Callan and Ezekiel straightened up at once, facing the police officers with newfound confidence.
+25 BONUS
“Officers, if we don’t get some justice here, this won’t end quietly. Even if we’re arrested for causing a scene, we’ll make sure everyone knows about this restaurant’s disgusting conditions. Let’s see how many people still want to eat here after that!”
The thugs causing trouble weren’t scary; it was the rumors that were much more frightening. If the reputation of Hale Eatery was damaged, business would drop, and the once–thriving restaurant would spiral into decline.
Damien and Samantha exchanged looks, their faces filled with sadness.
They never imagined that after working so hard and honestly for so many years, their success would attract such malice.
Life just wasn’t fair to the good guys.
“Bastards!” Hannah growled, poised to deliver a kick.
Upon seeing that, Callan immediately hobbled over, clutching his dislocated arm. “Go ahead, kick me! My arm’s already broken. Kick me again, and let’s see who gets charged with assault first!”
Anathea quickly stopped Hannah. “Hannah, calm down.”
“I can’t!” Hannah’s rage was boiling over. The place that had been her safe haven since childhood was being torn apart by these scumbags. She was so angry she could hardly contain herself.
But before she could act, Gregory stepped forward, his cold eyes scanning the two men.
Gregory had always exuded a presence of silent authority. Even without speaking, a single glance from him carried the weight of murderous intent.
Feeling the pressure, Callan shut his mouth, and Ezekiel instinctively shrank back.
But they’d seen their share of trouble. In a situation like this, it was either getting arrested or making a fortune. Naturally, they wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by.
They thought Gregory would be their obstacle, but to their surprise, Gregory spoke first. “You want a settlement? How much?” Ezekiel blinked in confusion. He didn’t expect Gregory to suddenly offer them money.
Callan, however, was quick to react. He raised a finger. “100 thousand dollars, no less.”
Gregory smirked slightly. “100 thousand dollars? Is that all you’ve seen in your life?”
Callan fell silent for a moment. 100 thousand dollars was the most they’d ever managed to extort in one go.
“How about one million dollars?” Gregory asked.
“One million dollars?” Damien and Samantha stared in disbelief, almost collapsing from shock.
Anathea turned to Gregory, confused. She’d never seen someone who would increase the amount. “What are you doing?”
“Helping you solve the problem,” Gregory said with a small smile. He then looked back at Callan and Ezekiel.
“One million dollars. I’ll have my lawyer draft a settlement agreement. You sign it, and you’ll both acknowledge that this disturbance has no connection to Hale Eatery.”
Callan and Ezekiel exchanged excited glances. They knew Gregory was loaded. They immediately upped the stakes. “Deal! But we want one million dollars each.”
Anathea frowned. She couldn’t believe the audacity of these two.
One million dollars each? They might as well be robbing a bank.
1/2
Chapter 286
+25 BONUS
Unlike Anathea’s displeasure, Gregory remained calm. He didn’t even blink and simply responded, “Alright, one million dollars each.”
He gestured, and Martin stepped forward, pulling out a checkbook
“No, we want cash!” Callan barked. “Just give us the cash directly! No checks, no bank transfers!”
Cash was the safest option.
“Fine.”
Gregory ordered Martin, who soon returned with two large suitcases.
When they were opened in front of Callan and Ezekiel, their eyes widened. Stacks of cash, neatly organized, filled the boxes. They’d never seen this much money in one place before.
Just as they were about to grab the money, Gregory’s hand slammed down on the box, stopping them from taking a single bill.
