Blackstone Code

"Is it... Mr. Neo?" When Vera heard Lynch mention that Neo was behind this matter, she momentarily lost her composure.

For a long time, as a semi-housewife, she lived around Gap, who would often talk about interesting things within the Listoan Group and some anecdotes about CEO Neo and the board of directors.

These stories could be considered a part of corporate culture. People liked to talk about the higher-ups, as if their opinions could be heard and validated by those at the top.

In Vera's understanding, Neo was not just a simple symbol. His name represented the ultimate aspiration for which Gap had strived for a long time.

It was an aspiration, not a goal, because Gap knew he couldn't reach it, but it didn't stop him from working towards it.

Lynch sat beside her, the television on but muted.

The people on the screen continued their performance, like a silent film.

He asked curiously, "Do you know Neo?"

Vera, snapping back to reality, nodded and took a small sip from the glass on the coffee table. "Yes, I once attended a management celebration event held by Listoan for their new stock peak. I saw him from a distance at the party. He felt very imposing, just like those big figures on TV."

In truth, Vera's sense of Neo's "imposing presence" came from Gap's unconscious or subconscious indoctrination.

When a person constantly heard from someone they trusted about the remarkable things someone else did, like chatting and laughing with the mayor today and dining with the governor tomorrow, it would shape a powerful image in their mind.

Gap had told too many legendary stories about Neo, creating a strong impression in Vera's mind. When she first saw Neo, she immediately bought into it, enhancing the experience.

If she hadn't heard so many descriptions beforehand, she might not have found Neo imposing, maybe even approachable.

Lynch nodded noncommittally. "Mr. Gap works for Listoan, for Neo, but now Neo has the police backing off. Has Mr. Gap been involved in some important and confidential work?"

He leaned back, increasing the distance between them to create a sense of space, which could give an anxious person more security, especially when posing potentially sensitive questions.

"I'm not trying to pry into secrets, but this concerns the reason for Mr. Neo's actions. We need to understand the reason to respond properly. We don't know if he's doing this for Gap's benefit or if he wants to…"

Lynch trailed off, leaving Vera to fill in the blanks with her worst fears.

In a few seconds, her expression changed. She took another sip from her glass, gripping it tightly with both hands.

The slightly stimulating liquid slid down her throat, spreading a faint warmth, giving her a bit of strength.

She shook her head, "I don't know."

She didn't tell Lynch the truth, unsure if she could confide in him yet.

Despite feeling betrayed by Gap, Vera hadn't thought about ending the marriage.

This was still a relatively conservative world. Despite the vigorous women's rights movement and "new women" parading with banners, most women remained conservative.

Conservative women, as they grew up, learned only to maintain at least the appearance of harmony in the family. No one told them that when they felt dissatisfied, they could be the ones to end the relationship and marriage earlier than their husbands.

Vera was such a conservative, yet gradually embracing new ideas, middle-class woman. Women in her class had similar attitudes.

Sometimes they appeared conservative, but other times, bold.

Lynch didn't press her, just patted her hand and had a maid escort her to a guest room.

He had a good idea of the problem: Gap, an accountant and possibly a manager, was likely involved in something related to financial records.

The police and Neo were after him; he was in big trouble.

However, this didn't concern Lynch much. His focus wasn't on this.

For several days, there was no news of Gap. Lynch's house was under surveillance by strangers, prompting him to have the staff sergeant guard the house, deterring the onlookers.

No one wanted to test the aim of visibly armed veterans patrolling the yard.

About a week later, at a newly constructed temporary rugby field in Sabin's outskirts, an unprecedented event occurred: the world's first women's rugby match, destined for the history books.

Perhaps to ensure that the game went off without a hitch, the weather was also good for the event. Although it was a bit cold, surely the girls wouldn't feel it once they started moving around.

Lynch personally greeted President Elena at the temporary parking lot. The old woman dressed simply, and if not for her styled hair, she wouldn't stand out.

"I'm glad you could personally attend. I thought someone else might come." Lynch had changed to look younger, his naturally handsome features making him appear seventeen or eighteen.

Young, clean, sunny, and with a respectful attitude and a charming smile, President Elena couldn't stop smiling from the moment she saw him.

She looked at her entourage, touched her hair to ensure it was neat, and said, "Lynch, this match is more important than you think. We need to wait here a bit longer…"

Seeing Lynch's confusion, she explained, "people from the state office will also be here. We need to greet them together." Then as if she suddenly remembered something, she added. "Oh no, do you have other urgent matters?"

He might have had other plans, but at that moment, nothing seemed more important.

The State Women's Rights Protection Association Office was the highest administrative office of the Women's Rights Association in this region. It might have seemed somewhat low-key, but in reality, those people wielded significant influence.

They could easily change a region's social dynamics without many people knowing.

"Nothing more important than this, President."

"Good boy." President Elena's gaze lingered on Lynch's face before moving on. She stepped forward, and Lynch quickly followed, making her even more satisfied.

This young man seemed to be able to read her mind, making her feel comfortable and relaxed.

Once they were a bit away from the crowd, President Elena said, "The association headquarters is very concerned about women in professional sports. For centuries, male discrimination against women hasn't been eradicated."

"Thanks to our efforts, such discrimination has lessened, giving women almost the same rights and responsibilities as men."

"But in traditional areas like professional sports and politics, there's been no breakthrough."

"The Athletes' Association is very resistant to professionalizing women's sports. So, the headquarters took your idea seriously. If this match goes well, we might form our own ‘Athletes' Association'."

President Elena's smile grew deeper. Without a doubt, this woman from a middle-class family seemed far less ordinary than she appeared on the surface.

In truth, President Elena wasn't satisfied with her current role. As the president of a women's rights association in a small city, she had neither power nor money. All that remained was some fame in high society, where she was not very highly regarded.

These things couldn't be easily converted into wealth or power, so she wanted to make a move.

If the Federal Women's Rights could establish its own Athletes' Association, it would be a great hope. Her good relationship with Lynch could help her secure a significant position during the formation process.

Just look at the current Athletes' Association: they controlled all sports broadcasting rights and the life and death of athletes and clubs.

The funds flowing through them annually were counted in billions. Even accessing a small part of it would be a huge progress.

Lynch played along, but internally, he disagreed. The Athletes' Association had woven a network covering all sports-related matters in the federation.

Starting a new Athletes' Association to compete with them? They wouldn't let it happen.

If they resisted, TV stations might refuse to buy broadcasting rights for women's sports, or even broadcast the games, killing the women's Athletes' Association.

Lynch never intended to go in alone. He just wanted to exploit some loopholes in the Athletes' Association for his benefit. He had no desire or motivation to fight this giant.Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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