Chapter 278

Paxton's scheme was clear to everyone, but they had no way to counter it.

Among the four major families, the Williams Family was the most powerful, while the Brown Family was the weakest.

The influence wielded by Mason's family was so strong that, simply put, the other three families combined could barely match the Williams Family.

None of them wanted to see the Williams Family rise unchecked.

At its peak, the Taylor Family was just a notch below the Williams in status.

If the two families merged, even the combined strength of the other three families wouldn't be enough. They might end up being absorbed by the Williams Family.

"So, should we get involved in the fight for control of those three companies?" Richard's eyes locked onto Paxton, his question dripping with calculation.

Paxton shook his head slowly. "It's pointless. I've tried sending people to infiltrate those companies, but they were quickly found out. These companies have been teetering on the edge of bankruptcy for years, and even with Jasper secretly siphoning off funds, they still haven't gone under! That alone tells you something's up. Plus, these companies have a lot of loyal old-timers. Taking control won't be easy."

Anthony's voice was icy. "So, what do you think we should do? Help Isabella? Do you really think she'd accept our help? And even if she does, what's in it for us? You think she'd share her grandfather's legacy with us?"

Anthony's concerns were valid, and Richard shared his worries.

Paxton's smile was barely there, just a hint. "We don't need to help Isabella directly. We just need to handle John. Make sure he's too busy to help Bianca fight for control of the three companies. We only need to help indirectly, and whether Isabella appreciates it or not doesn't matter."

"Isabella's tight with the Williams Family. Aren't you worried that if she takes over and inherits all of Patrick's assets, she'll team up with the Williams Family and come after us?" Richard asked, a bit skeptical.

Paxton shook his head. "You're forgetting the huge fallout between Isabella and John. My daughter told me everything. Isabella, Bianca, and John are completely at odds. Isabella can't stand the Williams Family, except for Mason. But Mason's not gonna be around much longer."

Richard and Anthony exchanged looks, getting what Paxton was driving at.

Isabella had always gotten along well with Mason, but after Mason passed away, John, as the family heir, inherited not just the family fortune but also the bad blood between him and Isabella.

Even though Isabella respected Mason enough not to go after John, John knew better than to expect any favors from her.

Anthony's laughter cut through the tension. "If I remember right, your family had a big hand in taking down the Taylors. Aren't you worried that once Isabella gets her family's power back, she'll come for you?"

"Honestly, I'd rather deal with that than see John succeed. Besides, when we took over the Taylor assets, your families were in on it too. We've all got beef with the Taylors. I doubt Isabella can take us all on," Paxton said, sounding completely unfazed.

Anthony and Richard went quiet, the room filled with an uneasy silence, broken only by the clinking of dishes as the waiter served their food.

Richard finally spoke up, "So, if we go with your plan, what's our next move?"

A spark lit up in Paxton's eyes. "I just got word that Jasper's been playing everyone. Before he sold shares to John, he already offloaded some to other companies. Now Isabella and Bianca are probably fighting to become the second-largest shareholder."

Anthony's eyes widened with interest, but before he could say anything, Paxton shut him down.

"I get what you're thinking, but don't get your hopes up too high. The shareholders aren't idiots. They're making bank off the feud between John and Mason. As long as it stays within certain limits, they don't have to worry about any backlash. But if they try to sell shares to other families, they'll be crossing the Williams Family. Once Mason and John team up, those companies won't stand a chance," Paxton shot down Anthony's idea of becoming the second-largest shareholder.

Anthony shrugged. "So, we need to cut John off from the money he'd need to buy those shares, right? That would give Isabella a better shot."

Paxton nodded with a grin. "Exactly. My family's resources alone aren't enough to take on the Williams Family financially. That's why I need both of you on board."

Richard and Anthony exchanged a look, a silent agreement passing between them, and finally, they nodded.

As long as they could keep the enemy from getting stronger, it would work in their favor.

All three were cunning and equally shrewd.

Once Isabella controlled the three companies, they planned to seize the Taylor family's hidden assets from her, potentially surpassing the Williams family.

John had no idea he was about to go up against three powerful enemies. If he found out about Paxton's scheme, he might just get so mad he'd want to take out those three old guys himself.

John and Mason had already laid out their stakes in the bet.

John's wealth, while substantial, was nothing compared to Mason's. Once the three big families started gunning for him, he'd lose his financial edge in no time.

But for now, John was clueless as he and Bianca headed toward the first minority shareholder.