Until his ex-wife tearfully begged him to return their daughter, and Murphy, who previously seemed able to manipulate him at will, could only stand by with a sullen face, Bob still felt an extreme sense of unreality.
Was the matter resolved just like that?
The lawsuit didn't need to continue; Murphy withdrew it.
He kept his money, kept his daughter, and even his wife...
Ethan said he didn't have to divorce if he didn't want to.
But just seeing Murphy look at his ex-wife as if she were a piece of discarded paper, he instantly lost his appetite.
A woman like this, it's better to let go.
Almost like walking on clouds, Bob stepped out of the Demier Law Firm, only feeling grounded again when the sun hit him.
He looked at the young and handsome Ethan standing beside him, bathed in sunlight like a deity, and sincerely bowed his head, grabbing Ethan's left hand and kissing the seal on his ring finger, saying, "Thank you for everything you've done for me, Mr. Bolita."
Ethan grasped his hand in return, smiling as he said, "No need for that, Bob, we're friends, aren't we? Friends should help one another. If you're in trouble, of course, I have to help you. If anything like this happens again, be sure to tell me sooner."
"Yes, sir."
"Come on, let's go grab something to eat, and we can discuss your law firm as well."
Bob quickly agreed, but for a moment he was a bit taken aback, what does he mean by my law firm?
I don't even have a law firm?
For lunch, they chose a steakhouse near a law firm, and to be located near a law firm, the quality had to be high.
At least in terms of beef quality, Ethan liked that kind of tender and juicy sensation.
"You just mentioned my law firm, what's that about?"
"Oh, haven't you already left Demier? You'll need a place to work in the future, anyway. Plus, the family's business is expanding; I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it alone. Why not set up a law firm and hire more people? After all, I'm a legitimate businessman and need adequate legal protection in case anyone wants to harm me; I can retaliate to protect my interests, right?"
Ethan cut a small piece of beef and put it in his mouth, nodding as he chewed.
"The marbling is quite nice. I like this steakhouse. I think it'd be best if your law firm is established right nearby. Demier is here too, so it seems like a good location."
"Yes..." Bob nodded, feeling like he was walking on clouds again. He felt like he had hit the jackpot today and was nearly dizzy from the continuous surprises.
"But the property prices here are very high..."
"Bob, don't worry about the money. I'm interested in your talent; just give me that in return, and as for everything else, leave it to me."
"Yes, sir, I..."
"Ethan, I've told you many times, call me Ethan, we're friends."
"Yes, Ethan, I will give it my all!"
There was a spark in Bob's eyes, and even his drooping hair seemed to regain vitality.
After lunch, Bob had to go back to see his daughter while Ethan needed to inspect the factory.
In the car, Anya couldn't help but say, "Young master, the property in that area isn't cheap, and maintaining a large team of lawyers costs a lot. Our account is already tight..."
"Anya, don't be afraid to spend money. Every dollar we spend now will return tenfold in value. We need lawyers, we need legal representation. Besides, the first batch of liquor was already shipped, right? We'll have money back soon."
The first batch of bootleg liquor was not only shipped from the Sea God to various ports but also distributed to every corner of the city from hotels, casinos, brothels, and underground bars.
In this Prohibition era, people are extraordinarily patient in seeking alcohol, and even willing to pay ten times the price.
This is the best of times.
Ethan quickly arrived to inspect the new factory in the southern suburbs.
Compared to the underground bootleg factory at Belle, this place was an unmistakably legitimate large factory with sufficient personnel.
The only drawback might be a lack of experience and skills, so Ethan planned to transfer Walt Jones over to manage both places simultaneously.
After reassuring the workers, Ethan left the art factory and headed back to the city.
He hadn't seen Virel in a few days and needed to ask about the situation of the new territories taken over by the Cabreya Clan.
By the time he arrived at Virel Tavern, it was almost evening. Just in time, Virel was also back for dinner; upon seeing Ethan, he clapped his hands and said, "Young master, your timing is perfect. The gun you asked me to test and make last time is ready; I've brought it here. I was thinking of sending it to the estate tomorrow."
"That's perfect, bring it out. Let's go test it in the cellar now."
Ethan was quite interested in the gun. If it could be successfully tested and then mass-produced, the Bolita family's armed forces would be on another level, gaining an absolute advantage against any enemy.
In the cellar, Virel took out a large wooden box, opened it, revealing a pitch-black gun inside.
From its design, although it still had some differences from the submachine guns Ethan had seen in his past life, the blueprint he provided wasn't completely replicated. Besides, the firearms in this world have their own styles.
But just from the first look and feel of the gun, Ethan felt the vibe was right.
Picking up the gun, the body was heavy, but Ethan's body had already been sanctified by the 'True God's Name,' so holding it wasn't too strenuous.
However, for an ordinary person to use it, it might be a bit uncomfortable, needing improvement in weight.
"Young master, I've already tested the gun. It can fire, the chamber is smooth, and it's a very good design."
Virel said flattering words.
He himself was considered a gun enthusiast, having seen countless long and short guns. He thought the design of this gun was decent, but far from being ingenious. To forcefully claim it as a genius design was something he couldn't bring himself to say.
Ethan merely nodded, then raised the gun and stood at the center of the shooting range.
Completely gripping the gun, Ethan felt a baffling sense of connection, as if it was a part of his flesh and blood.
He even sensed a slight tremor from his 'True God's Name.'
He didn't dwell on it, instead focusing on the target ahead, taking a deep breath for three seconds before pulling the trigger.
In an instant, as his finger repeatedly pulled the trigger, bullets frantically poured out, the crisp burst sound as rhythmic as typing.
Initially, Virel was just waiting for Ethan to fire one shot before preparing to step forward. But when Ethan truly began shooting, he froze in place.
This gun...