Chapter 1412

Chapter 1412:

The subordinates, intrigued by their surroundings, opted to join them instead of retreating to the hotel.

Many had envisioned the southern border as an underdeveloped, struggling region in dire need of development. And as they ventured deeper, those assumptions proved accurate.

Beyond a few affluent pockets, the landscape was defined by crumbling residential buildings and narrow, unkempt alleys—a stark reminder of the area’s economic hardship. Yet, paradoxically, it only underscored the immense potential.

For investment and growth. Collier stepped out of the car, strolling alongside the representative while mentally preparing for tomorrow’s meeting.

Just then, a sudden commotion broke out. A girl darted toward them, her tiny frame moving with frantic urgency. Shouts rang out behind her. “Catch the thief!”

Collier grasped the situation instantly. The girl, in her desperation, spotted him and his entourage—an unmistakably wealthy group.

A calculating glint flashed in her eyes. As the people chasing her closed in, she made a split-second decision. With a sudden burst of strength, she shoved one of Collier’s subordinates, sending him stumbling backward into the oncoming pursuers. At the same time, she set her sights on Collier’s sleeve. More specifically, the gleaming designer cufflink that adorned it.

The girl darted her hand forward, aiming straight for the cufflink.

In her experience, wealthy men were easy targets. They’d be too repulsed by her grimy appearance to lay a hand on her, and in the chaos of the streets, no one ever caught her.

But the moment she reached for Collier, she was met with something unexpected. Instead of recoiling in disgust, he caught her wrist in a firm grip.

“Got you, little pickpocket.”

Having grown up in the midst of this chaotic world, the girl had absorbed fragments of different languages from overheard conversations, enough to understand Collier’s words.

The girl’s eyes widened in shock and fear. She had stolen from countless rich men before, but none had ever reacted like this. None had dared to touch her.

Your next story starts here gⱯlnσν𝒆ℓs․cøm

“Mr. Klein, this little brat is nothing but trouble.” The subordinate she had shoved earlier returned, disheveled and scowling as he jabbed a finger at her.

Meanwhile, the men chasing her arrived, brandishing sticks and makeshift weapons. One of them, clearly the leader, stepped forward and addressed Collier.

“Sir, this girl stole my money. I’d appreciate it if you handed her over—we need to teach her a proper lesson.”

Collier glanced at the girl, then reached into her pocket, pulling out a dark pouch. The distinct clinking of coins inside left no room for argument.

The girl, however, was unrepentant. “Give it back!” she snapped defiantly.

Collier tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Oh? That’s bold, considering you just got caught red-handed.” With that, he tossed the pouch back to the man.

“The money’s yours. But not her,” he said. “This little thief tried to snatch my cufflink right in the middle of the street. I’ll handle this myself.”

He tightened his grip as the girl instinctively struggled, his firm yet effortless hold keeping her in check. In one swift motion, he twisted her arm behind her back, preventing any further escape attempts. The men exchanged glances, assessing Collier and his entourage. It was clear these weren’t people to trifle with.

.

.

.