Strong Grace had been in this industry for decades and had experienced several stock market crashes. He had too much experience and professional knowledge to judge William's words. He just hadn't dared to think like William before.
Now, hearing William's words, his glimmer of hope was shattered. After rational thought, although he didn't agree with everything William said, he did believe that the stock market would continue to fall, as the market had already lost confidence.
Strong Grace sat down on the sofa in the VIP room, looking dazed, but he didn't stay dejected for long. As a banker who had been in the banking industry for decades, Strong Grace certainly had this level of psychological resilience.
Since he had determined the outcome, he had to carefully plan what to do next. If things really unfolded as William predicted, the Swiss National Bank could do so much in the next one or two years. Earning a few hundred million would be considered little; making tens of billions, like William, wasn't out of the question.
Money was one aspect; the most important thing was that this could enhance their bank's reputation among its peers and its influence among clients. Strong Grace might even be promoted to president based on his merits, and his personal social influence would see a qualitative improvement, which would greatly elevate his family's social status in Switzerland.
Carefully pondering William's words, he had made similar judgments before the stock market crash, but his eyes had been blinded by the market's frenzy. Now, calm again, Strong Grace thought it over and understood, then excitedly stood up and shook William's hand, thanking him.
"Thank you, Mr. Devonshire. Your words have benefited me greatly. It truly proves the saying that everything leaves a trace. God, we were all blinded by greed."
"William, at this time, withdrawing is the wisest choice. This simple truth is not something everyone can achieve."
"Greed is the original sin. The money put into your own pocket is truly your own money. In the future, if you need anything in Switzerland, you can come to me. I would be very happy to serve you. Thank you again, Mr. Devonshire."
William looked at the old man in front of him, who had a firm expression, sparkling eyes, and had regained his spirit, and secretly praised, "He truly deserves to be the vice president of the National Bank. He calmed down so quickly, made a decision, and went all in."
"You're welcome, Mr. Grace. The opportunity is in your hands. This is all God's arrangement, for you to come to me today and listen to a twenty-year-old kid like me. I wish you good luck, Mr. Grace."
"Thank you, I'll take my leave now, William. I feel twenty years younger, full of drive. I am confident I can lead the National Bank to even greater glory, and even fulfill my wish of becoming the president of the National Bank.
The Grace family name will surely resound throughout the Swiss banking world. You are my lucky star, my angel," Strong Grace said, then gave William a firm hug and patted him on the back three times.
This immediately made William understand what Strong Grace meant by those words. Patting him on the back three times was to reassure William that he would keep William's secret, because he had ambition and wanted to become the president of the National Bank even more.
A betrayer could not become the president of the National Bank; in fact, if it were more serious, whether their family could even stay in Switzerland in the future would be a problem.
"Thank you, I also want to thank you for your help, Mr. Grace. If it weren't for your selfless help, I wouldn't have been able to get a 3% margin rate at the National Bank. So, we are friends, Grace, and friends should help each other," William said with a smile.
Strong Grace said happily, "That's right, William, we are friends. The Grace family will become loyal friends of the Devonshire family. God be my witness, it's getting late, so I'll take my leave. The board is waiting for my report. Let's chat next time."
William saw Strong Grace out. They bid each other farewell, but William secretly reminded himself not to be reckless. If the cost of betraying William wasn't so high, William wouldn't trust these bankers.
After seeing Strong Grace off, William said to Phillips, "Thank you for your help these past few months, Phillips. This is a personal bonus from me." With that, William handed Phillips a check for 2 million US dollars.
Phillips took it, looked at it, and said excitedly, "Thank you, Mr. Devonshire, thank you very much. I am honored to serve you."
William patted Phillips on the shoulder. The matter finally had a satisfactory conclusion.
At Zurich International Airport in Switzerland, William, accompanied by Sam, entered the airport. In the departure lounge, William said to Sam in a low voice, "This is as far as you need to come, Sam."
"Alright, boss. Anything else you need?" Sam said, handing William his luggage.
Taking the luggage from Sam, William thought for a moment and then said, "Please say hello to Brian and the others for me. After you take Alexandra back to the States this time, your mission will be over. I'll call you if I need anything, Sam. Thank you all for your help."
"Alright, boss. We should be thanking you for being willing to take us old guys on. We'll be waiting for your call anytime. Goodbye, boss," Sam said gratefully.
William nodded, "Goodbye, Sam."
Over the past month, William had called Alexandra many times, but she never answered. William, worried, had no choice but to instruct Brian and the others to secretly protect Alexandra in Brazil.
He learned from Brian that Alexandra had been using work to numb herself recently. Over the past month, Alexandra hadn't stayed in Brazil but had traveled all over the world, going wherever there was a fashion show invitation. When women are stubborn, no one can persuade them.
William didn't feel he needed to indulge her so much. Just because he didn't listen to her, she avoided him and didn't answer his calls. If Alexandra hadn't driven Brian and the others away, William would have thought she was going to break up with him.
Coming quietly, and now leaving quietly, made William feel a little sad. Am I still a rich man?
William booked a private jet directly to Oxford, England. He had been away for three months, and his mother, Lina, had called him several times, urging him to return to England. William had kept delaying, saying he was busy with important matters. Now that he had made his money, of course, he had to return to England to see his mother. The castle had been renovated, and his mother had been waiting for him to move in together. Lina had called him many times these past few days, she couldn't wait any longer.
Two hours later, the plane landed at a private airfield in Oxford. As William stepped off the plane, he saw a Rolls-Royce and two Land Rovers waiting outside the aircraft. His mother, Lina, along with the beautiful young Tina and Barney Christmas, were waiting for him. Seeing his mother and Tina immediately lifted William's spirits.
"Hey, Brother William, I'm here!" Tina saw William get off the plane and rushed towards him, hugging him tightly, her head rubbing against his neck.
"William, I missed you so much! Where have you been these past few months? You just left Aunt Lina and me alone and went off to play. You don't know how tired Aunt Lina and I were with the castle. William, look, my waist has gotten thinner from all the work."
After speaking, she grabbed William's hand and placed it on her waist, then wrapped her arms around his neck, just like a couple in love, which made Tina's eyes narrow with a smile.
What a clever little imp! At only sixteen, she already knew how to play tricks on him. William gently hugged Tina; the feeling was indeed quite nice, and he couldn't help but hold her tighter.
Seeing William holding her and not letting go, Tina secretly rejoiced like a little fox. 'I don't believe that I, a beautiful girl, am inferior to that Brazilian model. William said when he was little that he would marry me when I grew up. I am William's true love.'