"Alright, Mr. Ricardo, could you briefly outline the details of our agreement? I need to discuss it with keter on."


    "I want Julian gone,pletely." Ricardo''s tone left no room for negotiation.


    Sophie lifted her ss of red wine from the table and said, "Mr. Ricardo, Julian is our next big project. Wanting him gone is quite the ask, isn''t it?"


    There was a hint of arrogance in Ricardo''s steady voice. "Everything has its price. Just name it, and I can afford it."


    Given the Cloude family''s reputation, affording a certain price wasn''t the issue-it was no empty boast.Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sophie responded, "As a businessman, you should know that some things and people can''t be measured in terms of money. We''ve invested a lot in Julian, and the returns he could bring are immeasurable. If I were to say a hundred billion, would you be willing to spend most of your fortune on this?"


    Hearing this, Ricardo frowned. Spending most of his fortune to get rid of Julian was indeed out of the question.


    "Even in business, Ms. Sophie, you should consider how much the person in your hand is really worth. Julian isn''t worth that price." Ricardo said coldly. "You should be aware of the Cloude family''s methods. I have the capability to dominate for a reason. If we can''t reach an agreement this time, I will make sure Julian never rises to fame. I will use every means at my disposal to bring him down, and S Corporation won''t just fail to profit but will invite a whole lot of trouble."


    Ricardo noticed Sophie go silent and thought his threat had hit home, so he softened his tone. "I hope you think it over and give me an answer."


    Ricardo was about to sip his wine when Sophie calmly stated, "You wouldn''t dare."


    Ricardo paused, his gazending on Sophie with a dangerous glint. "What did you say?"


    Sophie smiled slightly, "I said you wouldn''t dare."


    Ricardo''s look became even more menacing, but Sophie remained unfazed. "If you wanted to go against S Corporation, you would have acted already, note here to negotiate with me. Your move is not jus against S Corporation."


    "Oh?"


    "I''m one of the beneficiaries of S Corporation and, rightfully, James'' wife. Opposing me means opposing the Burke family," Sophie continued, "And that''s not all. S Corporation'' major strategic partner is Aldridge Global, and I happen to have a personal connection with Colby. Mr. Ricardo, you''ll also have to contend with the Costello family. By coincidence, the Costello family has a special rtionship with the Tredgold family, and the Dennis family is a close rtive of the Costellos. This way, you''d be offending all of Devonport''s prominent families."


    Hearing this, Ricardo''s grip on his winess whitened.


    Sophie watched Ricardo at this moment, merely chuckled, and said, "Mr. Ricardo, this isn''t Bloomsbury, and your threats mean nothing to me. Instead, I would advise you not to waste resources on bringing down someone who poses no threat té you. It''s harmful to both parties


    and benefits you in no way."


    "Enough!" Ricardo cut Sophie off.


    He was fully aware of the consequences of opposing S Corporation, but he would never allow Julian to be a star in everyone''s eyes. Never!


    "Ms. Sophie, you just need to tell me, do you agree or not?"


    Faced with Ricardo''s questioning, Sophie arched an eyebrow. "Naturally... I do not agree."


    As these words came out, Ricardo was visibly struggling to remainposed Sophie smiled again, "However, Mr. Ricardo, you''re still a guest in Devonport. Let''s consider today''s meal on me, and I hope you ept this gesture."


    With that, Sophie drained her ss of wine, adding, "If you''re not satisfied with today''s negotiation oue you''re wee to try elsewhere. Though, I suspect the result will be the same. In the end, it might just benefit the owner of the Regent Hotel."


    Sophie''s words wereden with irony. Ricardo had never been bested by a woman before, and now his face was as dark as it could be.


    Sophie stood up, turning to Tricia by the door, "It seems there''s nothing left to discuss today. Have the waiter pack up the meal. Mr. Ricardo might enjoy the restaurant''s cuisine." "Yes, Ms. Sophie."


    As Sophie turned back, she saw Ricardo''s suppressed anger and couldn''t help but reveal a yful smile.


    After Sophie left, the sound of shattering dishware echoed from the room.


    Hearing themotion, Tricia was about to speak but was silenced by a gesture from Sophie.


    Outside the restaurant, Tricia couldn''t help but exim, "Ricardo is insane, Ms. Sophie. Why would you go out of your way to provoke him?"