Chapter 864

Damian lifted his head, narrowing his eyes at Nathaniel. He knew of Nathaniel's past, including the failed business venture that led to MN Inc.'s bankruptcy. Nathaniel was deeply in debt, treated as a pariah on the streets, shunned or assaulted by nearly everyone. Damian wasn't sure who'd helped him, but Nathaniel had somehow become a project manager at Tanner Corporation. This was the primary reason for Damian's dislike. He believed Nathaniel didn't deserve the position, considering his past failures. He'd even suspected an unusual connection between Nathaniel and Arianna. Ironically, Damian now found himself in a similarly precarious situation. Life, he mused, was unpredictable.

"I can get you out of prison," Nathaniel said, his words smooth and persuasive. "I can ensure your public reputation is restored, allowing you to return to Tanner Corporation, perhaps even to a higher position."

The offer tempted Damian, rekindling a gleam in his eyes, quickly dimmed by doubt.

"Ha! I wish!" Damian laughed, the sound mocking both Nathaniel and himself. Of course, I want this to be true, but how is it possible? he thought. His current predicament seemed insurmountable; how could Nathaniel possibly salvage his reputation and career aspirations?

"I can make your dream a reality," Nathaniel said, turning. "Come with me, if you're ambitious enough and truly want this."

Hesitant, Damian watched Nathaniel's retreating back. When Nathaniel didn't look back, he followed. Exiting the abandoned building—which Damian now realized resembled an abandoned construction site—he found himself disoriented. He’d been locked in a small, empty room.

Nathaniel reached the edge of a high point, standing without fear, hands clasped behind him, gazing into the distance. Damian cautiously approached, stopping well short of the edge. "What are you planning?" he asked.

Nathaniel smiled. "I want to help you. But it all depends on you. Are you willing to let me help?"

"How?" Damian asked, licking his dry lips. The situation was absurd, yet strangely compelling. No one would refuse a chance at redemption, he thought. If it's possible, why not?

"I have the resources and evidence to clear your charges, eliminate the negative press, and even shift the blame to Arianna!" Nathaniel smirked cruelly. "You'll walk free, eliminating your competition in the process. So, what do you say?"

"Stop lying!" Damian sneered. "What's in it for you? Besides, it can't be that easy." His recent experiences had made him wary of easy solutions and unrealistic promises. He needed to protect himself from false hopes, studying Nathaniel carefully to discern his true motives.