"Bob, you're well aware you don't stand a chance. Not to mention my connections with the Judicial Hall, but look at yourself. You've been expelled from the law firm, and all the business related to the Bolita Clan is on your shoulders. The things you've done for them over the years no longer have anything to do with the firm, and the firm has all the materials on this. If I hand it over, you might lose even your last shred of freedom. Why put yourself through this?"
"I know Alina's terms are harsh. How about this: the estate, you can have just half of it. After all, you don't have much money anyway; keep some for your retirement. This is the best offer. If you miss it, you'll end up with nothing."
The meeting room was unlit, with only one side of the curtains drawn, casting a dim light. The sun shone through one side, highlighting Murphy Demier, who sat at the very end of the long conference table, brilliantly outlined.
He indeed exuded charm. Although he was around the same age as Bob, he showed no signs of fatigue. His dark brown suit fit impeccably, and his hairstyle was both standard and elegant. Sitting there, he exuded an air of command, completely overshadowing Bob, who sat in the shadows, fatigued, with disheveled hair streaked with gray.
"Bob, considering how many years we've been married, let me take care of Monica. You can't look after her properly. You spend all day dealing with criminals, and it's too dangerous. Let her go."
Sitting beside Murphy Demier was Bob's ex-wife, Alina. She was indeed very beautiful, fashionably dressed, and made a perfect match with Murphy.
"Alina, I will never let my daughter fall into danger, never. Besides, how long have you actually cared for her over the years? You..." Bob took a deep breath and then looked at Murphy.
"Murphy, if you dare to hand over those materials, Master Ethan will not let you get away with it."
"Ethan... Master? Haha."
Murphy laughed lightly and disdainfully, as if he had just heard a joke.
"Bob, have you been working too much for those lowlifes, or are you just one of them? Do you think they can cause me any trouble? I have no fear whatsoever. Master... what kind of lowlife deserves to be called Master?"
Bob wanted to speak, but he remained frozen there.
Just as he was about to do something, there was a commotion outside.
"What do you want? You don't have an appointment; you can't just barge in. Stop them!"
Hearing this disturbance, Murphy frowned. He didn't understand who was challenging him so early in the morning.
As he intended to stand up to take a look, the door was opened.
It wasn't forced open; the door was gently opened. Whoever opened it was very courteous, knocking three times before entering.
A strikingly handsome young man stood outside, dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit, and carried himself with elegance, as if he were attending a banquet or a ball.
Beside him stood a silver-haired girl in hunting attire, with a cold demeanor and exquisite features.
This combination was captivating no matter where they were placed.
The young man, after entering, walked directly to the end of the conference table, across from Murphy. He pulled out a chair and sat down, smiling as he said, "Bob, I hope I'm not late?"
Murphy watched this scene, frowning but not dismissing them, instead signaling his subordinates to close the door.
"And who might this be?" he asked Bob.
Bob looked at Ethan, internally startled; he hadn't expected Ethan to show up. The feeling was indescribable.
It was like seeing a beam of light in the darkest night.
"This is... Master Ethan." His lips trembled slightly.
"Oh, so you're Ethan?" Upon hearing Ethan's identity, Murphy's expression relaxed again.
"Are you here to threaten me?"
"'Threaten,' that word is so unpleasant, and it constitutes defamation, right, Bob?"
"Correct." Although Bob didn't know how Ethan could help him, he felt inexplicable hope upon seeing this young man.
After all, this young man had saved the Bolita Clan.
Bob had experienced firsthand how dire that situation was.
Could he also rescue Bob from his life's crises?
"Alright, cut the crap. What are you here for? Speak, if there's nothing else, I think this meeting is over today. See you in court."
Murphy had already reverted to his arrogant demeanor, as if fully in command.
"Indeed, I have a few words to discuss with Mr. Murphy. But before that, I think it would be better if these two stepped out for a moment."
Ethan glanced at Alina and Bob.
Murphy sneered, as if to say, "Just as expected," and told Alina, "Let's go outside. Oh, and you too, your master orders you to leave."
Bob gave Ethan a look, and Ethan stood up proactively, walked over to his side, patted his shoulder, and said, "Go outside for a bit, have a cup of coffee, calm down. Leave this to me."
Bob felt some level of ease as he left the room with Ethan accompanying him.
As he left, he couldn't help but want to speak.
"Don't worry, I'll give him a... reason he can't refuse."
The door closed.
Even Anya stepped out, leaving only Ethan and Murphy in the meeting room.
"Alright then, let's hear it. What's this reason that's so irresistible?" Murphy's disdainful expression remained, "Are you going to pull out a gun now and point it at me, or send someone to smash up my office? Do whatever you like; I have no fear."
"You should know something: I've got the entire Wenster legal community behind me, along with many friends at City Hall. I'm well acquainted with the Security Office, so think carefully, young man, about exactly what you're getting into."
"I've heard about you: you single-handedly took down your enemies in two days and nights, reviving the family, quite impressive. But those are just your lower-class methods; against someone like me, standing in the sunlight, they're ineffective. If you take action against me, be ready to be burned to ashes by the sun."
"Now, make your decision: draw your gun, or slink away in shame."
Ethan smiled.
He crossed his hands and then slowly spoke: "I believe you've misunderstood something, Mr. Murphy. I've always been a legitimate businessman, never engaging in anything illegal. What I wanted to tell you is that I happened to have a very pleasant conversation this morning with Mr. John Hott about the most profitable deal currently. Additionally, I've heard that your wife comes from a distinguished legal family. I wonder what her particular opinion might be on your vibrant extramarital affairs?"
Murphy, who always held his power confidently, suddenly sat up straight. Silently, he stayed in the light for a long moment, then left the sunlight and slowly walked towards Ethan.