Chapter 840 Are You Kidding Me
In the dim interior, tension spiked in an instant.
Flash would bet that his boss wouldnât hesitate to kill Ronin if he didnât provide a satisfactory answer. He dreaded this outcome but was powerless to stop it. In any event, Ronin is on his own.
After a moment of silence, Ronin chuckled. âOf course Iâm certain youâre the big boss behind him. I had no idea if Flash might send someone to fool me, but after seeing you, I knew you couldnât be an imposter!â However, his firm tone did nothing to diminish the menacing aura of the man, who now fixed a cold stare on Ronin, demanding, âHow did you discern Iâm Flashâs boss?â
âQuality!â Ronin declared with unwavering confidence. âPosture and clothes can be imitated, but oneâs quality is innate. It is clear at a glance that you have a much higher status than Flash.â
The room fell silent again. Even Flash, who stood by quietly, held his breath, not daring to guess his bossâs thoughts, aware of the consequences of a wrong guess.
The man chuckled appreciatively. âNot bad!â
With the tension easing, Ronin managed a smile, relieved. He had bluffed, and fortunately, he got away with it. Ronin supposed that perhaps the man had never intended to kill him and was merely toying with him.
The man scrutinized Flash and softly inquired, âWell, I heard you want to speak with me first. Do you think youâre qualified?â
Unfazed, Ronin calmly replied, âI may not be, but Iâm the only one who can retrieve the data you need from Catherineâs laptop. Is that enough?â
The man approached Ronin, and after a pause, replied, âGood!â
Ronin, seeing his proposal accepted, set a new condition. âWe can talk, but he needs to leave,â he said, pointing at Flash with a provocative look as if Flash didnât deserve to be in the same room.
At the same time, Flash, understanding the challenge in Roninâs gaze, felt a surge of indignation but dared not show it before his boss.
At the bossâs command, âGet out!â
Flash left without hesitation, throwing a glare at Ronin, who returned it with defiance. Flash couldnât predict what Ronin would discuss with his boss but was sure Roninâs provocation was intentional.
On the other end of the line, Zobber sounded anxious, âCatherine, Branden will sign the contract with the Breen Group soon. Are you sure you wonât stop him?â Zobber couldnât wait to rush into the Duncan Cooperation and she could easily set the building ablaze if ordered.
Catherine, in white coats, just out from the lab, listened to Zobber and decisively said, âNo need.â
Zobers didnât get to finish her plea as Catherine hung up. Soon, Catherine continued her work in the lab, unaware of a sneaky figure watching her from the corridorâs end.
Frustrated by the abrupt call drop, Zobber fumed. âWhatâs wrong with Catherine? Isnât she worried at all?â
Withal, nonchalantly played with a lighter. âIf Catherine isnât worried, why are you? She said no need, so letâs head back,â he remarked.
Seeing Zobber still puzzled, Withal gently nudged her, prompting her to think. Zobber quickly came around, realizing Withalâs point, and agreed to return home.
Meanwhile, Paxton, watching two familiar figures on the video feed, headed toward the presidentâs office. â Branden, we found Zobber and Withal nearby,â Paxton reported seriously.
Learning the news, Branden remained calm. With his glance, he motioned for Paxton to keep going.
Paxton reported Zobber and Withalâs brief appearance nearby before they left without any further action. Paxton found this odd, for it just wasnât Zobberâs normal behavior or attitude. So he didnât believe they did nothing but kept rambling here.
âWhere is Catherine?â Branden inquired.
âIn the lab, she hasnât come out,â Paxton replied.
Paxton was relieved he had verified Catherineâs location beforehand. Had she been elsewhere, he wouldnât know how to answer Branden, which could have spelled trouble for him.
Branden acknowledged the report and continued with his paperwork, indicating he wasnât concerned with the matter. Taking the cue, Paxton left the office to call off the tail on Zobber.
Just as Zobber and Withal were about to return to Connieâs apartment, they realized someone was following them. Eyeing each other, they prepared to confront these trackers, who unexpectedly withdrew.
Confounded, Zobber still chased after them but lost track, frustrating her. Turning to Withal, she expressed her confusion about the trackersâ behavior. Withal casually shrugged, suggesting, Maybe they got scared of you. After all, your reputation precedes you.â
It took Zobber a moment to catch his implication, and once she did, her anger flared. She gave Withal a fierce look. âAre you calling me a tigress?â
Withal, struggling to contain his laughter, said, âHow dare I?â
Realizing his joke, Zobber intentionally drove onto a bumpy buffer strip, much to Withalâs discomfort. Withal realized he had upset Zobber and quickly begged for mercy. âMy dear, Iâm so sorry.â After some cajoling, Zobers finally relented and they continued on their way.
Once Zobberâs car was back on track, Withal regained his composure. He glanced in the direction the car had departed, his eyes flickering with an indistinct, ominous intensity.