Chapter 38

Alex POV:

The Rolls-Royce drove into the underground cave, its headlights casting an eerie glow on the cold stone walls. I stepped out, my eyes adjusting to the dim light, and entered the building. The air was stale, and the silence was oppressive.

I walked into the room where Lewis was held, the sound of my footsteps echoing off the walls. "You're leaving today," I said, my voice detached. "Take this phone and call your men to pick you up. I'm done with you."

Lewis looked up, a mix of fear and gratitude in his eyes. "I won't try anything stupid, Alex. Rest assured."

I handed him the phone, my movements economical. "Tell them to wait at Subrin highway. You'll be brought there."

He nodded, his hands shaking as he dialed. I called Rhino, my voice crisp. "Take him to Subrin highway."

They blindfolded Lewis and led him away, the sound of the car fading into the distance. I left the underground cave, my thoughts already turning to the next task.

I arrived at the Rugard family's house, the smell of fresh paint and desperation hanging in the air. They sat before me, their eyes pleading.

"Get to the point, Mr. Mike," I said, my tone bored.

"We want you to help us," he said, his voice cracking. "We depend on my brother for everything. Please, Mr. Alex, help us."

The pregnant girl stepped forward, her eyes welling up with tears. As she approached, I hissed, my eyes narrowing. "What is she doing here?" I spat, my voice venomous.

Mr. Mike flinched, but continued. "My sister is about to give birth, and we don't want her child to suffer. Please, Mr. Alex, help us."

I glared at the pregnant woman, my expression unyielding. "You think a child will sway me? You're no better than the rest of them."

But I didn't move, didn't offer any comfort. Instead, I said, "I'll help you, for now. $100,000 will be paid every month to your account."

They whispered among themselves, their faces a mix of relief and calculation. I knew they would try to negotiate, but I was already gone, my mind focused on the next move.

After leaving the Rugard family's house, I returned to my office. My secretary greeted me with a nod. "Sir, Mr. Chen Xiao is waiting for you."

I walked in, my footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. Mr. Chen rose from his seat, a hint of a smile on his face. We exchanged pleasant words, our voices low and measured.

"What brings you here, Mr. Chen?" I asked, my tone detached as I sat down behind my desk.

"I'm here to offer you a deal that could benefit both of us," he said, his eyes gleaming with calculation. "I propose we partner on the construction project at Flake Town. The town is growing rapidly, and the demand for housing and commercial spaces is skyrocketing. With our combined resources, we can build a complex that will bring in a substantial profit."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Go on."

"We'll split the costs and profits equally," Mr. Chen continued. "I estimate we'll make at least $50 million in the first year alone. And with the town's growth, the value of the property will only increase."

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. "I'm listening."

"We'll need to move quickly, though," Mr. Chen said, his voice taking on a sense of urgency. "There are other investors sniffing around, and I don't want to lose out on this opportunity."

I nodded, my mind racing with the possibilities. "I'm in. Let's shake on it."

We shook hands, the gesture sealing our partnership. "Welcome to the team, Mr. Alex," Mr. Chen said, a smile spreading across his face.

"Let's make some money, Mr. Chen," I replied, my voice flat.

After Mr. Chen left, I returned to my work, my mind already focused on the next move. The construction at Flake Town would bring us both a substantial profit.