Chapter 528 Taking Risks
Brooklyn was already feeling sweet and happy early in the morning, holding a bouquet of flowers.
After breakfast, Brooklyn got into the car.
Dario was driving, and Brooklyn dialed Sebastian's number.
"Hey babe, thanks for the flowers. I love them, they made my day," she said softly, her voice full of warmth.
Sebastian was driving slowly, "Wanna be even happier?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Your mentor, Professor Harrington, agreed to come back to treat Peregrine's daughter. How's that for good news?"
Brooklyn's eyes lit up with joy, unable to contain her excitement. "Really? He actually agreed? That's amazing! That's fantastic!"
Hearing her joyful laughter, Sebastian smiled, his lips curving into a sexy grin. He just wanted to go back right now and hold Brooklyn tightly in his arms.
"Are you happier about your mentor coming back than seeing me?" he teased, a hint of jealousy in his voice.
"That's different. Don't be silly. By the way, how did you convince my mentor? He hasn't taken on any requests since retiring. How'd you pull it off?"
Brooklyn was genuinely curious now, dying to know.
Sebastian, driving through the night in Emporcia, smiled mysteriously and arrogantly, "Simple, I look better than those other guys."
He could almost see Brooklyn rolling her eyes.
"Alright, alright! Your good looks can work miracles." She then asked, "When can you come back? Sofia's condition is urgent, and I want to see Professor Harrington as soon as possible."
Sebastian took a silent deep breath, "I'll arrange for Mr. Harrington to be sent back first. I have some things to handle here, and I'll come back as soon as I'm done."
"Okay, drive safely. I'll hang up now."
"Alright."
Dario, focused on driving, saw Brooklyn's radiant expression in the rearview mirror. He concluded from the bottom of his heart that the so-called couple's resemblance really existed. For example, her uncontrollable smile while talking to the boss was just like Sebastian's.
Sebastian hung up the phone, and his watch indicated it was 8:30 PM in Averlake.
Pressing a set of numbers, Sebastian's voice changed from gentle and loving to cold and decisive, making the atmosphere in the car turn chilly.
"What time is the meeting?" His voice was frosty.
"10:30 PM, same place."
"Alright."
Hanging up the phone, Sebastian glanced at the GPS, his deep eyes looking into the endless night and the bustling streets.
After a while, his phone rang again.
Seeing the number, Sebastian's lips curved slyly, "Mr. Rivera, you're very trustworthy."
James laughed heartily on the other end, "Receiving favors and repaying them, I understand the basic code of conduct."
Sebastian didn't comment, turning the car south, "10:30 PM, same place. Do you want to go alone or wait for me?"
"Of course, I'll go with you. If I go alone, I'll be dead in seconds. Where are you? I'll come to you."
"Alright, I'll share my location."
Twenty minutes later, James's car met Sebastian's at an intersection. James looked at his car and clicked his tongue, "If I'm not mistaken, your car is modified, right? Bulletproof and with anti-poison features."
Sebastian glanced at him impatiently, "Mr. Rivera, good eye."
James hung his keys on the car mirror and clapped his hands. "Since your car is so well-equipped, I'll ride with you," he said.
Sebastian didn't refuse but said lightly, "Mr. Rivera, I don't drive for anyone except my wife."
James was caught off guard by the show of affection, rubbing his forehead, "Alright, alright, I'll drive. You sit in the back."
They settled into their respective seats, and the reinforced black Rolls-Royce sped away!
James asked, "What went wrong with your cooperation that you had to come personally? They probably don't know who Sebastian is, right?"
Sebastian leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the leather. "Business has risks. When interests conflict, there's always a chance of parting ways."
"I get that. But you're Sebastian, the CEO of MBK. Who's crazy enough to cross you? Are they suicidal?"
Sebastian smirked, "There are plenty of people who value money over their lives. It's not surprising."
James focused on driving, feeling that his position as chairman of Infinite International Group was insignificant compared to Sebastian's powerful presence.
"By the way, Megan and Simon are getting married. Did you know?" James tried to make small talk during the long drive.
