He sat back down and threw a casual glance my way. “Judging from the way you look… let me guess, we’re being held captive by Armond?
My brows knitted into a frown after seeing him so unbothered. What the heck is he doing?“How are you taking this so calmly? We’re literally trapped here, yet you seem relaxed. Aren’t you afraid of being killed by Armond?”
He chuckled as he looked back up at me. “So Armond is now a bloodthirsty murderer who kills anyone in his way? Well, you’re probably refusing to give him something he wants then.”
At this, my shoulders tensed. How does he know so much?
No point lying then. I pursed my lips and replied, “It’s just a sandalwood box that my grandma gave me. He wanted it, but I said no, so he locked me here. The rest is history.”
Deep laughter rumbled from him while his gaze met mine again. “Is it important?”
I nodded and explained, “A little. The sandalwood box holds a contract between my grandma and a major gasoline-producing country. That contract allows the Murphys to take advantage of the low oil prices and bulk purchase petroleum, which they’ll make a profit out of later on.”
“I see.” His eyes narrowed at me before he advised, “I think you should give it to him since there’s no sentimental value behind it. Plus, it’s not like the Murphys are the only ones benefitting from this. The whole country will benefit from the petroleum deal. So why the hesitance?”
“I don’t mind giving the box to the Murphys, just not to Armond!” I stifled a growl at him. “Ashton visited A City to dig up all of Armond’s past dirty businesses, so Armond will get what’s coming to him. I know the Murphys are involved in the competitive gasoline market, but Armond isn’t the only Murphy capable of running the business. I’ll eventually hand them the box once Armond is locked up behind bars.”
He frowned, trying to comprehend the reason behind my actions. “So, you’re not giving it to Armond because all of his bad deeds will be forgiven if he secures a gasoline deal with Meudari; Because then, Ashton’s evidence will mean nothing as people will adore Armond for boosting the nation’s fuel economy.”
I nodded, “That kind of sums it up.”
An understanding look flashed briefly on his face before he stared off into the space. “You hate Armond that much?” I heard from Nora that he and you used to be close, so how’d you two end up as enemies?”
“Life had different plans for us,” I shrugged.
“So you’re gonna ruthlessly force him into a dead end?” a voice startled me from behind. My head whipped around to see who it was; it was Nora, whom I haven’t seen in a while. She looked more elegant now in her fox-fur shawl as she glared at me with disappointment. “He already surrendered A City to you Fullers. Since then, he returned to his turf here in K City and hasn’t done anything bad. Why won’t you let him live?”
When did she get here?
I brushed my shock off and spoke casually, “What are you doing in K City? You didn’t even call to let me know you were coming.”
That prompted a sharp retort from her. “There’s nothing to say between us. I just happened to bump into you. Speaking of, why are you here? Don’t want to return what rightfully belongs to the Murphys?
My lips twitched with disdain at her. Rightfully theirs? “This doesn’t belong to the Murphys,” I snarled. “I don’t know why you’re here, Nora, but I’m sure you know that Armond doesn’t love you and that he’s only using you to get what he wants. Must you continue to lie to yourself?”
“That’s none of your concern. I don’t need you to explain whether he truly cares for me,” her gaze flickered in another direction. “You should give him that contract because he really needs it. I know that he wronged you guys in the past, but getting that contract is a matter of life and death for him. Can’t you give it to him?”
She wasn’t making sense at all. I couldn’t help but sigh at how blinded she was in helping Armond. “You should get your facts checked before telling me what to do. And Nora, don’t forget who you are and your values as an individual. It’s not wise to lose yourself whilst chasing after some unrequited love.”
I didn’t know what else to say after seeing the harsh determination in her eyes.
Sure enough, she refused to give in. She looked at me and softened her voice, “You Fullers have already gotten all the glory in the world. You don’t need what’s in that box, so there’s no point holding onto it. Why won’t you hand it over to Armond and help him out?
“Scarlett, we’ll always be friends, so can’t you do this favor for me? I know Armond hurt you guys in the past, but those times are over now. And you guys turned out fine anyway, so why not let bygones be bygones? Help him out just this once. I’m sure that Armond will get along with Ashton once he gets past this hurdle. We’ll do anything you ask after this, hmm? Please, Scarlett?”
