Ethan's organization had been involved in a lucrative deal with the president's sister, who had been secretly embezzling funds from the government. However, when she tried to double-cross Ethan, he was forced to take drastic measures to protect himself and his empire. In a fit of rage, Ethan ordered her murder, which was carried out by his loyal henchmen.
Damon's arrival was announced by the sound of screeching tires and the revving of a luxurious car engine. Ethan's men nodded respectfully as Damon stepped out of the vehicle, his tall, lean frame radiating an air of confidence. Ethan watched from the shadows, his eyes narrowing as Damon approached.
"You're as predictable as ever, Ethan," Damon said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Threats and intimidation may work on your loyal followers, but I'm not one of them. I have insurance, Ethan. And with what I know, you'll do exactly as I say."
Damon paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "You see, I've been watching you, Ethan. I know all about your little secret, and I have proof. So, here's the deal: you'll give me a 20% share of your empire, and I'll keep your secret safe. Refuse, and... well, let's just say you won't be the only one who'll be sleeping with the fishes."
Ethan laughed evilly despite what Damon said. He then asked him, "Do you think I can fear you? Go ahead, tell anyone, but before you can do that, I will kill you and your entire family."
Damon's eyes narrowed, his expression unyielding. "5%?" he repeated, his voice laced with disdain. "You think I'm some kind of fool, Ethan? I know what I have, and I know what it's worth. 20% is the lowest I'll go, and even that's being generous. You're not in a position to negotiate, Ethan. You're in a position to accept my terms, or face the consequences."
Ethan raised it to ten percent as his final offer.
Damon's expression didn't change, but Ethan could sense a flicker of interest behind his eyes. "Ten percent," Damon repeated, his voice neutral. "That's still not enough, Ethan. But I'll tell you what - I'll accept your offer, not because I'm satisfied with the percentage, but because I have a feeling that you're going to be very... accommodating in other ways." Damon's smile was thin and menacing, sending a shiver down Ethan's spine.
As they shook hands, Ethan's eyes locked onto Damon's, a silent understanding passing between them. But, just as he was about to release Damon's hand, his gaze flickered to the side, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Lexi. She was standing in the shadows, her phone held discreetly in her hand, a look of intense focus on her face. Ethan's heart sank as he realized she must have been recording their conversation. He felt a surge of anger and panic, knowing that Lexi now possessed information that could destroy him.
Ethan ordered his men to bring her over immediately, but before they could catch her, she had already escaped. That scared Ethan a lot.
Ethan's face turned red with rage as he watched Lexi disappear into the crowd. He barked orders at his men, demanding that they find her and bring her back immediately. But as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that Lexi had vanished into thin air. Ethan's anger gave way to a growing sense of unease. He knew that Lexi had recorded their conversation, and if she were to reveal the secrets she had uncovered, it could mean the end of his empire. Ethan's mind was racing with the implications, and for the first time in his life, he felt truly scared.
As Ethan hastily departed, Damon couldn't help but let out a low, amused chuckle. "It seems like our little friend is in a bit of a hurry," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Damon's men exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to react to their boss's sudden change in demeanor. But Damon just smiled to himself, clearly pleased with the way things were unfolding.