"No, and I don't really care," Sebastian replied bluntly.
"How can you not care? The wedding's in three days. Knowing them, they'll definitely invite you and Brooklyn. Can you make it back in time?"
Sebastian's finger-tapping paused. "Well..."
A thought flashed through his mind, but he stayed calm.
When the car arrived near their destination at 10:10 PM, Sebastian turned and took out two boxes from the back, each containing a handgun.
"Each magazine has ten bullets. If things go south, make every shot count. There are a lot of them, and just the two of us. Got it?"
James smirked, playing with the gun, "I can't promise perfect aim, but I can sure as hell get out of there."
"That'll do."
They walked on the crimson carpet towards the white seaside villa. As they reached the door, they were stopped: "Please cooperate with our security check."
James's eyes flashed.
Sebastian remained expressionless. "You? Get your boss out here."
Cedric Morris, intimidated by Sebastian's presence, saw the badge on his tie and immediately bowed, "Sir, please come in."
James was stunned. What was going on?
In the villa's hall, a dozen people were sitting, some smoking cigars, some holding wine glasses, some with women, and some sneering at them.
Cedric, the leader, laughed, "Mr. Kingsley, you have guts. Please, have a seat!"
The two sat down, and Cedric clapped his hands. Two scantily clad women came out, trying to please Sebastian.
Sebastian's eyes turned cold. "Do you want them dead or gone?"
The boss laughed, "Get out!"
James looked around at the people sitting at the round table, knowing they were trouble, especially Cedric, who kept eyeing Sebastian.
Sebastian spoke directly, "I'm here for one thing: return my goods intact."
"Hahaha! That's not appropriate. My men need to eat. You can't take their food away."
Sebastian swirled the red liquid in his glass, "Food can be earned again. If lives are lost... what will you use to earn?"
Cedric took a deep drag on his cigar, blowing smoke that filled half the table.
He tapped a fork on his plate, his eyes like snakes. "So, you're not giving my men a way out?"
Sebastian held the crystal glass, "A way out is earned, not given. I want to give them a way out, but someone doesn't want it. What should I do?"
His dangerous eyes brewed a storm, staring coldly at Cedric.
"I want the goods. If you agree, we remain partners. If not..."
Dozens of men in black simultaneously aimed their guns at the two.
Sebastian laughed heartily, "Oh? Looks like I'm not leaving tonight."
James's heart tightened. What kind of goods did Sebastian have that warranted such a scene?
"I want the goods. We've been partners for years, sharing profits and drinks. But... you're too smart, and I've lost too much."
Sebastian sneered, "60-40 split, the usual. I don't like small gains. Seems like your appetite has grown, and 40% isn't enough."
Cedric, hit where it hurt, glared and signaled to a man who aimed his gun at Sebastian's head.
"You can have the goods, but we split 50-50."
Sebastian scoffed, standing up slowly, "What if I don't agree?"
James was stunned!
Cedric's eyes flashed, and his men aimed at Sebastian.
Almost simultaneously, Sebastian's gun was aimed at Cedric's head. "Cedric, you think I'm negotiating?"
The speed was astonishing.
In a flash, James also drew his gun, aiming at Cedric's head. The black barrels wouldn't retract without blood.
Cedric was shocked, "Sebastian, you dare threaten me?"
Sebastian smirked, "Threaten? I don't play threats. I prefer real action. We've been partners for years. You know my temper. If not, I'll show you tonight."
"Sebastian, don't be impulsive! I have dozens of guns. You can't leave if you kill me!"
"Leave? If I kill you, I won't leave. Mr. Morris, you have billions in assets and your global business. Dying with you is worth it."
James tightened his grip. "Cedric, I'm James from Infinite International Group. Tonight's lively, I am happy to risk my life for a gentleman's game."
Damn!
Cedric laughed coldly, "Sebastian, you have a beautiful wife, Brooklyn, right? You won't die with her waiting."
Using Brooklyn to threaten him!
He had touched Sebastian's bottom line!