Chapter 195 Three Time Strike
James quickly figured out that Brandon had done his homework and knew about the Lotus Hotel incident. So, he pretended to be sick to test James.
"Nothing's ever a one-and-done deal."
Brandon stepped closer, his intense eyes locked on James.
"Where do you get the nerve to think you can fix this?"
Brandon was just a bit taller than James, but James's gaze made him uneasy, like he couldn't hide anything.
"Serious problems need strong solutions, but you gotta balance urgency and caution."
James met Brandon's stare. "Strong medicine works fast, but it can also kill.
"In life-or-death situations, when things are out of control, sure, go for the strong stuff.
"But if you can fix it in ten days or a couple of weeks, why risk it?
"I can't take a life just to solve a problem."
"Where do you get the confidence to control this?" Brandon smirked, unreadable. "All I see is your lack of decisiveness, leaving future messes."
David was initially confused, but then he realized they weren't just talking about curing an illness; they were discussing Ray.
He was curious; 'Dad usually only cares about the big picture. Why is he focused on Ray today?
'Even billionaires don't catch his eye, so why would a businessman worth tens of millions?'
David didn't dare ask Brandon. Instead, he looked at James and asked with a smile, "James, I don't get it. Why did you spare Ray?"
James didn't hold back. "I've got a video of Ray throwing a girl off a building in one hand, and evidence of the Garcia family's dirty deeds in the other.
"Taking down Ray and the Garcia family is a piece of cake.
"Last night at JZL Medical Clinic, I showed Ray my connections and my martial arts skills.
"He knows I can crush him, so he won't dare make a move without being sure.
"At least for the next two or three months, there won't be any trouble."
David frowned. "But all this suppression isn't as simple as a dead man."
Brandon stayed silent, just watching James.
James straightened up. "There's another reason: my concern for the Miller family."
David was stunned. "What does Ray's life or death have to do with our Miller family?"
James replied, "Three strikes and you're out."
David was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Brandon, who had been calm, suddenly tensed , and he looked at James with new intensity.
But he quickly regained his composure, looking calm and unshaken.
"The Watson brothers are dead, the billion-dollar Secure Horizon Services is gone. Tommy and his son are dead, and the billion-dollar Jones Group is no more.
"If Ray dies too, causing the Garcia Group to collapse," James looked at Brandon and David, "If this hits the news, it would be three major entrepreneurs dead and billions in assets gone within half a month.
"One death is an accident, two could be a coincidence, but three? That's definitely gonna look like a conspiracy.
"The media would go nuts, the public would be all over it, and competitors would stir the pot, creating a media frenzy.
"Then, not only would there be calls to investigate these cases, but the Miller family, who run Rosewood City, would be under massive pressure.
"If people found out Mr. Miller was involved, the Miller family would face a ton of backlash.
"Accusations of crushing private businesses, seizing property, and lawlessness would all be aimed at the Millers.
"Even if you could handle it, you'd be seriously weakened, and Rosewood City's investment climate would take a hit.
"So, I let Ray off the hook this time, letting him deal with the Joseph situation to avoid the 'three strikes' scenario."
David was stunned, speechless for a while. He never thought James would leave future troubles for the sake of the Miller family.
Then he slapped his forehead, realizing why his dad was so focused on Ray, and kept grilling James, who came to treat him.
It turned out, he saw a huge risk, too.
Such sharp insight.
"Brandon, that's why I spared Ray." James looked at Brandon honestly. "Killing him is easy, but dealing with the fallout is a pain. So, I don't mind letting him live a bit longer while holding his weaknesses.
"If he comes after me again or if I find him annoying, I can throw out the evidence and have him legally dealt with. Not killing him now avoids future trouble when I do!"
David nodded in admiration, looking at James with newfound respect.
Brandon's face stayed calm, showing no emotion, but he walked over and patted James on the shoulder.
This pat seemed casual but was full of approval for James.
"Dad, I told you James is impressive. Do you believe it now?"
David seized the moment and smiled. "Can we let James treat you now?"
"Grandpa Miller, Grandpa Miller." A loud, commanding voice came from outside. "Where are you?"
"Let's go to the hall." Brandon put on a coat and smiled at David and James. "Riley is here. She also found a famous doctor for me."
He smiled. "Maybe the clash of ideas will spark new inspiration."
David quickly explained to James, "Riley is my dad's old friend's granddaughter, Riley Walker. She's strong-willed and always acts recklessly.
"I didn't know she was coming today and bringing a doctor. I'm really sorry."
He almost mentioned Riley's background but decided it wasn't necessary for now.
James smiled. "It's okay, the more people, the more hope."
"James, you're very good." Brandon patted James on the shoulder again, then put on a coat and led them out.
When they reached the front hall, they saw a group of men and women walking in.
In the lobby, they encountered a group of men and women entering.
The leader of the group was a tall woman dressed entirely in black: a black tank top, black shorts, black shoes, and black gloves. Even the dagger she carried was black.
The dagger moved in her hands with a life of its own, spinning and flipping with such speed and flair that it was almost mesmerizing to watch.
Beside her was a man in his thirties, tall with a prominent nose, exuding an air of arrogance.
Trailing behind them were a few others, pushing several suitcases that seemed to contain equipment.
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