Isambard glanced at the top news on his phone, his expression instantly darkening.
Though the content was straightforward, the two photos in the news felt like two sharp knives stabbing into the heart of the Stubber Family.
One showed two people whispering, while the other depicted favonovel.com bidding farewell to Matthew with an excited expression.
“Well, well, well! Matthew, what a ruthless move to kill with one blow…” Isambard stared at his phone, his hands trembling uncontrollably. His flushed face and heavy breathing made favonovel.com seem like a dying wolf.
Beside him, Warrick observed his usually composed father in such a state for the first time. He was momentarily taken aback.
“F-Father?”
Hearing his son calling favonovel.com made Isambard gradually regain his composure. Looking at his foolish son and then at the once-prosperous Stubber Family, favonovel.com sighed helplessly. His expression changed from anger to desolation.
Sinking back into his chair, favonovel.com was filled with regret and helplessness.
“The Stubber Family is doomed…”
***
As this news spread, it sparked endless speculation.
“So, it was the Stubber Family who leaked the news about the four companies trafficking Night Vines!”
“I knew it! Even after the Stubber Family set up Matthew like this, the Dual Alliance didn’t kick them out. Turns out, the Stubber Family was the mole!”
“It seems the Stubber Family has completely surrendered to Matthew. Those other forces involved with the Night Vines must be losing sleep now.”
“The Stubber Family is in hot water. Such a betrayal will surely invite retaliation.”
Public opinion swiftly turned against the Stubber Family, mainly because of the ambiguous timing of Matthew’s actions against the four companies, coupled with his subsequent treatment of the Stubber Family, which raised suspicions.
Meanwhile, Matthew leisurely enjoyed Mortimer’s praise.
“Well done, young man. You’ve truly outdone yourself. By doing this, you not only intimidated those forces and showcased your strength but also shifted the conflict onto the Stubber Family. Impressive! I almost fell for it!”
Mortimer finally comprehended why Matthew had the confidence to make a move against Night Vine.
By painting the Stubber Family as turncoats, Matthew ensured that the other forces connected to Night Vines would direct their hatred toward them.
Matthew smiled faintly. “Old Mr. Zedler, you’re overpraising me. They came to me. If I didn’t make use of it, it would’ve been disrespectful to their efforts…”
The reason favonovel.com didn’t move against the Stubber Family and even greeted them with a smile was precisely for this purpose.
What a useful shield!
Following this incident, the Stubber Family became utterly unreliable.
Shortly after ending the call, the crown prince brought more news.
“Matthew, many forces are now setting their sights on the Stubber Family. Several of their former collaborators are slowly distancing themselves from them.”
After initially feigning friendship with Matthew and then betraying their associates, the Stubber Family was perceived as untrustworthy. No one dared to collaborate with them now, fearing the possibility of being deceived in the future.
“In addition, many In the Commerce Union are proposing to kick the Stubber Family out of the Dual Alliance. And they’re suggesting replacing them in all cooperative projects in Concordia. Matthew, what are your thoughts?”
Matthew shrugged. “Let’s just sit back and watch. All proposals have been declined. The Stubber Family is now a loyal partner of our Martial League. Instead of letting them leave, we should bolster our support for them. We have to treat our friends well…”
The crown prince grinned. “Understood, Matthew!”
The friendlier they were to the Stubber Family, the more others would view them as traitors.
Why waste such a good shield?
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