Page 223 of Embriagado

“Yes, sir?”

“How much does Ariyan owe me for saving his life?”

“Ten million dollars.” The scum grinned.

He cracked his knuckles. “And how much did he pay us already?”

“Nine million and five hundred thousand dollars, sir.”

“Nine million and five hundred thousand dollars?” He pursed his lips, his brows rising. “That’s quite the number.”

I held my guard, not allowing my expression to betray me, and instead kept still.

“I’m beyond impressed with you, Ariyan.” Eduardo smiled. “In fact, how about I help with that final push? What would you say if I offered a deal of my own? You sleep with the ambassador for me, and in exchange, you’ll be debt-free.”

My eyes widened at his offer, moving from Eduardo to the ambassador and back. Was he being serious? Would sleeping with that piece of filth truly be my final ticket out of this hell, or was this just a test? Either way, my answer didn’t change.

“As I said, I am not for sale.”

I’d rather kill myself trying to earn the last dime than allow another pig to hover on top of me.

“You heard him, Ambassador.” Eduardo turned his head to face the other men. “I tried changing his mind, but clearly, Ariyan here is very firm about his rules; therefore, there’s nothing I can do, and I’m afraid our time here is done.”

Ignoring the ambassador’s grunts and whines about how he wasted his time coming here, I kept my eyes focused on Eduardo until his nephew led the ambassador out of the room. And while I was glad not to breathe the same air as that filth anymore, I couldn’t breathe just yet.

Now, with the others out of the room, it was just the two of us.

“I know seeing me must have stressed you, but truly, I was just curious to check on my hotel. I hope you’re okay,” he said.

“I’m perfectly fine, thank you.”

“Are you sure? You seem on edge.”

I bit on my tongue, forcing my lips to form a smile. “Just work.”

The door of the room once again opened, and Alejandro returned.

“The car’s downstairs waiting for you, Uncle,” he said after stopping by his side.

Thanking his nephew with a smile, Eduardo returned his eyes to me.

“I guess we’re finished here.”

“Sir.” I bowed my head and watched as he grabbed the chair’s armrest for support while he tried to get up.

Alejandro moved to assist him, but refusing the help, Eduardo grabbed his walking cane for support. I focused on his wrinkled fingers clutching the golden handle until he coughed to clear his throat.

“Well then, we’ll speak again soon.”

“Yes, sir.”

He turned around and began limping toward the door. That crippled old man could hardly walk, and yet he had my life in his hands. On paper, killing him should be easier than breaking a toothpick, only the consequences were more than I could afford.

“Oh, there is this one thing I forgot.” Stopping at once, he turned to face me. “How did you earn all this money?”

“Sir?”

“In the last year alone, you’ve paid back almost your entire debt, and with interest. Therefore, I can’t help but wonder, how? Especially when you struggled so much in the past.”