Hans did not give him a reply, continuing to y with the bangle in his hands.


    The bangle was the size of a palm, radiating an air of antique charm. It was clear that it cost quite a bit.


    Seeing Hans remain silent, Connor and the others had no choice but to wait patiently.


    A whileter, Hans passed the jade bangle back to the butler, who returned it to the briefcase.


    "My deepest apologies," said Hans. "The Angora n isn''t what it used to be anymore. I''m afraid I can''t be of any help."


    Jaden was the first to panic. "Surely there''s nothing you can''t sort out in Morburn, right?"


    Hans smiled. "I might be an Earl, but I haven''t had much actual power for a while now. To tell the truth, I think you''d be better off asking for help from Governor Wynna."


    "We did, but he''s always busy," Jaden said.


    Hans took out a pipe then. The butler filled it with a beautiful golden tobo, before lighting it.


    Hans took a leisurely puff, saying nothing.


    Connor looked at Jaden, then at Hans. "Earl Hans, we''ve invested a good amount into that gold mine. We''d be losing way too much if we fail to get it. We simply can''t afford that. Please, help us out."


    "My apologies. My abilities are limited," said Hans.


    Jaden looked visibly panicked.


    Yet Connor said calmly, "Earl Hans, we''re more than happy to pay you an extra twenty million dors for your assistance. Help us get the gold mine, please."


    To tell the truth, Connor was nervous as well.


    They had been gunning for the gold mine for a year now and had high hopes for it. It was said to contain a more than satisfactory amount.


    However, getting mining rights in a foreign country came with its difficulties.


    Connor and Jaden had invested a total of two hundred million dors for the Morburn government to even allow them to partake in the bidding.


    They had thought that the bidding would be smooth sailing for sure since they had spent all that money.


    However, the people they had given the money to were of hardly any help.


    It was only after they had spent a good amount of time asking around that they found out about the great Earl Hans.


    They had put two hundred million dors into this and could not afford to have all that money go to waste. They would incur hell from themittee board, and even get Connor and Jaden fired.


    With no other choice, they could only continue investing and making an appointment with Hans.


    Now, however, it seemed like Hans was less than willing to help.


    Jaden was ovee with panic, and even Connor was starting to lose his cool.


    It was important to note that the jade bangle alone had cost five million dors.


    Hans'' brows furrowed together tightly at Connor''s words as if he were deep in thought.


    Connor said at once, "Earl Hans, I''ll give you a ten percent stake if we get the mining rights to this."


    Jaden looked at Connor in shock. Ten percent was a big amount.


    It was important to note that the investments that the gold mine would require


    were enormous.


    The equipment alone was going to cost a few hundred million dors. Coupled with the bidding investment, the total amount would tally up to over two billion dors. This was far more money than both of them had ess to from the family, and they had only been able to fulfill that amount by taking out loans.


    Yet Connor paid no mind to Jaden''s shocked expression, looking at Hans silently. Atst, Hans let out a long sigh.


    "Gentlemen, I really do appreciate your determination and drive. I''ll try persuading the governor for you, but I can''t guarantee sess," he said.


    Connor nodded at once. "We''re more than happy as long as you''re willing to try."