CHAPTER HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE

RICHARD’S POV

The moment the words left Grant’s mouth, I felt the tension in the room spike.

“What kind of offer did you get that’s better than the potential profit we talked about?” Langston’s voice wavered slightly, but he tried to keep his usual swagger.

Mr. Grant leaned back in his chair, chuckling. “Potential profit? You and I both know there’s a lot of risk in that word ‘potential.’ I was offered $10 million, upfront. No risk, no losses.”

Langston’s face twisted, disbelief clear in his eyes. “My companies can double that, triple it! You’re making a huge mistake, Grant!”

Grant’s smile faded. He leaned forward, his gaze sharp. “And how much of that would be on the table if you hit another losing streak at the casino? I’m not willing to find out. You’re a chronic gambler, Langston. I’m done doing business with someone who’s always one bet away from ruin.”

Langston’s bravado crumbled in an instant. The color drained from his face, his eyes wide with desperation. “Please, Grant,”