Chapter 9 One Leg
"Yuki."
Kieran stared coldly at Yuki, who was kneeling on the ground.
Outside, the crowd had been chatting, but as soon as Ethan and Elara were called over, the conversations dwindled.
People craned their necks to see inside, and the bolder ones were already standing at the door, eager to watch the drama unfold.
Kieran glanced at the crowd and said nonchalantly, "If you want to watch, come closer. You can't hear anything from that far away."
Initially hesitant, a few people trickled in, but soon the entire crowd surged forward, surrounding the scene and chattering incessantly.
The elderly man sitting next to Kieran, Carlos Satou, looked increasingly displeased.
He glared at Yuki, as if he wanted to devour him whole.
It was clear that Kieran's actions were a humanization of the Satou family.
Kieran set down his cigar, crossed his legs, and asked indifferently, "Do you want to explain, or should I?"
"Yuki, speak up!" Carlos barked.
Yuki trembled in fear, repeatedly nodding and keeping his head down.
Yuki stammered, "About two weeks ago, I had my eye on an antique at a Blackwood Heritage Group auction. The item was worth around $200,000, but I arranged for some people to manipulate the bidding. I got it for $100,000..."
Elara gasped.
Auction houses despised this kind of manipulation.
While they might engage in it themselves, outsiders doing so was a serious offense.
Yuki dared to target the Blackwood Heritage Group.
Carlos, Yuki's grandfather, was furious. "You little brat! Where is it?"
"I... I sold it and made a $300,000 profit..."
"Where did you sell it? Get it back right now!"
Yuki was in a complete panic, unable to speak.
"Speak up!"
"Overseas..."
The room erupted.
This was now a case of smuggling cultural relics, a crime that could land someone in prison for decades.
"Mr. Satou," Kieran said, giving Carlos a respectful nod. "You are an elder in Vossshire and had dealings with my grandpa. Out of respect, we won't press charges."
"A few hundred thousand dollars is nothing. If Yuki needs money, with your influence, the Blackwood Heritage Group could easily give him some contracts to earn pocket money." He added.
Ethan and Elara exchanged glances.
Kieran was being diplomatic, giving respect before making his point.
Kieran's tone then hardened, his previous warmth vanishing. "But my things can be bought, traded, or borrowed. Without my permission, who do you think you are to mess with them?"
"You idiot, getting all cocky with a bit of money and causing trouble here. Do you even respect anyone?" He continued.
As he mentioned that, Kieran glanced at Ethan and Elara, who were holding hands.
He remained expressionless, saying nothing more.
Yuki buried his head deeper, trembling and apologizing profusely.
"Mr. Blackwood, name your terms. Even if it costs Yuki's life, I won't hesitate," Carlos declared.
Kieran frowned, displeased. "Taking a life is too much, Mr. Satou."
Carlos quickly agreed, his expression softening. "But today is the investors' meeting, and Yuki caused a scene..."
Carlos's face was complex as he kicked Yuki, who instinctively knelt towards Ethan.
Ethan was momentarily transfixed.
"If I had listened to your grandfather, the Satou Clan wouldn't be in this mess..."
Elara nudged Ethan, signaling him to de-escalate.
Ethan understood. "Mr. Satou, this is just a minor scuffle among juniors. It's not worth troubling Mr. Blackwood. Consider the matter between Yuki and me settled."
Elara smiled briefly.
Ethan had played his cards well. By giving Carlos an out, he ensured future visits from the three elders, mending old rifts.
Ethan usually acted nonchalantly, but when it counted, his comments were surprisingly insightful, showing his ability to navigate the situation smoothly.
This suggested that he wasn't involved in this matter, and the credit ultimately went to Kieran.
Moreover, his words were quite subtle, cleverly shifting the focus to the grudges between the two individuals, rather than Yuki's earlier attention to the Blackwood Heritage Group, which could be seen as indirectly aiding the Satou Clan.
Carlos, a seasoned veteran, was grateful and turned to Kieran.
Kieran remained unmoved, looking towards the door, occasionally puffing on his cigar.
It was clear Carlos's apology hadn't hit the mark.
Carlos felt a pang of anxiety. Finally, he turned to her.
"What's your name, young lady?"
"Elara Voss."
"Ms. Voss, Yuki's recklessness caused you trouble. I sincerely apologize. We'll compensate you with $500,000..."
"No need," Elara replied firmly.
$500,000 was a significant sum, but she couldn't accept it.
This incident was Kieran avenging her. Accepting the money would entangle her further with Kieran.
"My partner and I came to the party. Yuki's drunken behavior was inappropriate, but I accept the apology."
Elara's tone was steady, emphasizing "partner."
Ethan winced slightly.
Carlos bowed deeply in thanks and turned to Kieran.
Kieran finally spoke, "One leg."
Yuki nearly fainted, clinging to Carlos's leg and sobbing for help.
Ethan's expression changed, giving Elara a look that said, "See? This is the Lucifer I warned you about. Cross him, and you'll never forget it."
"Mr. Blackwood!" Elara stood up.
Ethan's face fell. This wasn't the time to speak out!