+8 Pearls
Clara hesitated at his words, took a deep breath, and turned to face him. “That depends on whether you’re willing to discuss it with me, Mr. Xander.”
Her knowledge of Howard was superficial, much like what the public knew. But now that she was here, she sensed that he was far from ordinary.
“You’re interested in the tourism development project I have. That’s not a problem, but there are conditions,” Howard said, stepping closer and scrutinizing her from a superior position. “How do you think Michael would react if he knew his wife was here discussing a project with me?”
Clara frowned slightly, unsure of what he meant.
“Well, that makes sense. You and Michael just got your marriage license and haven’t had the wedding yet. Since not many people know about your relationship, it’s natural you wouldn’t know about my hostility toward him,” Howard said, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather.
Her eyes widened in surprise. Hostility?
“But since you’re here, out of respect for Michael, I’ll offer you the development project,” he continued.
His unfathomable gaze sent a shiver down Clara’s spine.
He clearly has ulterior motives.
“What are the conditions?” Clara asked, eyeing him warily. “You’re a businessman. You wouldn’t just hand over this project to me without something in return, would you?”
She stared at him, trying to read something in his eyes, but the man was too well–hidden- there was nothing to glean.
“Play a game with me,” Howard said with a smirk. “If you win, I’ll give you the project. But be warned, the game isn’t easy, and as Michael’s sworn enemy, even if you win the project, you might still…”
Howard seemed to find the situation increasingly amusing.
Clara pondered for a moment before replying, “I’ll play.”
The tourism development project Howard was offering was in a somewhat remote location. For some unknown reason, he wanted to offload it, and many were eager to take it on.
1/2
11:53 Sat, Oct 18 M…
Chapter 23 Game of Life and Death
83
19+8 Pearls
If successful, the project could generate substantial profits–casily exceeding a hundred million dollars!
From what she knew, none of Goodman Group’s current projects could even come close.
“Alright,” Howard said, clapping his hands together. “Follow me.”
Clara followed him to a private room that had a large screen on one wall and basic furnishings like a couch and coffee table.
Before she could sit down, she saw something on the screen that made her eyes widen in shock.
That is…
“1
“This is just a warm–up,” Howard said, picking up a remote and pressing a button. The screen shifted to a massive pool.
In the pool, a crocodile was attacking a woman who was desperately swimming for her life.
The previous scene, which had featured animal hunting, now seemed mild in comparison to this.
“And here’s another one,” Howard said, noticing her fear and switching to a new scene.
Clara watched two men on the screen, puzzled.
“What you’re seeing now is a father and son. Guess which one will die?” Howard tossed the remote aside, took a seat, and kept his eyes fixed on her back. “Come and sit down.”
Clara’s
eyes
blazed with anger. “You’re treating human lives like a game!”
Has he become so powerful that no one can hold him accountable?
“Anyone who participates in these games can make money, and those who come here are usually at their wits‘ end,” Howard said flatly. He poured drinks, setting one share aside while gesturing for her to take a seat.
He took a sip from the other cup.
Send Gifts
2/2
