Zachary handed the wine glass back to Justin and asked casually, "Any progress on your plan to take over Beckett Group?"
"The proposal for the new pharmaceutical research center has been presented to the board. Half of them are on board," Justin replied evenly. "I'm close to winning over the rest. Once I secure Javier's approval, we'll be able to move forward with the project.
"When that happens, I'll suspend all existing projects under Beckett Group. The funds from Project A5 will be fully redirected into the new pharmaceutical research center."
In other words, Project A5 had been nothing but a front. The partnership with KS Group was merely a way to cushion losses during the transition.
At the same time, he intended to drag the Taylor family down with him. If the ship sank, they would sink with it. He had no regard for the Taylors. All he wanted was
Alyssa.
Zachary raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. "Good. You've finally done something that doesn't irritate me. I suppose taking care of you wasn't a complete waste."
Sensing Zachary's unusually good mood, Justin seized the moment. "Uncle Zachary, you've always looked after me, and I've done my best to prove my worth.
"But things don't always go as planned. Remy regained his memories and sided with the Taylors, which stalled the lab's progress. All the experimental data was destroyed overnight, and we didn't have time to relocate the test subjects.
"I've taken a significant loss."
Zachary sneered. "At least you're aware of it."
"So my priority now is to rebuild the research team," Justin continued. He stepped closer, his tone carrying a mix of respect and restraint. "Uncle Zachary, could you grant me another pass to Kings' Club? I need access one more time."
Zachary narrowed his eyes, saying nothing at first.
Kings' Club was an exclusive, tightly controlled establishment. Entry required prior notice and a recommendation from an existing member. Justin had only managed to enter before because of Zachary. Without his backing, even Justin's status wouldn't get him past the doors.
"You? Entering Kings' Club? For what?" Zachary finally asked, his gaze laced with suspicion.
"I need to build connections with leading figures in the medical field there," Justin replied. "If I can secure partnerships, it'll accelerate my takeover of Beckett Group. That benefits you as well, doesn't it?"
Zachary scoffed. "Fine."
He pulled a King of Spades from his chest pocket and handed it to Justin as though it were nothing more than a trivial favor. "Since you've been useful take it But return it when You're done."
Justin lowered his gaze. His fingers trembled slightly as he accepted the card with both hands, nodding solemnly. "Thank you for your support all these years, Uncle Zachary
won't forget what
done for me."
"That's my boy," Zachary said, patting his cheek before striding off with a satisfied grin.
The moment the villa doors shut behind him, the expression on Justin's face cracked. His eyes reddened, and he suddenly doubled over, retching.
"Mr. Justin, are you alright?"
Eden hurried over, handing him a glass of warm water while steadying his shaking back.
Justin felt nothing but disgust. Every time Zachary touched him, it made his stomach churn uncontrollably.
"Call... Gustav... over," Justin managed between breaths.
"Right away!"
Not long after, Gustav arrived. Gone was his earlier arrogance-now, he carried himself with careful respect After all, he had been well compensated if he wanted comfortable future, Justin was the man he needed to rely on.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Beckett?" he asked.
Justin leaned back against the couch, closing his eyes briefly as he steadied
himself. "It's time."
"When?"
"Tonight."