Chapter 3

"Ms. Carlisle, I hear you came to Rathai looking for quality stones." I held the jade out a little further.

"This is imperial green. Its market value sits around $8 million. I'm offering it for the boy."

Brynn's gaze lingered on the jade for just a moment. I caught the flicker in her eyes. Anyone who knew stones understood that a piece like this was a once-in-a-lifetime offer. However, she looked away just as quickly, her tone indifferent.

"That's a generous offer, Mr. Brennan, but the Carlisle family isn't short on money."

I put the jade away, unfazed. "Then what is Ms. Carlisle short on? Mining claims? Distribution channels? Or do you need connections in Rathai?

"You can move mountains back home, but out here, there are things money cannot solve."

Brynn's eyes narrowed slightly, and she studied me again with renewed interest.

Corbin poked his head out from behind her and snapped, "Brynn, don't listen to him! He's obviously working with Arden!"

I ignored him entirely and kept my eyes on Brynn. "Ms. Carlisle, you sent the boy to a place like this because you wanted to teach him a lesson. Now, someone is willing to pay a premium to take him off your hands. You walk away with the money and your dignity intact. Why wouldn't you take that deal?"

Brynn was silent for a moment, as though weighing her options.

Sal cut in from the side, looking uncomfortable. "Cade, it's not that I don't want to do you this favor. What Ms. Carlisle is offering isn't a one-time payment. It's a long-term partnership. If I let him go, who's going to trust me after this?"

I turned to him, my voice even. "Sal, I've been in Rathai for fifteen years. When have I ever shortchanged you? That pipeline you've got running back into the country... Who do you think built it for you?"

Sal's expression shifted.

I kept going. "Think it through. What the Carlisles are giving you is money. Money runs out, and you make more. But if what I have on you ever sees daylight, money won't matter, because you'll be dead."

His eyes darted away, and he said nothing.

Brynn frowned, her tone cooling. "Mr. Brennan, is that a threat?"

I turned back to her, perfectly composed. "Ms. Carlisle, you misunderstood me. I'm just talking business. You can run everything back home, but this is Rathai. One phone call from me, and your shipments will sit at the border for three months. Believe it or don't."

Brynn's face darkened. She fixed me with a sharp stare. "Mr. Brennan, are you threatening me?"

"Still not a threat." I met her gaze without flinching.

"Just a reminder. If you intend to humiliate this boy like a piece of merchandise, then you and I are going to do business. If you won't sell, I'll take him. If you bring people in from back home, I will make sure you cannot move an inch in Rathai.

"You're a long way from your own territory, Ms. Carlisle, and you're not nearly as powerful out here as you think."

The corridor went quiet for several seconds.

Corbin finally lost his composure and shrieked, "Who do you think you are, talking to my sister like that?"

He jabbed a trembling finger at me. "Brynn! Look at him! He's obviously in on this with Arden! Have your people grab him right now!"

Brynn raised a hand and silenced him. She looked at me and smiled, though the smile never reached her eyes. "You're an interesting man, Mr. Brennan."

Her tone shifted. "But when it comes down to it, everything you've said is just about protecting this boy. Do you even know him? Do you have any idea what he's done?"

I looked right at her. "Do you?"

Brynn blinked, caught off guard.

I spoke slowly, and I made every word count. "You say he hurt Corbin. Where's the evidence? You say he stole from you. What did he take? You say he tried to harm someone. What was his motive?

"Whatever Corbin told you, you believed it without question. Did you investigate? Did you ask Arden? Did you give him a single chance to defend himself?"

Brynn's expression went cold. "Mr. Brennan, the Carlisle family's affairs are none of your concern."

I smiled, and it was not a kind one. "Ms. Carlisle, you've made quite a name for yourself in the business world. Are you really telling me you made a judgment based on one side of the story?

"I'm not meddling. I'm just telling you that you're making a fool of yourself."