?<strong>Chapter 815:</strong>


    Caden took a sip, his face unreadable and his gaze imprable. Corey couldn’t decipher his thoughts. Caden didn’t look directly at the video, nor had his expression shifted. Did he still care for Alicia or not?


    Corey suddenly felt uncertain about today’s meeting. Caden’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.


    In a calm tone, he said, “Mr. Hampton, is the machine you want hanging on my face? Why are you staring at me?” Corey raised an eyebrow. Since the subject hade up, he pressed forward.


    “Since you mentioned it, let’s be direct. Name your price, and let me have the machine.”


    Caden replied, “I need to see some sincerity.”


    Corey slid his phone toward him.


    “Three videos, plus seventy million. Is that sincere enough?”


    Caden had seen one video, but the remaining two were Corey’s bargaining chips. Caden downed his drink in one gulp out of courtesy. His expression was steady, but his tone held a hint of sarcasm.


    “Mr. Hampton, have you made so much money that you’ve lost your sense? Bargaining with such things…”


    Corey’s eyes narrowed slightly.


    “Mr. Ward, we’re well acquainted—no need to y coy.”


    Caden stood.


    “I’m busy. So, I won’t waste more time here. Next time you need something, send someonepetent to negotiate.”


    Corey’s hand clenched as he watched Caden turn to leave.


    “One hundred and forty million, Mr. Ward.”


    Caden didn’t pause.


    “Two hundred million,” Corey added, desperation seeping into his voice. But Caden had already left.


    Corey’s face darkened, and in frustration, he knocked over his wine ss.


    “Damn it.”


    Just then, Hank entered with a contract in hand.


    “Mr. Hampton, two hundred million to be paid within two months.”


    Corey felt cornered.


    “Did Caden agree?”


    Hank nodded.


    “Yes.”


    “Then why all the pretense? For just two hundred million, forget about the videos!” Corey muttered bitterly.


    Hank replied, “Mr. Ward never asked for them. Mr. Hampton, don’t overestimate your importance.”


    Corey gritted his teeth, angrily signing the contract. This two hundred million was a bribe to keep Caden out of thepetition—a costly maneuver.


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