Osvaldo's gaze turned cold, seemingly ignoring Robert's question. He gently stroked Selena's long hair, evidently entrusting everything to his wife.
Selena, appreciating the man's thoughtfulness, turned to him with a gentle smile before addressing Robert, "Shouldn't this question be directed at Central City? Central City's people traveled a great distance to steal the 'Sacred Pearl,' attempting to kill my fiancé. Instead of demanding answers from the victims, shouldn't you be held accountable?"
Selena continued with a sarcastic smile, "Publicly killing an H Country mechanic, treating the victim as guilty... Central City's current style is truly eye-opening!"
Robert's eyes suddenly grew cold. He couldn't tolerate anyone insulting Lillian, especially someone like Selena. Just as Robert was about to retaliate, Selena leaned elegantly into Osvaldo's embrace, her tone sounding nonchalant, "Do we H Country people appear easily fooled? If you can't provide the culprit and reasons for Central City's attempt on my fiancé's life today, then we're sorry! The 'Sacred Pearl' cannot be returned!"
Under the alarmed gazes of the Central City group, Selena slowly added, "After all, who can guarantee that Central City won't stage another 'theft' this time? The last time, my fiancé survived by pure luck. Who's to say we'll be so fortunate next time? I won't risk my fiancé's safety. So, until you provide a satisfactory explanation, the ownership of the 'Sacred Pearl' is temporarily on hold!"
A hushed silence filled the room. Diana, upon hearing Selena's words, trembled with anger. If she couldn't get the 'Sacred Pearl' today, she wouldn't be able to kill Selena. Without Selena's death, she would be useless to Central City, and she would have to return as a prisoner.
Diana looked at Lindsay with a hopeful expression. However, Lindsay wasn't adept at negotiations, especially when it came to Selena. Out of awe, she wouldn't intervene in this matter. Hence, she sat there motionless.
The 'owner' of the 'Sacred Pearl' remained silent, leaving others without a reason. People from Central City, anxious like ants on a hot pan, turned to Robert for help.
On the other hand, people from H Country gazed at Selena with a worshipping look. This young lady never failed to impress!
Robert's eyes deepened. His attempt to threaten Osvaldo had backfired, and now Selena had seized the opportunity to turn the tables. Lillian had sent someone to kill Osvaldo because they had discovered he was the hidden emperor of the Union. To ensure nothing went wrong, she had handed over the 'Sacred Pearl' to her subordinates. However, they hadn't expected Selena to be in the Imperial City and, furthermore, to become romantically involved with this hidden emperor.
They failed to kill him and ended up delivering the 'Sacred Pearl' into Selena's hands. If they didn't retrieve it today, once Selena returned to the Empire with the 'Sacred Pearl,' Lillian would be the one facing death.
Therefore, no matter what, the 'Sacred Pearl' had to be recovered. However, he couldn't reveal the real reason because there was no evidence. Uttering unfounded guesses would only give others leverage.
So, there was only one option left.
Robert looked at Selena, his gentle voice carrying a subtle and barely perceptible coldness, "Miss Turner, what do you have in mind?" On the negotiation table, this statement implied submission and surrender.
Selena smiled, her icy gaze landing on Robert's face, "Whatever I want, I suppose."
Robert smiled, "Miss Turner, feel free to state your demands. In this world, there's no price that Central City cannot afford."
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