Chapter 321

Carlisle was calmly sipping his fish chowder.

Suddenly, his expression darkened.

Mike almost wet his pants out of fear.

When Carlisle had called him earlier, Mike had suspected that Carlisle wasn’t just being generous. He figured Carlisle might cause trouble now that lan was dead.

Still, he hadn’t taken it seriously.

After all, Luke had taken over lan’s businesses and would protect him.

But no

it seemed Luke was in trouble too.

Mike concluded it was Heath. He figured Carlisle and Heath were working together.

They had planned to take down both him and Luke that day.

It had to be that.

Mike was drenched in sweat, trembling.

“Today’s fish chowder soup is a bit salty,” ignoring Mike, Carlisle turned to the manager of A1 Seafood Restaurant and remarked.

“I–I’ll have it replaced right away, and today’s bill is on me. We’ll also change the kitchen staff,” the manager stuttered nervously.

Carlisle put down his spoon and waved away the smell of urine in the air.

‘Forget it. I’m not hungry today,” he said lightly.

The manager stood frozen.

Carlisle then looked at Mike kneeling on the ground and smiled.

“Mike, I’ve stashed quite a bit of money with you. Don’t you think it’s time you return them to me?”

Mike nodded frantically.

“Yes, yes. I have 100 thousand. I’ll give it all to you, just spare my life!”

Mike had given up any illusions with Luke in trouble and his last hope shattered. He thought Carlisle perhaps wouldn’t harm him, but he feared Carlisle might hand him over to Heath to chop off his fingers.

“100 thousand?”

Carlisle’s displeasure was evident.

“I paid a million for protection, remember?”

2/2

Mike immediately changed his tune.

“O–one million, I’ll… I’ll give it to you!”

He had ten million, so giving Carlisle one million still left him with nine. That amount was enough for him to live comfortably for the rest of his life.

Carlisle smirked.

“After lan’s death, Luke took over his businesses. You must have received more than just one million,

right?”

Mike shuddered.

“I… I have three million. I’ll.. I’ll give it all to you!”

After saying that, he stared at Carlisle intently.

Three million was his limit. If Carlisle continued to demand more, he’d rather have Heath chop off a few

fingers.

Carlisle’s smile widened slightly. He felt three million wasn’t a bad offer either, and he knew Mike had more than that. He didn’t think there was any need to squeeze him dry.

He looked up at Arthur and said, “Write up a receipt for the repayment.”

Arthur borrowed paper and a pen from the manager to prepare the receipt.

The manager was happy to oblige. He could tell Carlisle was a man of integrity. Carlisle would likely compensate for A1 Seafood Restaurant’s losses that night with this three million.

Arthur’s handwriting was messy. Nevertheless, it was still recognizable.

After writing the receipt, Arthur handed it to Carlisle for inspection.

Carlisle added the word “cash” after the three million and wrote his own name as the recipient.

“We need two copies of the receipt,” Carlisle instructed Arthur and the manager.

Arthur wrote another copy while the manager fetched the ink pad.

After a while, Mike signed the receipt and pressed his inked thumbprint next to his name. Despite losing three million, he still felt a sense of relief. With seven million left in the bank, he could live comfortably for the rest of his life.

Carlisle took one copy of the receipt and stood.

*How much cash do you have at home?”

“T–three million!” Mike replied cautiously, eyeing Carlisle nervously.

He had five million in cash at home. If Carlisle followed him there, he might lose it all.

“Owen, Sean, Arthur, take Mike to collect the money. Be nice, Carlisle instructed the three men with a