Just before Hollis fingers could graze Dulcie, Alyan stepped in, his voice sharp.


    You really dont want to go there.


    Alyans warning was met with nothing more than a sneer from Hollis.


    He shot Alyan a nce, smirking.


    You sweet on her too? Well, Mrs.


    Payne, lets make things simple.


    Ill release your people, even Kysons-if she stays.


    He pointed at Dulcie, licking his lips with vile satisfaction.


    Her for them.


    Fair trade, dont you think? Dulcies eyes widened, horror dawning. Hollis was aiming for her! Lucinda… Dulcie shot Lucinda a pleading nce, desperate not to end up saddled with Hollis.


    Seething at Hollis proposal, Lucinda gripped Dulcies hand and dered icily, This negotiation is over.


    Were done here.


    Lets go.


    Without a word, Larry swept the money back to the bag and went out with Lucinda.


    Hollis, his eyes darting to Alyan beside Dulcie, didnt dare to make a move.


    Their first attempt at negotiation had gone down in mes.


    As they left the looming shadows of Ravenhill behind, Dulcies hands felt like ice, and a cold sweat trickled down her forehead.


    The tension hung thick in the air, oppressive and heavy.


    Sensing her distress, Lucinda spoke softly, trying to soothe her.


    Dont worry, Hollis wonte at us head-on. Hes just throwing his weight around because hes got leverage.


    Well regroup and figure out our next move once were back.


    Alyan chimed in, Hollis is a bottom-feeder, always looking to squeeze everyst cent out of anyone weaker.


    Hes been expanding his turf by muscling smaller groups under his so-called protection, all to line his own pockets.


    He continued, his voice edged with disdain, And hes cold as ice.


    Anyone who doesnt y by his rules gets wiped out, no questions asked.


    Thats why hes managed to carve out a ce for himself in this area.


    Dulcie nodded, some of the tension easing from her shoulders.


    Lucinda turned to her with a hint of regret in her eyes.


    Dulcie, Im sorry.


    I didnt mean for this to happen. I just wanted yourpany.


    I never imagined it would take such a dangerous turn.


    But trust me, I wont let anything happen to you.


    She had meant to show Dulcie the ropes of negotiation and give her a little hands-on experience.


    But things had gone sideways fast.


    Earlier that day, shed tried to make Dulcie look in and blend into the background, hoping she wouldnt catch too much attention.


    But Hollis, that snake, was far too sharp for that.


    Hearing Lucindas apology, Dulcie quickly shook her head, waving it off.


    Lucinda, please, dont apologize.


    If anything, I should be the one saying sorry.