Chapter 698
Stephen said calmly, “It’s not that I’ve lost my edge or nerve. It’s just that sometimes you need to read the room and know when to pick your battles. There’s a saying—a wise man adapts to the times. No matter how strong you are, when a true powerhouse shows up, you still have to bow your head if you want to survive.”
Raymond waved him off with an irritated snort. “Cut the crap. What you’re really saying is that you’re scared of Andrew, right? You’ve already given in to him. Either way, doesn’t matter. My stance is crystal clear. If that kid shows up, kneels, toasts me, and pays for all the damages, I’ll be merciful and let him walk away with his life. But if he dares not to show, then tough luck. I’ll make sure he learns exactly what regret feels like.”
Stephen’s expression darkened, and he let out a cold chuckle. “Getting Mr. Lloyd to kneel and toast you? That’s never going to happen. I can’t say much more, but I’m telling you—you’re underestimating him. Once his full strength is revealed, you’ll regret the decision you made today.”
Raymond snorted dismissively. “His ‘strength’? Do you mean Natasha and Dylan? Those two underground networks? Please. Sean mentioned that even Rodney from Madblade Martial Academy showed up that night. Sure, normally, those three groups might be tricky to deal with. But guess what? My time has come. Everyone gets their shot at the top, and now it’s my turn.”
His eyes glimmered with arrogance as he reclined lazily, radiating unshakable confidence.
Stephen’s eyelid twitched as a sudden thought struck him. He hesitated, then asked, “Wait… did the Wright family promise to back you?”
Raymond smirked triumphantly. He took a slow sip of his tea, savoring the moment, then answered, “Of course. No point hiding it now. Mr. Winston Wright came to Jayrodale hoping to enjoy himself at Dream Paradise. But thanks to Andrew’s little stunt, he didn’t get the experience he wanted. He’s pissed. If I hadn’t calmed him down, that Andrew kid would already be lying at the bottom of the river with shattered limbs.”
Stephen’s heart sank. He had suspected Raymond had powerful backing, but hearing it confirmed still left him unsettled. With Winston in his corner, Raymond had every reason to act this boldly. If Andrew did not tread carefully, he really could get crushed this time.
“Raymond, just so you know, Mr. Lloyd said he’ll come to the Jayrodale Grand Hotel—likely within the next day or two,” Stephen finally said, delivering the message he’d come for.
Raymond threw his head back and laughed. “Ha! I knew it! Spineless little coward. I was wondering if he really had the balls to stand me up. Turns out, once he heard who’s backing me, he’s decided to crawl over here and beg for forgiveness!”
Stephen’s jaw tightened in frustration. “Raymond, Mr. Lloyd coming here doesn’t mean he’s coming to grovel. You shouldn’t be so quick to mock him.”
Raymond snorted with disdain. “Please. If he had guts, he wouldn’t come at all and would just wait for me to hunt him down. But now that he’s coming, doesn’t that prove he’s scared? He’s already caved. He’s nothing but a coward who’s letting my presence crush him into submission.”
Stephen clenched his teeth and said nothing more. With the Wright family’s influence looming in the background, there was no point arguing further.
“Well, Stephen, I think we’re done here. Don’t let me keep you,” Raymond said dismissively, motioning toward the door with a lazy wave.
His lips curled into a sneer as he added, “Pass along my message to that little punk. If he comes in, kneels, toasts me, and begs for mercy, I’ll go easy on him. But if he tries to act tough, I won’t stop until he’s completely destroyed.”