novelxo Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Markus fell into a contemplative silence, his gaze laden with a mocking undertone.
“So… the reason you came looking for me this time is to shell out another 200,000 dollars and send me, who barely warmed my seat, scurrying away from Riverside City again”
Samantha moistened her lips, her demeanor full of allure.
She responded, “It’s not that I’m trying to hound you out, but rather it’s Aaron’s request. But if you agree, the offer could go up. How does 400,000 dollars sound? After all, given the skyrocketing inflation over the past eight years, it’s only fair.”
“A thoughtful proposition.”
Markus looked at her sternly, shaking his head. “It’s true that I accepted 200,000 dollars from the Winchester family before and kept my promise of leaving Riverside City for a good eight years. But this time… I’m not playing ball”
*600,000 dollars!” Samantha pushed up the stakes, “Money is no object to the Winchester family.”
Despite her generous offer, Markus continued to shake his head. “This isn’t about the money.”
In other words, there was no room for negotiation.
Samantha looked taken aback. Judging by Markus’s plain attire, his past eight years hadn’t been living a good life.
In that case, he shouldn’t have been indifferent to the huge sum of 600,000 dollars.
This was perplexing.
After a moment’s thought, Samantha said, “Indeed, it was wrong of us to force you to leave your hometown, but at least we’re fair dealers in the Winchester family. We did compensate you.
“Some people live their whole lives fighting for their pride, Markus. But for many, life is a continuous struggle for a better future.
“When others’ fathers were breaking their backs earning a living, your foster father was squandering away his time playing poker. As a result, you and your brother didn’t have a safety net to fall back on. In fact, your foster father was nothing but a blot on your escutcheon.
*600,000 dollars, Markus. It’s enough to give you a fresh start in a new city. Are you sure you want to throw that away?
“Think about it. Money can make any place feel like home, don’t you think?
“Do you agree?”
Samantha’s tone was light, her point pragmatic.
600,000 dollars might not be a fortune in today’s society, but it’s not chump change either.
That’s a twenty-year salary for a high-earning white-collar worker.
Most would find such a sum quite tantalizing.
With a warm smile, Samantha added, “Having said all this, I believe I’ve been more than fair.”
Markus chuckled, catching her hidden message, “In other words, if I refuse, I’m biting the hand that feeds me. Bache, you could switch to a more hardball approach to boot me out of Riverside City, right?”
“It’s not me. It’s Aaron! He’s given you a three-day deadline to leave Riverside City! And you should know, despite handing over the reins of the company to Genevieve, Aaron still wields considerable clout in Riverside City, both above and below the board. He won’t have a hard time forcing an ordinary Joe like you out of the city.”
“If he isn’t as ordinary as he seems?” Markus posed a counter-question.
Samantha dove into a brief contemplation.
However, she couldn’t imagine any scenario in which Markus had the chops to stand up to Aaron.
How extraordinary could he be?
Could he possibly rock the boat of the wealthiest man in Riverside City?
No chance in hell.
“Are you really hell-bent on not leaving Riverside City?”
“I’ll hit the road when the time’s right, but it won’t have anything to do with anyone else.”
Samantha nodded, striking a nonchalant note, “Fair enough, I respect your call. After all, Aaron didn’t plan on having me stick my nose in this. My visit here is primarily to keep things on the down-low. If you’re not on board, well, he’ll step in himself. Let’s shift gears here. Have you given any thought to your future?”
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Chapter 17
Future? Isn’t it just living for the day?” Markus countered effortlessly.
Samantha said, “That’s how the run-of-the-mill folks think. Any man worth his salt will at least map out his path, then hustle hard to meet his goals. Makes his life worth the while. Aaron, he’s cut from that cloth.”
Markus cracked up, “I guess I’m just the run-of-the-mill folk in your word, Bache. I reckon a man’s life should be filled with good booze and fine women. As for when and where I’ll kick the bucket, well, what will be, will be.”
Samantha fell silent, “So, you’re still not up to snuff for Genevieve. Aaron’s objection to you two being together… he’s got the right idea!”
Markus didn’t deny it. His past with Genevieve was, in hindsight, youthful folly.
He found Genevieve attractive and wealthy, and so, he made his move.
His approach was laughably simplistic, setting up a fake confrontation with some pals playing the goons, then stepping in like the knight in shining armor.
Surprisingly, it worked like a charm.
As for his relationship with Genevieve, in all honesty, it was more of a brief fling than anything else.
Beyond their passionate sex life, there wasn’t much of an emotional connection to speak of.
“Whether I’m worthy of her or not, I couldn’t care less. After all, I never planned on rekindling things with her, or becoming the son-in-law of the Winchester family!”
A thought suddenly crossed Markus’s mind, “I’ve never really had a life goal. But just last night, I stumbled upon something that absolutely compels me to stick around in Riverside City!”
“Tell me about it. Samantha feigned curiosity.
Markus paused for a moment, “You might find it hard to swallow, Bache. But I plan on clearing the dark clouds looming over Riverside City, and bringing about a bright and prosperous era for its five million citizens.”
He was very ambitious!
Samantha was even more curious. “For example?”
“Obliterate the Montague Crime Family!”
Samantha was at a loss for words.
In Elysian Gardens.
It was the biggest all-round club in Riverside City.
This was also the headquarters of the Montague Crime Family.
In the conference room at the top of the building.
Around the oval table, seven or eight big shots of the Montague Crime Family were seated.
On the open floor, Reginald was on his knees.
But even though he was kneeling, he still looked defiant.
“Uncle Angelo, that girl committed suicide herself, I didn’t lay a finger on her! Today that biddy from the City Watch. Abigail, had her goons bring me in for questioning. Didn’t lay a glove on me! Uncle, isn’t this grand inquisition a bit much?”
Reginald, head held high had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
At the head of the oyal table, a man with hawk-like eyes, wearing a conservative grey suit, sat.
It was Angelo!
The reigning head of the Montague Crime Family.
Also, the true kingpin of Riverside City.
“So, you think you’re in the clear?”
Angelo’s voice was low.
Anyone who knew him knew he was on the verge of exploding.
The whole conference room was deathly silent.
“Reginald, do you know the City Watch has been breathing down our necks lately. You’ve gone too far in this matter!”
The sinister-looking young man standing behind Angelo spoke up.
It was Pablo.
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Purebred so when they Want an eyeing no 15 bathers in for Resineig deleri per ed
blessing it