Chapter 143: Luck

In Box 47, Jennifer Wiltonstein stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down below.

Since it was still the knockout stage, the NHSAA committee had set up eight rings in the vast venue. This forced all participating contestants to enter the arena early, exposed to the view of sixty thousand spectators in the stands.

At this moment, Jennifer Wiltonstein's gaze was fixed solely on Li Mochen, not moving away for an instant.

However, this spacious box was not occupied by her alone; there were also a dozen or so young men and women in luxurious attire sitting inside.

"Is that our cousin Andre? He looks so stupid."

"You should have seen him on TV, right? Calling him stupid is a bit much; he is quite pretty. It's just that his demeanor really resembles those country bumpkins."

"His hair is black, and so are his eyes—that pure black looks disgusting."

"A mixed-blood bastard, why is he still allowed to keep the surname 'Wiltonstein'?"

"There you're wrong; he doesn't even want that surname. He tried several times to change his name at the Social Security Bureau, but the family stepped in to suppress it."

"Why? I've always been curious, why is he on the inheritance list?"

"Not sure, I heard it was insisted by two elders who have a good relationship with Elena. Don't underestimate him; maybe after an awakening ceremony, he could be accepted by the family council. Don't we have one here?"

"Will this guy win today? I'm curious. Lately, the news has been reporting on him every day; something seems off."

"I had someone look into it; someone is indeed stirring the pot. But the investigation results left me even more puzzled—it's Penguin Lottery and Arcadis."

"Arcadis? That's surprising. Both sides seem full of confidence. Let's start a bet then. Ten thousand shields, I bet our cousin will kneel and surrender to him, just like James Lanster said."

"Then I'll bet ten thousand shields too. Honestly, I don't like this guy carrying the surname 'Wiltonstein' in the ring, but I favor Lanster more."

"Ten thousand, I bet he concedes before it even starts."

"Heh, everyone's betting on Lanster? He's still our cousin, and Jennifer's brother, isn't he? Don't go too far—"

Jennifer Wiltonstein had been quietly watching by the window until her nicotine craving hit, and she stepped out of the box.

Shortly after she left, someone among the young people let out a cold laugh.

"Ha, that bitch finally left."

"And she still dares to dream of inheriting the conglomerate? Does she really think she counts as a Wiltonstein? That bit of yellow blood in her bones can't be washed away, just as disgusting as her brother."

"You don't know how domineering she is in the company. She puts on airs in front of us just because she's achieved a little something. Who does she think she is?"

"She's so thick-skinned. Doesn't she know she's not welcome here?"

Jennifer Wiltonstein didn't know about the subsequent gossip in the private room. She walked to the smoking area and had just lit a cigarette when she saw two groups of people approaching from two directions not far away.

Whether by coincidence or not, the one at the head on the left was none other than 'Dwight Payton,' whom she had spoken with a few weeks ago. On the right was 'Abraham Archibald,' the Southeast Regional President of Arcadis Sporting Goods.

So upon seeing this, even Jennifer pricked up her ears and looked at the two men ahead with curious eyes.

These two sporting goods companies are currently the two largest in all of America. Arcadis has a long history, with a business empire spanning the Old and New Continents; while Nason Sports Group, born from the Nason Military-Industrial Complex, is a rising star full of competitiveness.

Now across America, Nason and Arcadis have been locked in a bloody battle for sports superstars and sales revenue.

Whenever top executives from both sides are present, there's never a lack of drama.

Dwight Payton took the initiative to extend his hand toward Arcadis's Southeast Regional President: "What a coincidence, Mr. Archibald. Are you here to watch the seventh round too? For Andre and James?"

"For Andre and James."

Abraham Archibald also replied with a smile: "I must congratulate you. I hear you've found a lucky one, haven't you?"

Dwight's lips curled slightly: "He is indeed lucky, and he will continue to be lucky."

"That's not necessarily true. One can't always get what they want. Our James didn't have any accidents this time, did he?"

Abraham gave a hollow laugh: "You Nason people have already spent a lot on him, haven't you? Nearly seven million gold shields in total? Truly worthy of Nason, spending money without flinching. Does your board know about this, Payton?"

"They know, of course they know. They even questioned me about it three weeks ago, so there's still some pressure."

Dwight replied with a composed expression: "But after today, they'll realize this expense is completely worth it. Besides, it's not as much as seven million; the house itself won't depreciate. As for your Arcadis, the money you've spent on media this time must be no less than four million gold shields, right?"

"Since you Nason people want to stir up trouble, we naturally have to go along with the current."

Abraham sneered: "I think before today, you must not have truly understood James. That kid has limitless potential. So I'm sorry, I heard you've prepared a large amount of inventory in advance, haven't you? To be honest, that's not a good idea. As a professional manager, this approach is too risky; you could easily lose your job. You should know, James has one flaw—he loves to humiliate people in the ring. I hope the outcome this time won't be too bad."

"We're not the only ones stocking up, are we?"

Dwight continued with a half-smile, stepping aside: "Buddy, none of this is of any use now, is it? Let the facts speak for themselves. In forty minutes, we'll see the result, won't we?"

Abraham Archibald narrowed his eyes, stared at Dwight for a moment, then strode toward his own private room.

Dwight Payton also left shortly after, but just as he passed the smoking area, Jennifer suddenly asked: "Mr. Payton, are you sure my brother can win?"

Dwight turned his head in surprise, then let out a laugh: "You're Jennifer, right? First time seeing you in person. Same as before—about your brother, let's see the result in forty minutes, okay? You should know my character; I never waste time on useless trash."