When the GF9 Test Subject Became His Obsession novel Chapter 6

Nathan arrived at City Hall early that morning to submit some business documents. The moment he stepped inside, he ran into Richard.

Richard was there for the document review. Unlike the Morrow family, which had been eliminated in the first round, the Reed family had survived under the protection of the Almara family and made it all the way to the finals. If they secured this project, the Reed family would finally have the capital to rival the Morrows—enough to buy ten Rolls-Royce Phantoms without blinking.

“Mr. Morrow, what a coincidence," Richard said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Here to see Wren again?"

Nathan returned the smile calmly. “Yes. Wren and I have an appointment."

Richard let out a scoff. Acting innocent. Everyone knew Nathan had practically worn out the steps of City Hall over the Wading Waters Bay project, and the bidding was about to begin. Still refusing to give up, huh?

"I also have an appointment with Wren to review documents," Richard said pointedly. "Why don't we go together?" He was ready to expose Nathan's act right there.

Just as they reached the ground floor, a staff member stopped them. "Today is reserved for bid reviews. No unauthorized personnel allowed."

Richard laughed outright. "Looks like you'll have to wait outside, Mr. Morrow. Maybe Wren will find time to see you once he's done."

Did the Morrow family really think they still ran Evervale City? That era was long over.

Nathan didn't react. He simply pulled out his phone and called Wren.

As Richard headed upstairs, he glanced back. Still pretending, huh?

Before he could take another step, he saw Wren hurrying down the stairs as if to greet someone important. The Almara family's backing really carried weight—Wren was clearly taking Richard seriously.

Richard extended his hand with a practiced smile. "Mr. Williams, there's no need to make such a fuss. I don't need this kind of welcome."

Wren paused, lightly brushed Richard's hand, and immediately withdrew. "Oh, Mr. Reed. Just hand your documents to the staff upstairs."

Before Richard could respond, Wren walked straight past him and warmly shook Nathan's hand. “Mr. Morrow, apologies for the wait. Please, come upstairs."

Nathan gave Richard a brief glance that nearly froze him in place.

What the hell was going on?

Serena had already been driven out—so why was she still affecting his luck?

Richard sat on a cold bench upstairs for nearly half a day. Two hours later, he finally saw Wren again—personally escorting Nathan out, smiling brighter than ever.

"If you win the bid, there's a $300,000 bonus," Wren said cheerfully. "So, Mr. Morrow, make the most of this opportunity."

$300,000? A bonus?

"From whom?" Nathan asked carefully.

"Hayes Corp from Ardenos is sponsoring it."

Ardenos. Hayes Corp. Nathan's heart skipped a beat.

Wren's smile grew deeper. With the Hayes family backing him, what was there to fear about Evervale City's economy?

"This Wading Waters Bay project will be a major undertaking," Wren added. "If you run into any trouble, contact me anytime."

It sounded like the bid was already Nathan's.

Richard's heart thudded as Nathan walked away. He hurried forward. “Mr. Williams—”

Before he could finish, Wren's smile vanished. "The review results are out. The Reed family's values are flawed. I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. Please leave."

My family...flawed values? Since when did that matter in a construction bid?

"Are you talking about Serena?" Richard blurted out. "I've already disowned her! The corrupt ones are the Morrows now!"

Wren frowned slightly. Serena? Who was that?

Seeing Richard persist, Wren said coldly, "Mr. Reed, there is already a national ban on hunting protected species. You should reflect on your own actions first."

Richard was completely confused. Protected species? The fish I caught in the river?

Wren looked displeased. Just the day before, a senior scholar from Huake University had personally called to condemn the Reed family for harming a nationally protected treasure.

I get that elite families hunt, sure—but going after species that are nationally protected? That was new.

Richard stormed out of City Hall in a fury. Nathan had been waiting outside for some time.

Seriously? A leftover cake?

Thanos yelped. "Mom! You're going to lose me!"

He stormed off in a huff.

After finishing the measurements, Olivia asked gently, "Hungry, Serena? Let's have a snack. Aubrey's almost done with lunch."

“Okay.”

Serena went downstairs to the kitchen.

Aubrey, the Morrow family's part-time cook, lit up when she saw her. She quickly scooped up a piece of meat from the pot. "You must be Serena, right? Olivia have talked about you nonstop. I'm so glad you're finally back. Try this—how is it?"

The braised pork belly glistened golden, the fat rendered perfectly, the meat tender yet springy.

Serena nodded. “Mm.”

Aubrey froze. What does that mean?

But she remembered Olivia saying the girl wasn't very talkative, so she decided to take it as praise.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"That must be Olivia's delivery," Aubrey said. Unable to leave the stove, she called out, "Thanos!"

No answer.

"I'll go," Serena said.

Aubrey looked worried. "Are you sure?"

“Probably.”

From the kitchen, Aubrey watched as Serena crossed the yard, reached the gate, and opened it smoothly. She smiled with pride. “Serena really is capable."

Thanos, realizing what had happened, heard Aubrey's praise and grimaced. "Aubrey, you've never complimented me once even if I picked up ten deliveries!"