?Chapter 2804


    "Let''s all sit down and have a nice chat, then. We have no problems letting you go, but you need to leave this woman behind." Esmond pointed at Rita''s face.


    Sherman''s frown showed no signs of easing. Rita had never met Esmond before, yet her investigation seemed reason enough for Esmond to demand her life. It was absurd. "I''m all for a good chat. We came here today just to experience some of the attractions on offer here."


    Esmond retorted sharply, "Don''t y games with me. I''ve made myself clear: the woman stays, and you can leave. I''ve walked a long road to get to where I am. You can''t seriously be thinking that you can leave here with her, do you? Let''s be frank-this woman is nothing special. She''ll only bring you trouble. Other than her slightly pretty face, I don''t see anything about her that''s worth all your effort."


    Meanwhile, Esmond''s underlings ogled Rita. They could see her features clearly through the dim light even though she was hiding behind Sherman. "When did your standards get higher, boss? She''s not just slightly pretty. She''s super pretty! Heck, I think she''s much more beautiful than some celebrities in the entertainment industry! I can understand why Mister Sherman is so reluctant to let go of her!"


    Another monkey-like subordinateughed yfully. "You betcha! Boy, if I had a beauty like that by my side, I''d give everything to her!"


    Rita''s cheeks flushed in anger, but she resisted the urge to react. She never thought that she would be evaluated by these people like amodity one day, but she knew that it was something she would have to go through eventually. She calmed her breathing and avoided any confrontations, as she knew that it was not worth her ire.


    The two men''s banter became increasingly demeaning and objectifying. Sherman remained quiet, but Rita could keenly sense his growing impatience.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Is this how you have a conversation?" Sherman lowered his head and smiled briefly before focusing his eyes on the two foul-mouthed men. He raised his hand and pointed at them. "I see no reason to sit down and talk if your men can''t even maintain a basic sense of decorum."


    Esmond was peeved by Sherman''s assertiveness and felt undermined on his own turf. He felt as though he had been manipted by Sherman every step of the way.


    He was also very displeased with hisckeys because of their flippant, obscene jokes while he was trying to negotiate a serious matter. They were acting as if that was the first time in ages that they hadid eyes on


    a woman.


    "Your upbringing has shielded you from the less savory sides of reality, so I''m not surprised you haven''t experienced this kind of banter before. I''d just like to point out that you were the one who requested to have a chat with me, not the other way around. I''ll rein in my men if they''re out of line. It''s not your ce to lecture me. While I am considering how much money I can get from you, you should know that I don''t care for money all that much. I''m just looking out for my men."


    Esmond valued his reputation most. They made a living off of the streets, and it was almost like a p in the face when Sherman made thosements with hisckeys around.


    "Oh right, I forgot that you guys are cut from the same cloth," Sherman said in tant disregard for Esmond. He then pulled Rita out from behind him and said, "I''ll make my stance clear: I will bring her out of this door in one piece. The question is, can you stop me?"


    Rita looked at him in a panic. He had not brought anyone there, so she wondered just how on earth was he going to get her out. She attempted to persuade Sherman to leave her there and escape alone, but Sherman turned all of a sudden and smirked at her. She had never seen him wearing such an expression before.