Candy blinked several times, glaring hard at him. Raymond turned away, then lounged back on the cushion, crossing his legs. He stared at his nails and blew invisible air from his mouth, utterly nonchalant.
Candy felt like running at him faster than a speeding train and punching the life out of him. Imagine—he actually wanted to trade her off to another man, and now he's calling her his property. She had suffered so much, endured so much, all because of her father. Could she ever forgive him? Her life plan, her dreams… all shattered.
"Dragon, we will strike another deal. This particular deal is now void," Raymond announced. Dickson stood firm, awaiting his orders.
Dragon froze, confused and furious.
"That's absurd, Monster! This is the deal I want!" he argued.
Raymond slowly raised his gaze to him.
"I'm the one striking the deal with you, not the other way around. I'm the one selling the goods to you, not you. I'm the one suggesting the business plan, not you. So Dragon… I'm the one in charge here." His gaze shifted to Dickson. "Take her away."
Dragon looked at Candy, who shook her head defiantly.
"I want to go with you, Mr. Dragon," she insisted, taking a few steps back as Dickson approached.
"Don't worry, pumpkin. I'll come back for you," Dragon said with a sad wink.
"In my mansion?" Raymond scoffed inwardly, blowing bubble balloons from his gum.
Dickson stepped closer, but Candy snapped, "I will go with you! Don't touch me!" Finally, she followed Dragon—but not before shooting Raymond a hard glare. He didn't even spare her a glance.
Dragon was furious but kept his composure. He returned to the cushion, ready to continue negotiations with Raymond—because he wanted Candy at any cost.
Raymond uncrossed his legs and stood, forcing Dragon to look up at him. He loomed over Dragon.
"When you're done with your whiskey, the door is open. Leave." He pointed toward the entrance.
"About the new deal, I'll contact you when I'm ready," he added, flashing his signature, sly smile before walking away with both hands tucked in his pockets.
Dragon clenched his fists, watching him go. Raymond paused mid-step, glanced back at him, and his earlier anger dissolved into that familiar grin.
"When you're done, please leave. Don't overstay your welcome," Raymond muttered casually, ascending the stairs.
Dragon's expression hardened again as he stared at Raymond's retreating back.
"I'll surely be back for you, pumpkin," he muttered, taking a slow sip from his glass of whiskey.