Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 647 George explained that he had felt guilt toward the last friend who survived the incident, so he had given him a substantial sum to change his identity and move abroad, ensuring he would never have to worry about food or shelter again. But the friend's resentment ran deep. Nothing was ever enough. He repeatedly threatened George, demanding favors. At first, George, out of old loyalty, tried to accommodate him wherever possible. Over time, however, the demands grew excessive, eventually crossing into risky and illegal territory.

When George firmly refused, their relationship broke completely. The friend then attempted to dredge up the past accident to tarnish George's reputation. George was prepared to shoulder responsibility, but the accidents had long been compensated, and years had passed. Beyond stirring a temporary wave of criticism against George's character, the events had almost no impact on the Hunt family. The last remnants of their bond were gone. Later, George learned that the friend had gone bankrupt while running a business abroad and had been sentenced to two years for violating regulations.

---- He thought it was finally over. But after serving his sentence, the friend's first action was to resume extortion, demanding ten percent of the Hunt Group's shares and a large sum of cash as" compensation" for the past. George felt he had already done enough to make amends and refused outright. From then on, that friend could only lurk overseas, using underhanded methods to stir trouble and threaten George repeatedly. But the Hunt family had long changed; these petty schemes were ineffective, and George never paid them any mind.

Hearing George's account, Nick and Khloe immediately understood the implication: everything traced back to this " former friend." Khloe had provided the timeline of Niel's illness. At that time, George had just made his final refusal of the former friend's threats. Afterward, the Hunt family hosted the International Chamber of Commerce, held near the new industrial park. The weeklong event drew many high-profile participants, including Niel. One night, a small-scale gas leak occurred at a factory within the industrial park.

---- Upon receiving the news, George immediately dispatched people to inspect and seal off the area, ending the Chamber's activities early. Because the leak happened late at night, when the surrounding area was empty, and lasted only a few minutes, it posed almost no danger to others. George decided not to make the incident public. Afterward, the Hunt family provided generous financial and medical compensation to the staff on duty and dismissed them from their posts. George never expected this incident to be connected to Niel's death.

He had no grudge against Niel and would never intentionally harm him. But in retrospect, the gas leak might not have been accidental- it could have been a deliberate attempt by someone to harm him again and create a catastrophe, though it ultimately failed. Even so, George acknowledged that he bore some responsibility. During the video call, he told Nick that he was willing to take responsibility for what was rightly his. If necessary, he could personally meet Henry and formally apologize for the matter.

He also assured Khloe that she needn't consider the Hunt family's interests-he would cooperate fully with any investigation. Khloe could tell he was sincere. For him to recount his sealed- ---- off past so openly in front of Nick was already a remarkable step. It was clear that, since his last confrontation with Nick, George's attitude toward his son had shifted somewhat Yet Nick did not reciprocate. Beyond understanding the facts, he had no other interaction with his father. George was not one to yield easily.

Several times he tried to speak to Nick, but the words would stiffen in his throat, failing to come out naturally.