Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2380

Andrew nodded in understanding and waited for Joaquin to continue while casually taking the mask from him.

Joaquin went on, "Secondly, at a private trading event like this, anonymity helps when you're buying or selling. Once you've made your deal, you can leave anytime, and even if someone tries to follow or target you later, they won't know who you are."

Andrew slipped the mask on, his entire face now hidden except for his eyes. "I understand, Mr. Briggs. You can head back now. I'll take it from here."

Joaquin nodded and quietly left.

Andrew pushed through the curtain ahead and stepped into a dimly lit room where several figures sat scattered around in no particular order. Two of them were already trading something wrapped in a black cloth, though it was impossible to tell what it was. The rest were either chatting in low tones, zoning out, or clearly waiting for someone to arrive.

Without drawing attention, Andrew found a spot near the center and sat down. The two trading voices were hoarse, altered to hide their real tones. Clearly, they were being careful.

"This is what you wanted," one of them said.

Another replied, "No rush. Once I check and confirm it's real, you'll get the rest of the payment."

"You'd better keep your word. I work clean and fast, but if someone tries to play me for a fool, the one who dies won't be me. It'll be his entire family."

"Don't threaten me. I don't take well to threats. If I get pissed off, I might just kill you right now. Who would you even complain to?"

"Kill me now? Go ahead, try it," the first one taunted.

Andrew shook his head with a sigh.

A few just sat alone, either waiting or pretending not to care.

After that, a heavy, lumbering figure, definitely a fat man, raised his voice, his tone sharp and cold. "Ladies and gentlemen! I have a job available and would like to see if any of you are interested. If not, that's fine. Maybe you can pass it along to someone who might be."

Everyone turned to look at him, waiting for him to explain. The man took his time, pulling out a photo the size of a poster and hanging it on the wall. His raspy voice echoed across the room.

"Whoever can capture this woman alive will be rewarded with control over a massive overseas mining deal that's worth at least 100 billion in profit. But if you bring her in dead, you'll get two eight-grade Divine Pills as compensation instead."

In an instant, everyone's eyes locked on the photo.

The offer was beyond tempting, the kind of bounty that could make even the most disciplined person's pulse quicken. This man was not just offering a deal; he was throwing a fortune onto the table.