Chapter 1052

Concerned, Matthias asked, "Are you okay?"

lan nodded and replied, "Don't worry, Mr. Armstrong. We're with Jack, so everything is okay."

It turned out that Matthias was on Jack's side.

Everyone's expressions turned tense, especially Patrick's, whose face had completely drained of color.

He recalled that the main person involved in his conflict with Jack at Saffron Faire Café was a guy named lan Kingsley. Looking at Matthias' attitude, and suddenly remembering that Matthias' superior was named Kingsley, the fool immediately connected the dots, and he became evidently anxious.

After greeting lan and Myra, Matthias turned toward Jack with a bright smile. Their eyes locked as they nodded toward each other with respect. Then, Matthias returned his attention to Gerard.

Gerard caught that fleeting glance exchanged between Matthias and Jack, and it made his body tremble in anger.

For Matthias to storm into the gala with armed forces so abruptly, something serious was about to happen. Matthias had important cards in hand. Otherwise, he wouldn't have barged in so confidently.

Gerard's expression darkened. "Mr. Armstrong, what's with the sudden show of force? This is a charity gala. Don't your people feel that you're ruining such a beautiful evening?"

Matthias said lightly, "Recently, we have uncovered a major smuggling case, and the suspect confessed to the potential involvement of some wealthy families in Tarthy City. Since we're involved in this case, I've personally brought my team here today to investigate the matter.

"Who does it involve?" Gerard's expression darkened, showing no signs of relenting.

"Peter Trevell from the Trevell Group."

"Peter?"

Gerard's heart trembled, but he tried to maintain his composure and asked, "What evidence do you have to prove that Peter did it? Plus, he has contributed greatly to Tarthy City. How could you just arrest him?"

Beside them, Peter's face was drained of color. He was terrified by the recent turn of events. He knew what he was guilty of and helplessly looked at Patrick, hoping he would help him get out of this tough pickle.

Patrick caught his signal and stood up for him. "What proof do you have of Peter's involvement in those smuggling activities? Plus, it's illegal for you to barge in here. This place is filled with international reporters!"

Was he threatening Matthias?

Jack frowned deeply.

lan had previously told him that Patrick was involved in a smuggling case, but at this moment, Matthias was aiming all his daggers at Peter. Jack wondered if the Trevell Group was involved in this and from the looks of things, it seemed like they were knee-deep in it.

With the expectation that Gerard and Patrick would defend Peter, Matthias scoffed and said, "I won't deny Peter's contributions to Tarthy City, but merit cannot cancel out wrongdoing. This case involves pur military command, and it is a major smuggling operation. No matter how spectacular his past achievements, I will still bring him back for investigation."

Then, Matthias gestured with his hand. "Cuff Peter Trevell."

He was stern, obviously not perceiving Gerard as a threat.

"Stop! I dare you to move another inch! I call the shots here. No one can take Peter away," Gerard shouted, standing before Peter, shielding him as he confronted Matthias.

Tension crackled in the air.

Reporters scrambled to capture this moment with their cameras. No matter how it ended, this moment unfolding at Tarthy City's charity gala was destined to make headlines across the nation.

What began as a clash between the Carpenter Corporation and the Roes, the Trevells; and the Goulds had escalated into a power struggle among financial giants, local oligarchs, and shadows of ever greater forces in Tarthy City Amongst it stood Gerard's

reputation and Matthias' pride.

Matthias stared at Gerard with a frigid gaze. "Mr. Cadwallader, I respect you, but this

case is a serious matter. We have concrete evidence that Peter was involved. I suggest you avoid getting pulled under with him."