Chapter 479 Dear Brother
Calvin hung his head in shame. "Mr. Darwin, Ms. Fiona, we've failed to do our job!"
He had meant to prevent Steven from discovering his and Darwin's connection.
At this point, what Calvin didn't realize was that his own casual late-night chatter while smoking had thwarted their plans.
"There’s a local diner nearby with great flavors," Fiona said, taking Darwin's hand. "Since we have to wait for the blood typing results anyway, let's go have breakfast there."
During breakfast, Darwin briefed Fiona on the man's background.
"To put it simply, he's a mercenary scoundrel," Fiona commented coolly.
"Yes." Darwin nodded.
The helplessness of the moment had not gone far. They were now waiting for news in an alley behind a nearby bar.
"Mr. Steven, why are we hiding out here instead of staying at a five-star hotel? Look at all the vomit on the ground — it’s dirtier than the streets in our town," Black Fatty grumbled dissatisfied.
Steven arched an eyebrow, "No cameras here, I'm off the radar for now. Quit your whining. If this deal goes through, I’m going to be flush with cash, rubbing elbows with high society!"
"Really? Mr. Steven, you got to lift me up with you if you make it to the top,” Blackie said eagerly.
Steven patted Blackie’s cheek condescendingly. “Relax, I won’t leave you hanging.”
As time passed sluggishly, the clock hadn’t quite struck nine yet. Suddenly, an update arrived from the matching center.
"We've got a match!" Darwin sprang to his feet and handed the phone to Fiona.
A genuine smile spread across Fiona’s face.
"It's really worked..." Her eyes moved from the message to Darwin.
Darwin wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Now you can put those crazy thoughts to rest, you hear me?"
Fiona nodded emphatically.
Just then, Calvin's call came in. "Mr. Darwin, Steven reached out to me."
With one arm still around Fiona, Darwin's smile faded slightly but remained joyful. "He wants to see me?"
"Yes!"
"Bring him over."
“Mr. Darwin, he doesn’t trust us, wants to meet at a place of his choosing”…"
Fiona couldn't help but laugh.
Darwin’s reputation as a nefarious character was well-known; everyone wanted to be one step ahead of him.
Soon enough, the couple arrived at the restaurant Steven had picked.
He had a taste.
Although steering clear of Rhoads family and Darwin’s holdings,
Ironically, the building belonged to Kenny.
And as luck would have it, Fiona and Darwin ran into Kenny and Thalassa just as they arrived.
Carey had been planning a meal for the graduates.
The turnout was quite large.
Thalassa, not wanting to overburden her, took over the arrangements.
When Kenny found out, he eagerly joined.
"You're early?" Thalassa was surprised.
"Something's came up; I'll fill you in later," Fiona said.
Thalassa nodded solemnly, not used to seeing her so serious. "Okay, then go ahead."
Once the couple had left, Thalassa turned to Kenny. "Seems like something big."
"With Darwin around, there's no big deal he can't handle," Kenny answered with a smile.
Thalassa nodded. "True enough..."
Steven must have watched too many Hong Kong films.
He didn’t opt for a private room, choosing to sit in the main dining area instead.
Upon seeing Darwin and Fiona, he stood up briskly, all warmth and enthusiasm. "Is that my brother and sister-in-law, I see?"
Calvin, who had arrived earlier, was visibly green with envy.
Darwin's expression was its usual cold, as he walked side by side with Fiona.
"Mr. Steven," Fiona said, initiating the greeting.
"Come on, sister-in-law, let's not be strangers. Don't you know the relationship between your husband and me?" Steven's lips twisted into a smirk.
He always believed that a woman's place was in the home, faithfully birthing and raising the kids, cooking meals, and keeping house. Even the most beautiful women should conform to this.
This was the tradition handed down from generations past.
However, his brother's wife wasn't that kind of woman, which was precisely why he looked down on her.
His sarcasm was fully unbridled as he spoke.
After all, they were here waiting, hoping for his bone marrow to save their son, Charles.
"Steven!" Calvin clenched his fists, evidently angered.
Fiona curled up the corners of her mouth. "Mr. Steven, you seem like the straightforward type. So why don't we skip the nonsense and get right to your terms?"
Steven ignored Fiona, his gaze settling on Darwin.
"Brother, let's talk man-to-man about this," he said dismissively.
Fiona's eyes dropped, but her smile didn't fade.
She would endure anything for Charles.
"Just state your terms," Darwin said coldly.
Steven noticed the couple had no desire to play at family ties with him. Recalled how they tried to secretly offer him a million dollars for his bone marrow without his knowledge, irritating him even more.
They shared the same mother. By rights, he should be entitled to half of Darwin's wealth.
"You rich folks with your petty prejudices." Steven sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and settled into a posture of superiority. "That child is my nephew, you know. I meant to help out of family loyalty. However, since you're making it clear, I'll set my conditions."
His tone suggested he was being coerced into naming his price.
Fiona and Darwin quietly watched him put on his act.
"I want half of what you both are worth," Steven stated, looking straight at them. "And I want you, little brother, to hold a press conference and publicly acknowledge me as your brother."
"Half of everything we own? You must be out of your mind." Calvin was at the brink of his own sanity, wondering if Steven had lost his.
Steven sneered, "We're brothers. While I've lived a wretched existence, you've enjoyed the life of a young master. Trading half your wealth for your kid's life, I think it's fair. What do you say, brother, sister-in-law?"
Fiona stared at him.
Then suddenly, she began to laugh, a sound that seemed fueled by a huge joke she had just heard.
Darwin looked at her.
"Honey, let's go home. Let him rave on his own here."
Finishing her statement, Fiona turned and walked away.
"What do you mean by that?" Steven blurted out, standing up in confusion.
Darwin shot Steven a deep look, remaining silent, then turned and left with Fiona in tow.
"Brother, you got a death wish for Charles or something? Terms can be negotiated, you know." Steven was utterly confused.
Perhaps these wealthy individuals haven't grasped the importance of negotiation when it comes to shopping.
"Steven, you've really got the balls to mess with everyone?" Calvin scoffed, "Trying to play the 'men-first' card in front of Ms. Fiona? Do you have any idea how ruthless she can get? You'd pass up a cool million just to risk it all. Keep digging your own grave, man!"
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