Chapter 160: Just a Kid
Henry took a taxi to the entrance of Golden Moon Resort. The hotel wasn't high-end or luxurious, but it was bustling.
Located at a busy intersection in the city center, the hotel had six floors. The first three floors were large halls for hosting big banquets, while the upper three floors had private rooms. There were parking garages in front, behind, and underground.
Despite it being evening, the hotel's entrance was lined with celebratory signs for housewarmings, baby showers, and a few weddings.
In Harbor Springs, weddings were typically held at noon, with evening receptions for guests who couldn't make it earlier.
Seeing the crowd, Henry smiled.
He thought Quentin chose this busy hotel out of caution, unaware that the hotel's largest shareholder was Harbor Springs' top boss, Wyatt.
Besides the doormen at the entrance, each floor's elevator area had greeters.
Henry went straight to the sixth floor, guided by a greeter to a private room. He noticed the room next door was filled with people, but they were unusually quiet.
As he sat down, a burly man in his thirties stepped out of the neighboring room and called for a waiter to bring some tea. He glanced into Henry's room, surprised to see how young Henry was.
Henry looked at him expressionlessly, sensing that he was a significant figure, at least on par with Charles and Nathan.
This man wasn't like the typical thugs who only put on a fierce front. Henry could sense a genuine aura of menace from him.
However, Henry didn't connect this to Ryan.
After all, they were here to mediate, with the police involved. Ryan himself was in uniform, and it was unlikely they would set up an ambush in such a busy area.
Even if they did, it would probably be for self-defense.
Henry had no intention of fighting Ryan, so he didn't take the man seriously.
He didn't know that this man was Xavier, Wyatt's top enforcer.
Xavier had a scar running from the corner of his mouth to his eye, but it was on his right side, so Henry only saw his left profile.
Among Harbor Springs' top fighters, Xavier was the best in hand-to-hand combat.
He had trained at the city martial arts school from a young age and later joined the national martial arts team. While in the capital, he was ambushed by a gang. Although he defeated them, his face was slashed with a watermelon knife, requiring over twenty stitches.
Originally quite handsome, the scar added a menacing aura, making him even more intimidating.
Charles was later regarded as Harbor Springs' best fighter mainly because he used guns from the start.
Before Charles, street fights in Harbor Springs involved knives or clubs, but Charles used a Desert Eagle and other firearms, quickly earning a fearsome reputation.
However, the top fighters had never actually faced each other. The four top enforcers of Harbor Springs' major gangs maintained a fragile peace, avoiding direct conflict.
They had achieved a certain social status and economic stability, and as long as they maintained face, they avoided deadly confrontations.
Major disputes were mediated by the gang leaders, and everyone would back down. Although they eyed each other warily, they coexisted peacefully.
Xavier returned to his room and called Wyatt, "Wyatt, are you sure? This Henry kid looks so young."
Wyatt sounded surprised, "Are you sure it's him?"
"Pretty sure. He entered the room alone, but he has an aura of menace."
Wyatt nodded, "That's him. Be careful, don't underestimate him. Tristan's professional fighters couldn't handle him. I'll come over later. Don't act unless Ryan gives the signal. If you do, kill him quickly and be aware he might be armed."
"Understood!"
Xavier's men asked, "Boss, is the target really a kid?"
Xavier replied, "He might have a gun. If we act, do it fast and hard. Kill him and dump his body in the river."
"Don't worry, boss. We can handle one kid."
A while later, Quentin arrived with Ryan and Ruby. Seeing Xavier's men in the next room reassured him.
Seeing them enter, Henry smiled and stood up.
Ryan sat opposite Henry at the round table, with Quentin beside him. The table could seat ten, but with only Ryan and Quentin, it looked empty. Ruby sat near Henry, leaving a chair between them.
Henry asked Ruby, "Sister, what would you like to order?"
Ryan impatiently said, "Let's discuss business first."
Henry smiled, "What's your proposal, brother?"
Ryan waved his hand, "Talk to my wife about the details."
Henry signaled the waiter to wait for the food order and asked Ruby, "Sister, you must have thought of your terms on the way here?"
On the way, they had indeed discussed it. Ryan wanted 3 million: 1 million for Quentin's compensation and 2 million for Erick's shares.
Quentin thought it was too much and feared Henry would retaliate.
Ruby believed Quentin's injuries weren't severe. Although Henry knew Quentin was a shareholder and Ryan's brother-in-law, he had shown restraint compared to Zachary, who was shot.
Demanding 1 million for this was excessive.
As for the shares, it was hard to price them.
Ruby's stance was that as long as Henry allowed Quentin to keep his shares and dividends, the matter would be settled.
Acknowledging Quentin's shares would be a form of apology.
Ruby believed it was best not to push a desperate man like Henry.
Ryan didn't object but reminded her that everyone haggles, so this should be the baseline, but not the opening offer.
After Henry posed the question, Ruby didn't state her terms but asked, "Brother, you weren't this agreeable at the police station?"