Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-Four
Malachi's POV
"It's a fact. You threatened my child, Zhao. Sent a message to Alicia telling her you'd kill one of them. Her or Sophie."
The table went quiet.
Even Emily looked at Zhao sharply. Like this was news to her.
"You threatened her sister?" Emily's voice was low. Dangerous.
"A necessary measure—"
"You threatened an innocent girl. A child essentially." Emily's composure cracked. Just slightly. "That wasn't part of our arrangement."
"Our arrangement was about results. I achieve results however I see fit."
"Not like that. Never like that."
"Emily." Zhao's voice hardened. "Don't get sentimental now."
"I'm not sentimental. I'm principled. There's a difference." She looked at me. "I didn't know about the threat. I want you to know that."
"It doesn't change anything."
"I know. But I need you to know I didn't sanction it."
Zhao stood up slowly. "This meeting is over. We're past negotiation."
"Sit down," I said.
