Chapter 14 Taking Credit

• Zinnia said with a smile, “Mom, as long as you're happy. This is just a small token of appreciation from Torin and me.”
• Jeremiah was no stranger to such things, at a glance, he knew this bracelet was extraordinary. The last time he met with a client, the client wore a jadeite pendant. It was the same beautiful shade of green. During their conversation, the client had mentioned that despite its small size, the pendant was worth over a hundred thousand!
• Compared to that, the bracelets that Torin had given were significantly larger, and they came as a pair. One could only wonder, how much must they be worth?
• Upon seeing Torin actually giving the jadeite bracelets as a gift, Wallace felt a bitter taste in his heart. He couldn't help but say, “Mom, these bracelets look like they're made of glass. There are too many fake jadeite pieces on the market; it's impossible to tell the real from the fake with the naked eye.”
• Torin had been tolerating Wallace for quite some time. Seeing his incessant chatter, he said in a nonchalant manner, “Are you saying it's a fake?”
• Wallace sneered. “What's the matter? Won't admit it? I've seen plenty of these fakes before. They're a dime a dozen at the street market, as many as you want for five each.”
• Hearing him say this, Tiffany also began to harbor some doubts. She asked, “Zinnia, based on my experience, this pair of bracelets is worth at least a few million. Where did you guys get the money?”
• Torin said, “Mrs. Lindgren, we have plenty of these at home...”
• “Hahaha.” Wallace burst into laughter, his face filled with even more mockery. “You have a lot at home, do you? There's a limit to boasting, you know? That's just hilarious!”
• Just then, Jeremiah's phone rang. It was a number he didn't recognize.
• When Jeremiah answered the phone, everyone else fell silent.
• “Mr. Lindgren. It's me, Colin.”
• Jeremiah was taken aback. “Colin?”
• The latter replied, “I'm Colin, Colin Townsend. Hehe, Mr. Lindgren, are you available now? I'd like to pay you a visit.”
• Jeremiah was taken aback. Colin had always been haughty, barely giving him a glance whenever they met in the past. So why was he being so courteous this time?
• However, Jeremiah remained composed. He said, “Mr. Townsend, I do have time.”
• Colin chuckled. “That's great, I'll be right there. Hehe. There's an important person at your place, I must pay a visit!”
• An important person? Colin's initial reaction was to glance at Wallace. This was because his son-in-law, Wallace, had promised to help him resolve the matter.
• After asking for the address, Colin ended the call.
• A grin suddenly spread across Jeremiah's face as he looked at Wallace, laughing, “Wallace, I didn't expect you to act so swiftly. The call just now was from Colin, and judging by his tone, he shouldn't be giving me a hard time anymore.”
• Wallace was taken aback for a moment. He had merely been speaking hypothetically before, not having found a way to proceed. However, when an opportunity fell into his lap, he wasn't one to refuse. After a moment of surprise, he quickly responded with a smile, “Dad, it's mainly because of your social standing. Mr. Townsend wouldn't want to offend you too much.”
• Chuckling, Jeremiah said, “Well done, Wallace. I didn't misjudge you, you're really something!”
• Torin observed with a detached gaze, aware that Colin's phone call had nothing to do with Wallace. It was likely Daniel pulling the strings.
• A hint of pride flickered across Nadia's face as she said, “Dad, Wallace has a lot of friends. If you ever need anything, you should consult him.”
• After speaking, she gave Torin a dismissive glance.
• Tiffany also set down the bracelet, praising Wallace for his accomplishments. Wallace couldn't help but feel elated, saying, “Dad, Mom. Although I may not be a big shot in Hofcaster, I can easily handle these small matters. Unlike some people, who are all talk and no action.”
• Zinnia was so infuriated that she felt a sharp pain in her stomach, her body trembling in response.
• Torin tightly held her hand, signaling her to stay calm, and said, “Mr. Lindgren, Mrs. Lindgren, I was too young and naive in the past, causing you unnecessary worry.”
• Jeremiah hummed in agreement. “As long as you realize your mistakes.”
• The family was casually chatting when the sound of a car parking outside interrupted them. Shortly after, the doorbell rang.
• Tiffany went out to greet the guest. Before long, a plump middle-aged man with a fair complexion walked in, carrying a gift in his hand. As soon as he entered, he wore a broad smile on his face and quickly approached Jeremiah. “Mr. Lindgren, oh my, it's been a while. I came specifically to visit you! Just a small gift, as a token of my respect.”
• The visitor turned out to be Colin. His demeanor took Jeremiah by surprise. Hastily rising to his feet, he greeted with a smile, “Mr. Townsend, you're being too courteous, please have a seat.”
• Yet, Colin chose not to sit. He scanned the room, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. He then turned to Jeremiah with a smile and asked, “Mr. Lindgren, could you tell me who the guest of honor is?”
• The influential figure he referred to was, of course, the person who had caused a stir among his superiors.
• Jeremiah flashed a smile, pointing at Wallace. “This is my son-in-law, Wallace Zimmerman. Wallace, meet Colin, deputy section chief of the Department of City Planning.”
• Colin's eyes sparkled as he approached and firmly grasped Wallace's hand, shaking it enthusiastically. “Mr. Zimmerman, you truly are a remarkable man! So extraordinarily handsome!”
• Wallace was taken aback, wondering why this person was being so excessively polite to him, even somewhat obsequious?
• With a smile, Colin asked, “Do you know Director Pigott?”
• Wallace was well-acquainted with some of the influential figures in Hofcaster. A thought crossed his mind and he immediately responded, “Are you referring to Edwin Pigott, Mr. Townsend? Heh, we share a great rapport!”
• Taken aback for a moment, Colin said, “Mr. Zimmerman, I was referring to Director Pigott from the state department.”
• Wallace was startled. Someone from the state government?
• At that point, Torin received a private message from Daniel: Dr. Yelton, I have entrusted Francis with the matter. Here's his phone number, feel free to contact him directly if you need anything.
• Torin: All right, thank you.
• Laughing heartily, Daniel replied, Dr. Yelton, you're too modest. You saved my life, after all. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
• Upon seeing Wallace's expression, Colin, a man who had spent decades navigating the bureaucratic circles, instantly knew he had approached the wrong person. He couldn't help but turn to Jeremiah, saying, “Mr. Lindgren, do any of you know Director Pigott?”
• Torin casually asked, “Are you referring to Francis?”
• Colin's eyes lit up. “Yes, yes, that's him. Do you know Director Pigott?”
• Startled, Wallace looked toward Torin in surprise.
• Torin replied, “I don't know him.”
• Wallace let out a sigh of relief, ready to mock, when Torin continued, “I know Francis's superior, Daniel.”
• Colin felt a shiver run through him. The third most powerful person in the state, deputy chief Daniel Lockhart! Thus, he strived to put on his most flawless smile and asked, “Mr. Lindgren, how should I address this gentleman?”
• Jeremiah paused for a moment before saying, “This is... my younger daughter's boyfriend, Torin Yelton.”