"I have no idea what you're talking about, Westwood," Pierce said, his face a perfect mask of confusion. "What agreement? I invited Liam Knight here as my honored guest, not as bait for your petty vendettas."
I stayed on one knee, still recovering from the Martial Saint's grip, watching this performance unfold. Pierce's acting was almost convincing—if I hadn't been dealing with liars and schemers for years now.
Tyler's face contorted with rage. "Don't play dumb with me, Cromwell. We discussed this weeks ago! You would lure Knight to the Exchange Meeting, and I would finally eliminate this pest."
Pierce shook his head, looking genuinely offended. "I made no such agreement. Perhaps you misunderstood my intentions. Mr. Knight possesses items of significant value that I'm interested in acquiring through legitimate exchange."
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Everyone watched, barely breathing, as Tyler stepped closer to Pierce.
