Wade Barton kicked Aron and opened his mouth politely, "Mr. Brook, now that they are gone, can we get down to business?"

Christine heard the careful probing in Wade's tongue, and her eyes were surprised.

She remembered the Bartons were powerful, especially since she'd seen them and The Stocks work so often in the three years when she'd been in prison. But now they were so coward.

She watched them with guarded eyes, and clutched Franklin's hand harder.

There was a slight tingling in Franklin's palm. Seeing her tense, he patted it reassuringly with his right hand.

"Go ahead."

He responded.

Wade was relieved, but remained standing, "All of the Bartons' shares have fallen this morning. Please, Mr. Brook, please spare us."

"Oh? How did I not know?" Franklin rubbed the back of Christine's hand carefully and said carelessly.

Aron opened his eyes wide at this, "Mr. Brook, I was already hung up on the eighteenth floor last night. How could you..."

"Pop--"

Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Wade's slap!