Chapter 899 A Face-to-Face Meeting
The man’s words carried a hint of threat, but Ronin remained calm. “If you refuse, then our cooperation ends here.” Without waiting for a response, Ronin added, “Even if you want to expose our collaboration, I don’t care.”
As if anticipating Ronin’s rebellion, the man laughed out loud. “Haha, is that all you’ve got? Rest assured. I won’t expose our collaboration or retaliate against you. You can leave.”
Ronin couldn’t quite grasp the man’s intentions, but he was certain that the man wouldn’t let him off so easily. He said, “Why hide it? Just state what you want; don’t beat around the bush.”
The man shrugged nonchalantly, signaling Ronin. “I won’t see you out.”
Ronin looked at him suspiciously, feeling that things were not as simple as they seemed. And just as he turned to leave, the man in the black robe spoke slowly from behind. “Ronin, I keep my word. I won’t trouble you. However, you know Winston, right? I haven’t decided how to deal with him yet. Should I bury him alive or beat him to death?”
“I knew it! He’s definitely not going to let me off easy. But I didn’t expect him to be so despicable!” Ronin thought. He couldn’t hold back his anger and charged forward.
The man reacted swiftly, and despite Ronin’s recent improvement in combat skills, he was still not a match.
After a few moves, Ronin was pinned down. The man grabbed his throat, and he couldn’t resist.
The man looked down at Ronin with disdain. “Ronin, who do you think you are to act so recklessly here? You’re nothing without Catherin.”
Ronin struggled to speak; in the face of absolute power, even talking was difficult. “You’re right. I rely on Catherine. Without her, I wouldn’t have a chance to survive. Fighting to live is the best way to repay Catherine, isn’t it?
“So, just live your life. I’ll give you a chance. Get lost!” The man threw Ronin away harshly.
Ronin immediately stood up and charged toward the man again, shouting, “Release Winston!”
The atmosphere in the room was really tense. It felt like another fight was about to break out.
Unlike Ronin, the man in the black robe remained calm throughout. “Why should I listen to you? Given the help you’ve provided before, letting you go is already generous. Don’t think about pushing your luck.”
Ronin finally understood why they took the risk and refused to let Winston leave. They just wanted to use Winston as a hostage.
He closed his eyes in pain, knowing there was no way to escape this devil’s control. He then said, “Speak up. What do I need to do for you to agree to release Winston?”
Receiving no answer, Ronin couldn’t contain his rage. “Don’t pretend to be considerate; just get to the point. Keeping Winston is just to threaten me, right?”
The man carefully observed Ronin, looking genuinely puzzled. “Catherine treated you so well, but you could betray her without hesitation, and now, you want to save Winston at any cost, huh?”
Ronin glared at him, full of arrogance. ” It’s none of your business. Tell me what to do, and that’s it. Stop talking nonsense.”
Not wanting to push Ronin to the brink, the man stopped probing and stated his purpose. He said, “The list. As long as you can find the list, I’ll release Winston. You have a week. If you mess up, you’ll only find his dead body next time.”
Public opinion on the internet continued to spread.
Catherine was told to stay home and rest. During the lunch break, Branden would come back early from work to cook for her.
She always slept until she woke naturally and would finish the dishes Branden prepared. In the evening, Branden would cook fresh meals. Her life was more comfortable than ever.
After finishing lunch, Catherine stood up to put the dishes in the kitchen. Suddenly, her phone in her pocket buzzed.
After cleaning her hands, she leisurely took out her phone to answer the call.
She thought it might be Branden checking on her lunch. However, her exquisite eyes suddenly darkened when she saw the caller ID. She swiped to answer the call and placed the phone to her ear.
“Miss Swann, delighted to call you again.”
Catherine pulled a chair nearby and casually sat down, waiting for the person on the other end to speak. ” Speak up. What’s the matter this time.”
“Miss Swann, I bet you’ve caught wind of those online rumors. The public’s not exactly singing your praises. Word is your experimental projects are on hold, and the school’s granted you some time off. Hands tied on any projects, huh?”
“Heh.” Catherine sneered. “You’re quite well-informed, but what does it have to do with you?”
Despite Catherine’s unfriendly tone, the other party stayed calm. “It concerns me, of course. Miss Swann, if you’re willing to work together, our terms haven’t changed. And, in many ways, I can help you.”
“So, you admit that you released the video,” said Catherine.
The other party sounded arrogant.” Yes. Miss Swann, now you should know that we hold the cards here. We can either boost you to fame or bring you down hard.”
Catherine had enough of backing down. “I can work with you, but I need to meet your top dog.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. The other party seemed surprised by Catherine’s quick agreement. “Miss Swann, why bother negotiating with others when I can decide everything?”
“Enough with the nonsense. I want a face-to-face meeting. Next time you call, tell me the time and address. I’m not afraid of anything, so what are you afraid of?” After saying this, Catherine hung up, not giving the other party a chance to object.
Just then, Withal’s call came in. ” Catherine, why was your phone busy when I called just now?”
“Took a call. Something’s up.”
Catherine didn’t want to tell everyone about her plan to negotiate with the other party. “Withal, what’s going on?”
“Catherine, I still couldn’t reach Wantel. I’m really worried he’s in trouble. Should we arrange for someone to look for him together?” Withal asked, concern evident in his voice.
“No need.” Catherine decisively rejected Withal’s proposal.
Withal couldn’t help asking, Catherine, did you give Wantel some task?”
