The Starfield Farming Sovereign (Elizabeth Schofield) novel Chapter 262

The Farming Saint in the Starry Wasteland

Chapter 262 Threat

100

Finished

Ryan spoke through clenched teeth, his jaw rigid. “Mr. Blanton, I’ve repeated myself enough. The plaza was sold through legal channels. The contract’s binding. Payment and property have both been exchanged. My family guards its reputation like it’s our lifeblood.”

Rufus arched an eyebrow, almost amused. He gave a short, humorless laugh. “Reputation? Mr. Sharp, business is a warzone. Timing is everything when it comes to keeping a reputation intact. You’re talking about reputation to someone barely holding on, who could get destroyed by public scrutiny or legal trouble at any second. That’s just childish.”

He leaned in, his gaze icy and unflinching. The polite facade dropped away. “Here’s the deal. Elizabeth and her farm are now at the top of Seafarm Group’s list. Mercury Plaza is her only public sales point, so it’s on our radar too. If you rip up your contract with her now, you’re just setting things right. You’d be cutting your losses before it’s too late. Seafarm Group won’t forget the favor.”

He paused, his tone softening, but the threat only deepened. “But if you insist on protecting her, Mr. Sharp, I’ve heard some interesting things about your group’s tax reports these last three years. The eco–park project you landed a few years back? Your supplier for the eco- materials wouldn’t survive a real investigation. If some well–meaning citizen files a report, or if the authorities decide to take a closer look at your projects… Can the Sharp Group handle more audits and another wave of bad press? If it comes to that, losing Mercury Plaza will be the least of your troubles.”

His threat hung in the air, raw and undisguised.

He was wielding the Sharps‘ potential missteps–whether real or fabricated–as blackmail.

George shot up, gripping his cane so tight his knuckles whitened, his anger barely contained. “Rufus! You… You’re despicable! That’s slander! That’s extortion!”

Rufus didn’t bother hiding his smirk. “Mr. Sharp, you should watch your health.” He sounded lazy, even taking a slow sip of coffee. “I’m just spelling out the options. Seafarm Group’s been established on Imperial Planet for years. We’ve got connections. We’ve got resources. Bringing things to light or slowing down some approvals–none of that’s difficult.”

Ryan’s face drained of color, his hands balled into fists until his joints cracked. A bleak, cold dread crept up his spine.

Seafarm Group wanted everything. They wanted the plaza. They wanted to force the Sharps to betray Elizabeth and trash their own good name, or they’d crush the Sharps from every direction.

This was his father’s whole life. All those employees. Was he really supposed to cave to something this dirty?

1/3

8:44 Wed, May 6

Chapter 262 Threat

:

100

Finished

Rufus watched the father and son, relishing the frustration, the struggle, and the mounting despair. He knew the screws were tightening perfectly.

He set down his coffee mug, ready to deliver the final ultimatum.

Just then, the heavy wooden lounge door swung open without the slightest sound.

Elizabeth entered, Fiona and several children trailing her. Her stride was calm and measured.

She didn’t acknowledge the tension that gripped the room. Her eyes scanned the Sharps, registering their misery, before settling on Rufus and his deep frown.

“Did I interrupt something?” Elizabeth’s voice rang out, crisp and clear. “Mr. Blanton, you’re here too? What are the odds?”

Rufus recovered instantly, forcing a polished business smile. “Ms. Schofield, what a

coincidence. We’re just discussing some follow–up matters on Mercury Plaza with Mr. Sharp.”

“Follow–up matters?” Elizabeth approached the empty chair but didn’t take it. She glanced at the contract in Ryan’s hands. “If you mean the transfer of ownership, then yes, we have business. But…”

She turned to Rufus, her eyes bright and unyielding, shutting him down before he could interject. “If you or Seafarm Group wants to challenge Mercury Plaza’s ownership, or if you’re here to lean on the previous owner for anything at all…”

She paused. Rufus‘ eyes narrowed at once. The Sharps looked up in disbelief. Elizabeth’s voice was unwavering and cut through the thick air.

“Then you’re wasting your time.

“By the Kingdom’s Property Registration Act and the executed digital contract, from the moment payment cleared and the contract was signed yesterday, Mercury Plaza’s sole legal owner is me, Elizabeth Schofield.”

Her gaze fixed on Rufus. Her tone stayed even, but every word landed with overwhelming force. “If Seafarm Group wants anything from this plaza–whether you’re looking to buy, partner, or try any other so–called ‘business tactic“–”

Elizabeth’s lips curved, but there was no hint of warmth.

“Take it up with me from now on.”

Rufus‘ smile faltered for a heartbeat.

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