<b>Chapter </b><b>577 </b>


    When it came to standing up for themselves, even the most beaten–down folks found a bit of backbone once their bottom line was on the line. Aubree’s approach went off without a hitch. However, those few who hesitated to sign were just holding off to see if the vige chief would really get what’sing to him, just like she said.


    After making their way from one end of the vige to the other, they soon found themselves at the Nelson family’s doorstep.


    “Ms. Miller, do you really think we can convince the Nelson family?” Ethan asked.


    Ethan thought, ‘Since Alvin already brought their son back, doesn’t that mean the Nelson family will just go along with whatever he says?”


    “Won’t know till we try, am I right?” Aubree replied.


    Honestly, even Aubree wasn’t sure if Pontus would give in.


    To be honest, all she could do was discuss things with the project manager and see if she could convince at least part of the Nelson family to go along with the agreement.


    Luckily, when they went to visit Pontus, Jacob wasn’t home.


    “Mr. Nelsn, where’s your son?” Aubree asked.


    As soon as Pontus recognized Aubree, his face brightened with a warm smile. However, when she mentioned his son, the smile slightly vanished. He responded, “Ever since he returned, he hardly spends any time at home.”


    To be precise, except for staying home the night he first returned, Jacob just dropped by once or twice over the next couple of days for a quick meal with his dad and to discuss the demolition. From the way he spoke, it was apparent he wanted everything to go his way.


    Most of the time, he was nowhere to be seen. Heined the countryside was dirty and ufortable, so he moved into a hotel in town and ate all his meals there. Even when he was home, Pontus could barely catch a glimpse of him.


    ‘Can I really count on a son like that, who’s forgotten his roots, to take me to the city and actually take care of me after the house is torn down?‘ Pontus wondered.


    Aubree sensed a turning point and, this time, made no attempt to hide who she was.


    When she revealed she was the CEO of Bree Technology, Pontus was clearly stunned for a moment.


    Vincent quickly added, “Mr. Nelson, the GrabCheap App you’re using right now is developed and run by Bree Technology. Ms. Miller was the one who came up with it.”


    While he didn’t know much about Bree Technology, Pontus but he sure knew GrabCheap!


    As an elderly person with barely any ie, he used to hold back from buying or using anything new. But ever since GrabCheap showed up, he could finally swap <i>out </i>his old, worn–out things for brand new ones.


    “That’s wonderful, my child!” he said warmly,


    Aubree asked, “Mr. Nelson, do you remember that resort I mentioned the first time we met?


    “To tell you the truth, if I get the project to renovate Ridgehaven Town, my n is to turn this ce into a themed resort. For elders like you who really don’t want to leave, you can stay right here at the resort. We’ll set you up with a job that fits you, so you can spend your golden years here infort.”


    The entire idea was to create a themed resort, and having locals or even former vigers working or living there would make the ce even more appealing to visitors.


    Aubree spoke with real sincerity, and Pontus listened carefully, turning it all over in his mind as he contemted, ‘Can I really trust my own. son and daughter?


    Who am I kidding? Of course not. They only care about the money.


    If they get their hands on thepensation, those two families will just end up fighting over it anyway. I might as well keep everything in <i>my </i>own hands. After I’m gone, it’s no longer my problem.


    “Alright, I’ll sign the agreement,” Pontus finally said, his voice steady with a hint of resolve. ‘Guess it’s time to take matters into my own hands,‘ he thought.


    As they left the Nelson family’s house, Aubree felt a wave of relief wash over her. Just one more person left, and that’s Josephine. There shouldn’t be any surprises with her,‘ she thought.


    “Let’s go,” she said, her voice steady and confident.


    After following this project for so long, it was finally wrapping up, and Aubree was in a great mood.


    Vincent grinned and said, “All things considered, this whole process went pretty smoothly.”


    ‘Indeed, Aubree thought.


    As soon as they got close to Josephine’s house, a loud racket of things being smashed and broken reached their ears.