Chapter 226

Kenji reclined in the comfy leather chair, his fingers tapping restlessly on the armrest as he scrutinized the old man across from him. The atmosphere was thick with tension, almost suffocating as they locked eyes. The old man's proposition lingered between them like an unpleasant odor, and Kenji had no intention of making this easy.

“So, let me get this straight,” Kenji started, his voice laced with sarcasm. “You want me to say that Ethan had nothing to do with human trafficking? That all the photos, the evidence, the gossip—everything—is just one big misunderstanding? And for this little favor, you’re offering me five million bucks?” He laughed derisively, shaking his head. “You must think I’m either desperate or completely clueless.”

The old man’s face remained impassive. He was a veteran in these kinds of negotiations, but Kenji noticed the slight narrowing of his eyes and the barely perceptible tightening of his jaw. Kenji was getting under his skin, and that gave him a bit of sa