From previous encounters, Alyan knew Hollis well, often finding himself outmaneuvered.


    The deeper they ventured, the more the atmosphere thickened with silence and an eerie difort.


    Eventually, they arrived at a door under heavy guard.


    Larry presented the pass, and they were ushered into the negotiation room.


    The door opened to a dimly lit space where soft piano notes floated in the air and the faint scent of tobo hung stubbornly.


    Lucinda scrunched her nose, clearly bothered by the smell.


    Suddenly, the lights red up, and a mans voice echoed through the space.


    Mrs.


    Payne, wee to my realm.


    Descending the stairs was a man, his shirt partially unbuttoned, a wine ss clutched in one hand and the leash of a hefty, drooling dog in the other. The dogs saliva made it appear even more formidable.


    Hollis, observing the four individuals, quickly polished off his wine and greeted them with a broad grin.


    What a day for surprises! I hadnt expected Alyans visit.


    What a delightful turn of events.


    His gaze, however, disconcertingly lingered on Dulcie, prompting her to instinctively retreat a few steps.


    Alyan, perceptive of Hollis intense scrutiny, positioned himself as a shield in front of Dulcie and greeted Hollis.


    Mr.


    Cruz, a pleasure to meet you.


    Upon noticing Alyans protective stance, Hollis shifted his focus, seated himself alongside his hefty dog, and drew it nearer.


    Lucinda and herpanions arranged themselves opposite him. Without missing a beat, Lucinda dove into the heart of the matter.


    Mr.


    Cruz, lets dispense with the formalities.


    Ivee to reim my people.


    Hollis responded with a feigned look of concern, casually dismissing her urgency.


    Mrs.


    Payne, while I respect the capabilities you and your husband possess, we still have protocols to observe.


    Im not in the business of making losing deals.


    Surely, you understand.


    Lucinda had seen men Like Hollis before in her line of work. Without missing a beat, she gestured for Larry to step forward.


    Larry obliged without hesitation, tearing open a package and spilling the contents across the table.


    A sea of cash spread before them, the crisp rustling of bills echoing through the room as the pile grew higher.


    Dulcies eyes widened in shock.


    This was thenguage of the wealthy.


    The mountain of cash, easily over a million, sat before them.


    Hollis nced at the cash with a smug smile, though his expression quickly hardened.


    Considering your ties to Mr.


    Payne, your decisiveness isnt a surprise.


    But do you think this little sum is enough to make me release someone? Do you even understand how much more I could make by keeping a ve?