Hollywood Zenith

"And why should I help you? I have other ways to kill you. Don't think for a second that you have any power here." Rani replied coldly. "As I said, I didn't come here with any bad intentions. I am sure by now you have figured out that I have some business with the Greens, which was how Talia came to visit me last night." He paused for a second before continuing. "There is no reason for us to fight. You should know that Greens wouldn't last long, and after they are gone, the bad blood between us would only grow because of it. I am not asking you to switch sides or do anything dangerous. Just call off your other agents and make sure they don't find out that I am behind everything." "Talia would be under my care for now, and I would hope that you don't pursue punishing her because it was mostly the drug effect that made her talk, and she never planned to betray you or your organization." He lied, trying to give a leeway for Talia. Although they got off on the wrong foot, he did take advantage of her, which led her to bleed out her frustration. She felt comfortable enough in his arms to tell him these things, so he felt like it was his duty to at least save her life, knowing the woman opposite him would not think twice to silence her! "I can't guarantee that. Although I can see how the poisonous mist could be involved, she should have never told you our secret. She must be dealt with; those are the rules, and I wish you wouldn't order me around and teach me how to do my job!" Rani slapped the table in annoyance. Although she was much less aggressive because of what he showed her, there was no chance that she would be afraid of him. As she said, she had many ways to dispose of him; after all, no one is immortal! "I disagree. Since we have already done the deed, she becomes my responsibility. I can't let you harm her if you still try to deny my request; I would have to get creative, which would not end well for you or your organization." He squinted his eyes, releasing some of his aura. If it came to it, he didn't mind doing the dirty work despite the risk. He was a simple man. He wasn't asking for anything excessive, but if one did try to defy him, he wasn't going to show his mercy, knowing his hesitation would come to bite him in the future! "Boy, are you really threatening me right now? Haven't you learned anything from earlier experience?" "I have. I know that I can counter your poison, but haven't you researched what else I am capable of? If you think I am some snotty brat from a rich family, then you would be mistaken. I never make requests that couldn't be fulfilled. Beside, I don't want to start a war in the middle of the city, which could hurt a lot of innocent bystanders." He stood firm. They both looked at each other for a few seconds before she tested him again. "Right, and how are you going to protect these people? As I said, this place has enough things to level a city." "It's fine by me. You will be dooming your organization and it's members because I am pretty sure they don't know a thing about your secret. As far as I am aware, it goes by the name Nebula Ventures, which seems harmless compared to what's been happening here." He shrugged, double-bluffing her. They again sat in silence while Rani thought about his proposal. It's not a bad one, but she didn't like his attitude, and the probability of their origin being leaked was too high for comfort. But at the same time, she also had some leverage on him. It wouldn't be worth much after he was done with the Green family, but it could still cause a scandal among the elite circle, which seemed damaging enough to her. Still, she knew she would be losing more than him in this deal, which was why she was a little hesitant. She would have loved to discuss it with her other partners. There were a total of five people, including her, who sat as elders acting like a council since most of them had already retired. If she agreed to him, she would have to take responsibility if something bad happened. Samuel didn't know about the existence of these people. Talia only told her about the woman who was like a mentor to her. She was the reason Talia was alive and had a place to call home. The grueling training was a different kind of childhood from most kids, but Talia liked it. She wasn't able to become a poison lady like Rani, as the practice was abolished with the previous generation due to the high death toll, but Talia did inherit the love of chemistry from her mentor. "So, what's it going to be?" He asked again. "Fine. I agree, but if I ever find out that you or Talia blabbered what we discussed here, don't blame me for unleashing the full force of my organization, which would result in your death along with anyone you hold dear to." "I promise. I will not say a word to anyone. I don't want some crazy old lady to poison me in my sleep." He said it with a chuckle, but Rani didn't like it. This was the nonchalant attitude that she hated, but she held herself back because it was obvious they would be seeing each other a lot in the future. "Send her back. I have few things for her. I promise I will not hurt her." She said it in a much softer tone. "I believe you." With their negotiation over, Samuel didn't have any reason to stay in the room with her. Rani looked at his retreating back with complicated expression. She treated Talia like her own daughter, and it was really hard for her to let her go, but it needed to be done. She needs to see more of the world herself.