CHAPTER HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-TWO

RICHARD’S POV

The silence in the room was thick enough to choke on. Mr. Grant’s laughter echoed off the walls, but I didn’t move a muscle. I just sat there, watching him as if he were the most boring show on television.

When he finally noticed my deadpan expression, his laughter died in his throat. “Wait, you’re serious?” he asked, eyes wide with disbelief.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Do I look like I’m joking?”

He blinked, struggling to process. “But… Langston’s deal is practically done. He’s already outside my office, waiting to sign the papers.”

I shrugged. “But it’s not done, is it? Until that signature hits the page, it’s just a bunch of empty promises.”

Mr. Grant stared at me, his mind visibly racing. “You can’t expect me to just throw him out like that. He’s been a good partner, reliable—”

“Reliable?” I cut him off, my tone laced with sarcasm. “You mean the same guy who’s been sinking faster than a rock in quicksand? The man’s a chronic gambler, Mr. Grant. An