Chapter 343: A Counter Offer

"Sure thing." Yohan wasted no time accepting, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Just tell me when you’ll be free, and I’ll appear."

"How does tomorrow sound?" Emily tried her best not to come across as too desperate.

"Sounds great," he murmured, his eyes lingering a beat too long. "I’ll call you when I’m on my way."

"Okay." She exhaled with a soft smile, as though she’d been taking half-breaths the entire time. "I’ll see you then."

"Yeah, see you." Yohan waved at her departing figure.

He waited until she was out of sight before heading for the office where the woman was waiting for him.

"You have some guts, keeping me waiting this long..." Jessica said before turning around to face him.

Yohan almost apologized, but he’d rather not do anything that might shift the power balance. Things like this were half about appearances and half about what you actually did.

"Were you trying to show off your connections?" She smiled with one corner of her mouth.

"So, is Emily Michael some kind of special sponsor? Receiving special massages?" She made it sound playful, but she was clearly digging for answers.

"Maybe..."

Yohan decided it was time to play ball.

"Why? Are you jealous I turned you down?"

"Turned who down?" Her brows furrowed. "I’m not some bimbo cougar preying on little boys like you."

"But you came on to me back at the massage parlor." He smirked and took a few steps closer, stopping right in front of her.

"Admit it. You wanted to fuck me and were angry I turned you down."

He had nothing to lose, so there was no reason to walk on eggshells. He could just say whatever came to mind and watch her reaction.

There was silence for a few seconds before she suddenly burst into laughter.

"You are a very funny kid." She wiped a tear from her eye as her laughter subsided, and a grim expression settled over her face.

"Stop fucking around and show me the money."

The atmosphere in the room shifted immediately. Yohan could tell he wasn’t in control. This woman was the one in charge, and she wasn’t here to mess around.

Still, it was difficult to reach into his bag and take out the money.

It was as though his own muscles were working against him.

In the end, he reluctantly pulled it out, five stacks of hundred-dollar bills spread across his open palm.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of the money. She looked like she was about to pounce on him.

"Give it to me..." She reached for it eagerly, bumping into him in the process.

Yohan had to take a step back.

"S-Sorry." She finally lifted her gaze from the money, and their eyes met. For a brief moment, something that looked like guilt flashed across her face.

"Just hand it over, and we can go our separate ways..." Her voice rose and fell unevenly.

Yohan couldn’t help but notice the power shift the moment the money came out. It was obvious she needed it more than he did.

Maybe she’s in some sort of situation of her own...

There was only one way to find out.

"Okay," Yohan said after a long pause. "But before I hand it over, how do I know you won’t just come back for more?"

She squeezed her eyes shut and sighed, as though every passing second without the money in her hands was pure agony.

"You know you just have to take my word for it." Her hand remained outstretched the entire time.

Yohan glanced at her trembling palm.

"In that case, why don’t we compromise?"

"Compromise?" A vein pulsed sharply along the side of her neck. "Are you seriously trying to negotiate right now? Can’t you see it’s a little too late for that?"

"Come on now." A more confident grin began to spread across his face. "I can’t just agree to your first offer."

"Stop messing around and hand it over before I get pissed off..." She clenched her fist tightly.

"Okay, how about this? I give you the money, but only ten thousand every month." He separated one stack of hundred-dollar bills and waved it in front of her face.

Her eyes followed the money, but she didn’t react immediately. Instead, she scoffed.

"It seems you’re underestimating me. Do you really think I wouldn’t burn your stupid massage business to the ground?"

She pointed a finger in his face. "I’ll send you and all your minions to the farthest point on Earth, where the sun wou—"

"Jennifer, I need you to—"

Mayor Grant paused as he pushed open the door.

He was shocked to see Yohan standing in the middle of her office.

"What are you still doing here?" he asked with a frown.

"We were talking..." Jennifer blurted out, drawing his attention. The two locked eyes for a few seconds.

"Okay, then. I’ll return." He turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Yohan had returned the rest of the cash to his bag just before the Mayor stepped in, so it was fairly easy to hide the ten thousand dollars he was holding.

Still, the Mayor didn’t seem to care much.

Jennifer snatched the money out of his hand while he was distracted.

"Hand over the rest, or I’m going to destroy you," she whispered, fixing him with a cold, threatening glare.

At this point, Yohan almost gave in. It wasn’t as though the money was that much to him. But then, everything he’d done would have been for nothing.

"I’m not going to be pushed around," he forced the firmness into his voice.

His confidence was enough to make the woman step back. Then, a small chuckle escaped her lips.

"You really want to fight me?"

"I’m afraid our business for today is concluded. You took my money, so I expect we’re good." Yohan headed for the door. He wasn’t about to stick around and listen to her endless threats.

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you..." Jennifer got the final word in just before the door closed.