Chapter 74: Stock Market Plunge

"Why are you looking at me like that? Are you scared?" Samael's eyes glinted with a cold light. "Next, it's your turn!" The bodyguards of the three families were formidable, never having faced such a situation. They were all dumbfounded, looking at each other, unsure of what to say. Finally, Hank found his voice and stammered, "When did Florida have someone this powerful?" "A man like him must be a top fighter in the entire country! Why would he work for Joseph?" Hearing them belittle Joseph, Samael became enraged. In a flash, he rushed forward and kicked down the remaining bodyguards. "You dare disrespect my brother? You're courting death!" "Enough." Joseph's calm voice called Samael back. Samael obeyed and returned to Joseph's side. It was then that Hecarim realized why Joseph could speak so confidently. With such powerful allies, he indeed had no reason to fear Pix or anyone else. Excitement nearly made Hecarim rise from his wheelchair. Joseph glanced at the stunned Medrigez, Hank, and Tom Cruise. With a faint smile, he spoke, "Now, I'll give you another chance. Take the 300 billion and return the business center to me, or..." Understanding Joseph's seriousness, Medrigez struggled with his pride. Finally, he waved dismissively. "No, we've invested 300 billion. Returning it to you at the same price is impossible!" Seeing their stubbornness, Joseph didn't insist. "This is your last chance. Since you refuse, we have nothing more to discuss. We'll meet again if fate allows." Joseph turned to leave, adding, "I'll give you time to reconsider. I'll be in touch." The three family heads exchanged worried glances. Medrigez, gritting his teeth, muttered, "How did he become so assertive?" Hank agreed, "He has a point, though. If we refuse, we might lose even more..." Tom Cruise, after a moment of silence, suggested, "Let's see if he really can produce 400 billion." Meanwhile, Joseph made a call to his subordinate, Mastema. "Find the stocks for the Florida Business Center and the stocks of the Medrigez, Hank, and Tom Cruise families. I want you to manipulate them to drop." Mastema, taken aback, asked, "But those stocks belong to you, Mr. Joseph. Why would you want them to drop?" Joseph replied calmly, "If they don't respect me, I won't leave them a way out." Understanding, Mastema quickly began working on his computer, his fingers flying over the keyboard. At the same time, the three family heads, having placed listening devices in the meeting room, heard Joseph's conversation. They laughed it off, doubting his ability to affect their stock prices. "Does he really think he can make our stocks drop?" "Exactly! Our companies have been solid for years. He can't possibly affect us." But soon, they noticed a steep decline in their stock prices. Within minutes, the Florida Business Center's stocks plummeted, causing widespread panic. Investors were shocked and confused. The stocks of the three families followed, their values dropping sharply. The family heads were stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening. "Could this be real?" one of them stammered. "This can't be happening!" another exclaimed. In less than half an hour, the stocks of the business center and their own companies hit the limit down. Panic spread among them. Initially planning to teach Joseph a lesson, they now found themselves on the receiving end. "If you have anything to say, come with me now," a voice broke their daze. Beelzebub, Joseph's other subordinate, had arrived. "If you have something to discuss, come to the meeting room." The family heads, shaken, followed Beelzebub back to the meeting room, realizing they needed to negotiate with Joseph. Joseph remained calm, watching them approach. He knew this drastic move would cause a significant stir but was unbothered. He wanted to show those who underestimated him that he was not to be trifled with. The meeting room had a large display showing the stock prices. As the family heads entered, they saw the stocks had hit the limit down, confirming their worst fears. Medrigez, in shock, slumped to the floor. "My money... It's all gone!"