Chapter 1654:

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Austin, feeling joyful, clenched his little fists and declared, “Mommy, now I can protect you!”

Nicole and the others didn’t want to discourage Austin’s enthusiasm. Even though his health would always limit him, they let him enjoy the moment.

Roscoe gently patted Austin’s head, his smile full of warmth. “Austin, I’m looking forward to seeing you grow stronger.”

Austin beamed and said, “I will, Roscoe.”

Now that Austin had awakened, Jarrod’s tolerance for Roscoe’s presence had worn thin. In a cold tone, he asked, “Is your company still running? How do you still have time to hang around here?”

Roscoe perceived Jarrod’s thinly veiled attempt to drive him away, yet he maintained a composed demeanor.

“I appreciate your concern, Mr. Schultz. However, my company is doing well for the time being.”

Jarrod was momentarily speechless. He harbored no genuine concern for Roscoe.

Instead, he secretly hoped Roscoe’s circumstances would deteriorate to the point of necessitating his departure from Ardlens.

Nevertheless, Jarrod felt compelled to maintain a facade of civility, particularly because Nicole had named Roscoe as Austin’s godfather.

Jarrod was mindful not to let his son’s godfather suffer too much.

“Your family’s biggest competitor recently conducted an inspection in Raytown,” Jarrod said abruptly.

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A faint crease formed on Roscoe’s brow, indicating his surprise. He hadn’t been aware of this.

The Raytown project, currently in its final negotiation phases, was critical to his company. If the rival company had visited Raytown now, it could mean an attempt to undermine his project.

Considering that both companies operated in the same industry, competition was expected, but the timing of this move—right before the completion of Watts Group’s project—seemed particularly underhanded.

After a brief silence, Roscoe simply said, “Thank you.”

Jarrod scoffed in response, asserting, “Survival of the fittest. If you can’t keep up, don’t blame anyone else.”

The implication was clear. If Roscoe thought Jarrod’s past actions were personal, he was mistaken. Even in Jarrod’s absence, others would have targeted the Watts family during their vulnerable period.

Even a dying camel is larger than a horse. Despite their setbacks, the Watts family still held considerable value, and securing their contracts could benefit any emerging company.

Jarrod’s interventions had deterred many opportunists. Attempting to rival him was futile.

His power wasn’t just about dominance in Ardlens—it was his ruthless methods and strategies that made him nearly invincible.

Jarrod was a true tactician, having once shut down a publicly listed company within three hours.

No one dared provoke him without risking severe consequences.

His actions had inadvertently given Roscoe the crucial time needed to defend his company. Fighting one formidable opponent was far easier than fending off multiple at once.

Ironically, Roscoe’s survival of Jarrod’s assault had elevated his standing in the business world. As a result, many potential adversaries who might have harbored malicious intent were now deterred.

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