Chapter 210:
But donât think for a moment that I wonât be back when the time is right.â
Harleeâs eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
âTime will tell, Matteo.
But Iâm not in a rush.â
The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, the kind that came when two powerful forces collidedâeach sizing the other up, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
As the tension lingered, Harlee turned her attention to Kane, who had stepped forward to collect the gold. She felt an odd sense of calm wash over her, knowing that while Matteo might be playing his games, she had her own.
âTake it,â she told Kane, âBut donât forget, we move on our terms.â
Kareemâs eyes met hers, his approving gaze confirming that she had made the right choice in handling the situation.
The night was far from over, and while the banquetâs guests had expected an elegant affair, they were unknowingly witnessing the first signs of a deeper game at play.
Tonya quickly found an opportunity to lead Harlee away.
âWe should stay out of the matters of the influential,â she whispered, her voice as melodious as it was cautious.
Harlee nodded in agreement.
None, aside from Kareem, could rival Matteo in a confrontation.
ðð¨ð«ð ð®ð©ððððð¬ ð¢ð§ ð ðð¥ð§ð¨ð¯ðð¥ð¬.ðð¨ð¦
At most, she was just fierce and fearless. With that in mind, Tonya and Harlee distanced themselves from the escalating tension between Kareem and Matteo. They chose a nearby spot to subtly listen in while sampling some desserts.
Taking advantage of a quiet moment, Harlee pulled out her phone and swiftly transferred the billion back to Rhys.
Attached was a message: âMr. Green, Iâve returned the billion I owed from before. That should clear the debt, shouldnât it?â
Meanwhile, in Claelia, inside a high-end private club, Rhys observed the transaction notification, his finger tapping thoughtfully on the device, a crease forming between his eyebrows.
How had Harlee managed to secure a billion so quickly? A flicker of regret flashed in his gaze.
Across the table, Aaron hesitantly spoke up.
âMr. Green, we can proceed with the shipment along our established routes as per our previous agreement, but I must suggest an increase in the rates.â
âOh?â Rhys clicked into his chatbox with Harlee and quickly typed a message.
âMiss Sanderson, thereâs no need to rush your repayment if youâre in a tight spot.â He paused, considering whether to send the billion back.
.
.
.