Chapter Thirty-Two: A Reason Impossible to Refuse

“Bob, you know very well that you stand no chance. Forget about my connections with the Tribunal; just look at yourself. You’ve already been dismissed from the law firm, and all matters concerning the Poleta family fall squarely on your shoulders. The firm retains all the documentation. If I hand those over, you might lose even your last shred of freedom. Is it really worth it?”

“I know Elena’s terms are harsh. How about this: the estate can be split in half. After all, you don’t have much anyway, so you can keep enough to live on comfortably. This is the most generous offer you’ll get. Miss it, and you’ll be left with nothing.”

The conference room was dimly lit, with the curtains drawn halfway, casting a gloomy ambiance. Only a single ray of sunlight pierced through, illuminating Murphy Dimel, seated at the far end of the long table, making him appear radiant.

He indeed exuded undeniable charm, despite being about the same age as Bob, showing no signs of weariness. His dark brown suit fit him impeccably, his hairstyle was neat yet elegant. Sitting there with an air of absolute authority, he utterly overshadowed Bob, who sat in the shadows, weary-faced, his hair disheveled and streaked with gray.

“Bob, for all the years we’ve been married, just hand Monica over to me. You can’t take care of her, and mingling with those criminals every day is far too dangerous. Let her go.”

Beside Murphy sat Bob’s ex-wife, Elena, undeniably beautiful and stylishly dressed. The two made a strikingly compatible pair.

“Elena, I would never put my daughter in harm’s way, absolutely not. Besides, how long have you really taken care of her? You…” Bob took a deep breath and glanced at Murphy again.

“Murphy, if you dare hand over those documents, Lord Ethan won’t let you off.”

“Lord Ethan? Haha.”

Murphy laughed lightly, disdainfully, as if hearing a joke.

“Bob, have you worked too much for those pests, or are you one of their kind? Do you really think they could trouble me? I’m not afraid. Lord… what kind of pest deserves such a title?”

Bob opened his mouth to speak but hesitated.

Just as he was about to act, a commotion erupted outside.

“What do you want? No appointment means no entry. Stop them!”

Murphy frowned, puzzled by the early disturbance.

As he rose to investigate, the door slowly opened—not forced, but politely, with three knocks beforehand.

Standing there was an exceptionally handsome young man, dressed in a pristine white formal suit, poised and elegant as if attending a gala or ball.

Beside him stood a silver-haired girl in hunting attire, her demeanor cold yet strikingly beautiful.

Such a pair would draw attention anywhere.

The young man entered directly, taking a seat at the far end of the table opposite Murphy, smiling as he said, “Bob, I hope I’m not late?”

Murphy’s frown deepened but he did not dismiss them. Instead, he had his subordinates close the door.

“And who might this be?” he asked Bob.

Bob was shaken inside at the sight of Ethan; he hadn’t expected him. The feeling was indescribable—as if seeing a beam of light in the darkest night.

“This is... Lord Ethan,” he said, his lips trembling slightly.

“Oh, so you’re Ethan?” Murphy’s expression softened somewhat.

“Come to threaten me?”

“Threaten? That’s an unpleasant word and utterly defamatory, wouldn’t you agree, Bob?”

“Exactly.” Though uncertain how Ethan might help, Bob felt a surge of hope upon seeing the young man.

After all, Ethan had saved the Poleta family.

Bob knew well the dire circumstances they had endured.

Could this young man save him from his own abyss?

“Enough of this useless chatter. What do you want? If there’s nothing, I think our meeting is over. See you in court.”

Murphy resumed his arrogant, commanding posture.

“I do have some matters to discuss with Mr. Murphy, but first, I’d prefer if these two left.”

Ethan glanced at Elena and Bob.

Murphy sneered, “As expected. You, come along. And you—your master told you to get lost.”

Bob looked at Ethan, who rose and stood beside him, patting his shoulder gently. “Go wait outside for a while, have some coffee, calm down. Leave this to me.”

Bob felt somewhat reassured and followed Ethan to the door.

As they left, he couldn’t help but speak.

“Don’t worry. I’ll give him a reason he can’t refuse.”

The door closed behind them.

Even Anya followed out, leaving only Ethan and Murphy inside the conference room.

“Alright, tell me. What’s this irresistible reason you have?” Murphy sneered disdainfully. “Are you going to pull a gun on me now, or send thugs to ransack my office? Go ahead—I’m not afraid.”

“You should know something: I have the entire Winster legal world behind me, plenty of friends in City Hall, and I’m familiar with the security bureau. Think carefully, kid. What exactly are you doing?”

“I’ve heard about you—how you wiped out your enemies in just two days and nights, restoring your family’s honor. Impressive, but that’s low-level tactics. For someone like me who stands in the sunlight, it’s useless. If you mess with me, prepare to be turned to ashes by the light.”

“Now decide. Draw your gun or slink away humiliated.”

Ethan smiled.

He folded his arms and spoke slowly, “I think you’re mistaken, Mr. Murphy. I have always been a legitimate businessman. I’ve never engaged in anything illegal. What I want to tell you is that just this morning, I was discussing one of the most profitable deals with Mr. John Holt. It was a pleasant conversation. Also, I’ve heard your wife comes from a prestigious legal family. I wonder how she feels about your rather colorful extramarital life?”

Murphy, once brimming with authority, suddenly straightened. He remained silent in the sunlight for a moment before rising and stepping toward Ethan.