As the peacekeeping forces anticipated, the cruise ship incident indeed brought significant repercussions to District 25.
The news of nearly forty upper-class members from various conglomerates perishing undoubtedly acted as an earthquake within District 25. This impact extended beyond just the peacekeeping forces, encompassing the Morris conglomerate as well.
While the peacekeeping forces were initially held accountable, prompt support and the Morris conglomerate's proactive rejection of their security assistance request minimized their impact among all affected parties.
As the host of the Chamber of Commerce, the second entity to face accountability post-incident was the Morris conglomerate.
Although initially deflecting responsibility onto the Destiny organization, considering Mr. Larkins's past behavior, cooperation with said organization wasn't entirely improbable.
Moreover, denying the peacekeeping forces' security assistance, especially amidst prevailing insecurity, raised suspicions of collusion with the Destiny organization to eliminate future Chamber members.
Yet, perplexingly, the Morris conglomerate gained nothing from this event. Instead, they became the primary suspects, contrary to Mr. Larkins's known reputation within District 25.
In other words, there might be hidden motives behind this incident.
Amidst heightened public outcry, the Morris conglomerate took swift action to dissociate themselves overtly from the Destiny organization, presenting evidence of their joint resistance to Destiny's terrorist attacks alongside Jonas.
This move successfully shifted the blame from the Morris conglomerate to the Destiny organization.
Thus, the responsibilities of all parties involved in this incident have been accounted for.
However, Mr. Jonas remained beyond the scope of responsibility, merely a victim of circumstances.
"If Mr. Jonas has had his fill of amusement, perhaps he could inspect the company's financial status."
In the top-floor office of Alter Corporation, Miss Elvira placed documents before Jonas, her tone tinged with resignation.
In essence, this incident had indeed entangled Jonas's interests.
Given the extensive casualties in the Chamber's cruise ship incident, District 25's economy suffered. While the impact on the first and second-tier districts was limited due to their economic stability, the subsequent third-tier, fourth-tier, and slum districts bore varying degrees of influence.
Since the deceased capitalists often controlled these regions' economies, even Jonas, positioned primarily within the third-tier districts, felt the repercussions. Within a few days, all parties he had cooperated with suspended collaborations due to economic concerns, resulting in significant losses for Jonas.
In Miss Elvira's eyes, Jonas's actions were akin to shooting oneself in the foot.
The nanomedical robot project hadn't commenced, and the remaining companies lacked their own products. In this grand scheme, Miss Elvira could do nothing but watch as the company slid into losses.
"These are hard-earned credits!"
Surveying the documents handed to him by Elvira, Jonas's expression remained unchanged, bordering on amusement.
In reality, compensating for losses with the credits acquired through Morris conglomerate's deal was more than sufficient. Even if it incurred losses for several more months, it wouldn't significantly affect him.
However, this served as a wakeup call for Jonas. With most of Alter Corporation's assets dependent on other companies, and the Weitang Conglomerate's board unlikely to relinquish their assets, recruiting capable research teams became the utmost priority.
In other words, it was time to encroach upon the original protagonist's territory.
With this in mind, Jonas waved his hand and said, "No need to rush. I surely have a solution."
Hearing Jonas's words, although resigned, Elvira refrained from pressing further on the matter. Instead, she diverted the conversation, saying, "The Nelson conglomerate has sent an invitation for you. Miss Chelsea wishes to meet you privately."
At this, Jonas paused briefly, then inquired, "When?"
"Tonight," replied Elvira.
Jonas's expression turned peculiar, and the astute girl noticed the anomaly, asking, "Mr. Jonas, do you seem to know why Miss Chelsea wants to meet you?"
"No, I don't," Jonas denied emphatically.
However, this only deepened Elvira's suspicions.
Elvira wasn't entirely aware of their relationship, but she had always harbored speculations. Yet, Jonas's reactions seemed to deviate from her assumptions.
Shaking her head, she chose not to dwell further on her most improbable suspicion and said, "Alright then, I'll respond to Miss Chelsea later."
Pausing for a moment, she glanced at Jonas and continued, "Mr. Jonas, you wouldn't sell yourself out, would you?"
"?"
A question mark appeared above Jonas's head, as if he were amused, "Do you think I'm that kind of person?"
Elvira, at his words, pursed her lips, choosing not to speak, but her gaze betrayed everything.
In the evening arrived, at the Stern Grand Hotel, Jonas, with a familiar stride, ascended to the top floor. After iris scanning, he proceeded inside, finding the room vacant. Glancing at his watch, he noted there was still about half an hour until the appointed time. Seated, he awaited, observing the neon city below through the floor-to-ceiling windows, seemingly ablaze eternally.
Not long after, approximately fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded at the door. Using the remote, Jonas unlocked it, revealing Miss Chelsea, bundled in a coat, her face slightly flushed, her demeanor reluctant.
Jonas couldn't help but smile, greeting, "Long time no see, Miss Chelsea. How have you been lately?"
Hearing this, Chelsea's cheeks flushed deeper, but not with pleasure. She scoffed, retorting, "Mr. Jonas is indeed a qualified businessman."
"I fail to grasp Miss Chelsea's implications," Jonas feigned ignorance, inquiring, "Which matter are you referring to, Miss Chelsea?"
"If Mr. Jonas enjoys feigning ignorance, I wouldn't mind canceling our appointment," Chelsea threatened.
"Ha-ha, just a jest," Jonas chuckled, then continued, "With numerous affairs lately, I've been rather occupied... I hope Miss Chelsea can understand."
Pausing momentarily, he added, "Of course, if Miss Chelsea wishes, I wouldn't mind her sponsoring me with several million credits to tide over these difficulties."
Chelsea merely glanced at him askance, remaining silent. Jonas, knowing she wouldn't unconditionally assist with millions of credits, eased the awkwardness that had persisted for too long. He smiled and redirected the conversation, "Have you prepared as discussed?"
Upon hearing this, Chelsea's face reddened involuntarily, her previously aloof expression now showing signs of strain. She bit her lip, as if finding it difficult to articulate, murmuring, "Yes."
"Miss Chelsea needn't be nervous; it's merely therapy," Jonas reassured, pausing before adding, "This is all unrelated to love or desire, just straightforward treatment."
At Jonas's words, Chelsea took a deep breath, visibly calming herself. She looked at Jonas, opened her mouth, and after a moment of hesitation, threatened, "If..."
Her words were cut off as Jonas interrupted, "Alright, it's therapy time now."
He fixed his gaze on her, commanding, "Now, bring out what you've prepared for me."
Hearing this, Chelsea's thoughts were disrupted, instinctively beginning to comply with his words.
By the time she realized, a collar was already in her hands, with Jonas holding the rope at the other end.
"Well done, much better than last time," Jonas commended, his tone tinged with approval. He turned to look at Chelsea, speaking in a cool tone, "Now, ■■, do you know what comes next?"
Though the language was insulting, it oddly filled Chelsea with inexplicable anticipation. Her mouth felt dry, her mind beginning to swim, even her consciousness growing hazy.
The side effects of forcibly removing the chip were taking effect.
"Um... I know... master..."
Then, her hearing faded into incomprehensible murmurs.