“No can do, Mr. Monty. I’ve already spoken to the finance team over at the company and they’ve all given me the same answers. After reporting to the bank, no outsider is allowed to withdraw a single cent without the legal representative’s signature.”
Valentine had a vexed expression on his face as he hung up the phone and spoke to Conrad who was pacing around the room.
Conrad took a sharp breath and said, “Which means the 2.5 billion dollars we went to such great lengths to obtain has now genuinely become equity capital in Jasper’s hands.”
Valentine hurriedly said comfortingly, “Don’t be so pessimistic. At least the money is in the company’s account and not Jasper’s bank account.”
Ignoring Valentine’s comforting words, Conrad muttered to himself, “Now the most troublesome part is that we don’t know if Jasper did it on purpose or if it was a coincidence… What did our people in the bank say?”
“I’ve checked with them. It’s not just Agricultural Bank, but the remaining four major banks have also been doubling down on security lately.
“This is related to the recent spike in non-performing loans due to banks’ reckless lending to companies. The notice to enhance overall risk control was distributed by Central Bank to the headquarters of the four major banks at the end of last month.”
When Conrad heard that, he sat on the couch and closed his eyes without speaking.
After a moment’s thought, Valentine said softly to Conrad, “Mr. Monty, if that’s the case, this might have perhaps been a coincidence.”
“Coincidence?”
Conrad opened his eyes and said quietly, “I’ve never believed in coincidences, nor am I willing to attribute everything to mere coincidences. I would rather believe this was one of Jasper’s schemes.”
Valentine said awkwardly, “So what should we do next?”
“We can’t do anything…”
“It’ll be a mistake to do or even say anything more since we’ll be at risk of exposing ourselves completely. Let’s see what Jasper does first.”
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