Bernstein's mind raced. "Paris...buck teeth?" he muttered, piecing together the clues.
Miller, with a knowing smile, confirmed, "It seems you've guessed it."
Bernstein's eyes widened. "It can't be that Brazilian, right? After his World Cup performance..."
"But I have money!" Miller declared, his voice firm.
Bernstein sighed. "In football, money isn't everything."
"That's because they don't have enough money!" Miller countered with a confident grin.
The next day, Manchester City sent shockwaves through the football world again. News broke of Miller's staggering £150 million investment in the club. The astronomical sum solidified Miller's image as an enigmatic but deep-pocketed owner.
Little did everyone know, this investment had stretched Miller thin. He'd miscalculated the exchange rate, turning his initial $400 million into a slightly smaller sum in pounds. Yet, he remained undeterred. He'd used a significant chunk of his remaining funds to inject capital, aware that success wouldn't come cheap.
His entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and he checked his stock account. With his remaining $5 million, he'd made a strategic gamble, buying heavily into NetEase stock instead of the more established tech giants. Based on his knowledge of the future, he recognized NetEase's potential for explosive growth. His foresight had already paid off; the stock price had tripled.
He wasn't in a hurry to sell. This was just the beginning of the ride.
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Suddenly, his phone buzzed. It was Fiona.
"Brother Miller," her voice chirped, "Are you really the mysterious rich guy in Manchester?"
He chuckled. "It's me."
Fiona's excitement crackled through the line. "Wow! But how did you get so much money? Promise me it's legal!"
Reassurance washed over him. "Everything is legit, Fiona. Just some lucky stock trades. I multiplied the money your uncle left me."
Fiona's eyes widened. "You're like a hidden Buffett! When are you coming back? Lunch is on me!"
He explained his busy schedule and surprised her with an invitation. "Why not come to Manchester instead? Let me show you around for a few days."
Disappointment hung heavy in her voice. "Ugh, internship blues! I'm swamped."
Intrigued, Miller learned she was interning at none other than JPMorgan Chase, Sandezi's company. "Wow, Fiona! That's a fantastic opportunity."
Fiona playfully chided him, "Alright, alright, enough lecturing!"
The conversation shifted, and a hint of worry crept into Fiona's voice. "Alex and Gary might cause trouble for you after they heard the news."
Miller's smile faltered. "Those two? Why would they?"
"Just be careful," Fiona warned, echoing a Chinese proverb about vigilance.
Miller assured her he could handle it. He knew those entitled brothers well, just two jealous flies buzzing around him.
Just as he dismissed them, his phone rang again. It was Alex's number. Frowning, he decided to answer.
"Hey, Jamie Yang, did you hang up on me?" Alex's voice oozed with arrogance.
Miller's voice turned cold. "What do you want, Alex?"
"You stole from the Lehmans!" Alex accused, his voice dripping with venom.
Miller scoffed. "Keep it clean, Alex. I took what my adoptive father gave me – one million dollars. Not a penny more."
Alex scoffed back. "One million? Don't insult us. Where'd you get the money for Manchester City, huh?"
Miller's initial anger morphed into amusement. "Finally acknowledging your intellectual limitations? Congratulations!"
With that dig, he ended the call, leaving Alex sputtering on the other end. These childish attempts wouldn't deter him. Manchester City's future, and his own, were just beginning. He had a buck-toothed Brazilian to meet in Paris, and a club to reshape. The game was on.