CHAPTER 36

Asher stepped into the large conference room, accompanied by Aberon and Wilson. Across the long oak table, Cody Halbert sat with a tired and desperate expression. Mr. Tjoe, Asher's lawyer, sat beside Asher, ready to provide legal advice.

The room felt tense. Bright lights illuminated the documents scattered on the table, while outside, gray clouds covered the sky, adding to the heavy atmosphere in the room.

Asher sat calmly, staring directly into Cody's eyes. There was a palpable tension between them, two men with different goals yet bound by the same situation. Aberon, sitting next to Asher, offered a quiet gesture of support.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us, Mr. Cody Halbert," Asher opened the conversation with a measured tone. Cody nodded slowly, while Mr. Tjoe jotted something down in his notepad.

"Of course, Mr. Asher," Cody replied, his voice slightly trembling. "I hope we can find a mutually beneficial solution."

Cody took a deep breath before continuing, "Actual