Chapter 42: Blocked

Gina looked up from the book she was reading, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What's all this about, Lory?" she asked, setting her book aside. Lory leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "It seems our daughter Olivia married well," he said, his voice tinged with pride. Gina's eyes widened with interest. "Oh? What do you mean?" she inquired, leaning forward. Lory explained, his tone filled with self-assurance. "You know about the problems the Smith family is facing, right?" he asked, and Gina nodded in acknowledgment. "Well, it seems Olivia's husband is behind it all." Gina's expression shifted to one of surprise. "Really? He must be quite powerful then," she remarked, impressed by the revelation. Lory nodded emphatically. "Indeed. And now, the Smiths are asking me to intervene on their behalf," he continued, his tone growing more confident. "They're offering us a subsidiary company and some ships in return." Gina's eyes widened in excitement. "That's i