Chapter 221 - Turn Into a Vegitable

Bertrand Duval was a businessman hungry for wealth and power. It was because he witnessed his family became one of the richest and strongest in Europe, then dramatically lost everything in a blink of an eye that made him curious, wanting to experience the same comfort as when he was a child. 

His grandfather showered him with gifts. He was groomed and spoiled with all the luxuries in life. When his grandfather's biggest investment failed, Bertrand's father started anew. He experienced living as part of the middle class and wasn't quite pleased about it. 

As he got older, he learned his grandfather had formerly invested in genetic engineering and that was how their wealth skyrocketed. They received generous investments from both the government and the private sector. Furthermore, their test subjects were used to conquer their rivals in the business, making them yield to their empire. 

The Duvals were the only ones in the shipping business in the country during his grandfather's time. No one dared to compete with them. However, because the experimented individuals retaliated, they lost the research that had been gathered for years and together with it, the fame and glory they once had. 

He had nothing against the test subjects per se, but because he saw the project's capability, he wanted the same. He started seeking the offsprings of the original experiments. When they refused to cooperate, he turned to use his power against them and took them by force, one by one. 

The other families who also had previously spent for Project Zero further fueled his desire. Having experienced the same hardship after it was destroyed, they gave Bertrand Duval their full support in bringing it back. 

Bertrand was satisfied with the rate Project Zero had progressed. A few of their test subjects were completely hypnotized, ready to do the job. His first target was to take down one of the biggest companies in Europe, the Davies Group of Companies. 

The Davieses were able to take advantage of Adrea Li by using her in their business, so why can't he? All the more the Duvals had the right since his forefather had contributed to her enhanced genes. 

When he received rumors that Andrea was no longer under the care of the Davieses, he began to look for her. He was awed by the strength of the siblings, Aton Yeong and Andrea Li. Comparing them to the other offsprings; he recognized they were the best products. After all, both their parents were part of the experiment. 

Among the two, he sought for the younger sister first since she was living complacently, making a family. She had not been increasing her strength nor her connections in the business world. For him, Andrea was an easier target. Soon, he would also come after Yeong. 

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Bertrand arrived in Paris early in the morning, hoping to spend time with his lovely wife. He had been on a business trip, desiring to expand his operations to the northern sea.  Although he was ruthless in business, he adored his young wife the most. 

Unfortunately, his day did not start very well. He learned that the Neptune Trader was intruded just last night. 

He was about to head for the ship when he also received a report that Alfred Davies has been trying to convince his investors to sell their shares to him. He instantly frowned hearing this and decided to intercept Alfred's current talk with one of the board members, Mr. Brodeur. 

Alfred had reserved an entire cafe at the Shangri-la Hotel just for his appointments that day. He was meeting six shareholders from Bertrand's company.

He brought with him five of his men to secure the place, but that did not stop Bertrand Duval from barging into their meeting and make a commotion. 

"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Davies?" Bertrand asked as he stormed into the cafe with his men. 

Alfred's men tried to hold them off, but he signaled them to let Bertrand inside. 

"Good morning to you too, Mr. Duval," said Alfred. 

Bertrand pulled out a chair next to Alfred, scaring the board member altogether. He asked, "Why are you buying shares from my company?" 

Since he left the airport, Bertrand had been wondering if Alfred was aware he had his adopted daughter. He knew Alfred went to both Ushant and Molène island when his men took Andrea. He was curious to know how much he had found out. 

"I simply want shares of your company. What's wrong with that?" Alfred replied casually as he took a sip of his coffee. 

"Bertrand, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Mr. Davies' intention to buy shares. Wouldn't his influence further help our company expand?" Mr. Brodeur expressed. 

Bertrand folded his arms across his chest and narrowed his eyes at Alfred, completely ignoring the advice. "I don't want you as a business partner. I don't like it when people try to take part in what's mine without asking permission."

Alfred put back his coffee on the table and turned his attention to Bertrand. He raised his chin and affirming each and every word, he responded, "So do I, Mr. Duval. SO - DO - I. I don't like scums who take things from me. Especially those that matter to me... Like my FAMILY."

Bertrand felt his throat dry up. His heart was pounding fast and had an inkling it was Alfred's men who had infiltrated his ship. He silently told himself, 'It had to be Alfred. He knows. He knows.'

He immediately stood up in anger and yelled at Alfred, "Your words mean nothing to me! I do not understand what you are trying to say, Mr. Davies. I don't want you part of my company. Period!"

"Bertrand!" called Mr. Brodeur. The displayed unprofessionalism surprised him that he could not help but raise his voice. 

"No! That is my final answer!" He then turned to Mr. Broduer and said, "If you want to sell your shares, I would gladly buy them back but I will not permit you to sell it to Alfred Davies!"

He stormed out of the cafe immediately and set his course for the ship. The vessel was still at Normandy, waiting for his arrival.

As they were driving to the province, he called one of the doctors. " Give Andrea Li as many doses of propofol as you can. I want you to infuse as many to her IV that the moment I arrive, I would be sure she would turn into a vegetable all her life!"

Bertrand would rather make her useless than hand her back to Alfred Davies. 

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