but click his tongue in amusement: “You really are mischievous.”

He did not need much explanation. Just hearing Julian give a brief summary, Ethan understood the intricate web of connections and the roots involved within.

“I can only say that the moves made by Aaron and Gabriel Cole actually helped me a great deal. One could say the butterfly effect of this issue was immense.”

Like a row of dominoes, just one small tile flipping over caused a massive chain to collapse.

“Who knows, perhaps behind all that, there really was a push from Gabriel Cole.”

These words from Ethan caused Julian’s eyes to widen in shock, and he jerked his head up to look at the man. However, the man simply smiled: “Whose person Dahlia Thorne is ultimately, we still do not know yet. And whether or not there are Gabriel’s people by the Harrington family’s side, we cannot say for sure.”

It was true. If even the Caldwell Empire had Gabriel Cole’s spies, then it would not be strange for the Harrington family to have them as well.

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