Chapter 117:
A million each, without risking arrest for assault or homicide!
“Dude, this offer makes sense,” someone ventured.
“What makes sense?” The leader missed Freya’s strategic ploy. “If that person discovers we accepted her bribe, won’t they ensure we all end up behind bars?”
“But…”
“What’s your suggestion, then?”
“Weren’t you the one extolling how long a million would sustain us?” Uncertainty rippled through the group.
The leader exhaled sharply. His options had dwindled.
“It seems I underestimated Ashley Bradley’s influence,” Freya continued her manipulation, her scrutinizing gaze moving from face to face. “Or perhaps she possesses leverage against you?”
Confusion spread among the attackers as they exchanged glances, baffled by Ashley’s sudden involvement.
As they prepared to respond, understanding dawned on the leader.
With such gullible companions, rejecting the millions would be foolish!
“Ashley Bradley? Who’s she?” The leader signaled his cohorts, initiating their deception.
The others, not entirely obtuse, quickly grasped his intent.
One by one, they chimed in, “Bro, deception serves no purpose now. She already knows.”
“Precisely!”
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 g𝖺𝖑𝖓𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⫶ⅽ𝗈𝗺
“Our earlier statements betrayed us.”
“Indeed. Miss Bradley dispatched us to neutralize you. Your presence threatens her position.”
Freya observed them, impressed by their quick wit.
Just as she prepared to expose their charade, a resolute voice cut through the air.
“It can’t be Ashley.”
Freya halted mid-motion.
The dozen assailants instinctively turned toward the newcomer’s voice. Recognition transformed their expressions into masks of terror as they stammered, “Mr… Mr. Shaw…”
Kristian stood imposingly in his black suit, the metallic cuff buttons catching the streetlight with an enigmatic gleam. His perfectly sculpted features remained impassive as his penetrating gaze settled on the leader.
“Who are you?” he inquired.
“We…” the leader’s voice faltered.
His intimidation was understandable; Kristian’s presence radiated unmistakable authority and power.
“I offer two options,” Kristian stated with clinical detachment. “Either I ensure your imprisonment, or I permanently disable you. The choice is yours.”
The attackers recoiled in shock. Was such ruthlessness necessary? Their thoughts scattered in panic.
“Ms. Briggs orchestrated this entire scenario,” a previously silent man in a white T-shirt finally revealed.
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