Each Taking a Step Back

[Ellie's P.O.V]

"Xavier himself wanted to negotiate with us, but you interfered!" Brian leaned forward, his face showing fierce anger. "Of course, I must continue the cooperation! Besides, it was that boy who initiated it!"

Brian's words were a mix of truth and lies. He didn't reveal his true intentions but was quick to blame us. It seemed he wouldn't expose everything, which would be digging his own grave.

Anton scoffed, "Cooperation is supposed to be mutual. If one party disagrees, it can't proceed. Now, I've seen it all. Mr. Brian, you're chasing an underage boy, threatening his life to force this cooperation. Is this really just a surface-level partnership?"

Anton's tone was inquisitive yet assertive.

"It's not your place to comment on whether it is or isn't," Brian retorted, his face alternating between shades of red and white, still being evasive. "You're meddling too much in others' affairs."