"You?" Richard retorted with a sneer.
Bradley knew Richard wouldn't trust him so easily. He raised an indifferent eyebrow and said, "Mr. Pendleton, you might believe you're still the same person, but leaving this place again won't be easy in your current situation. Your daughter can manage to some extent, but what about your partner?"
Richard sensed the clear threat in Bradley's words. He understood that Liora had become so dependent over the years. Now that he was locked up, he was more worried about her than Mandy.
He had once believed he could protect her for a lifetime, but now he realized he couldn't.
"Mr. Pendleton, think carefully about whether you want to strike a deal with me or someone else."
Richard studied Bradley closely. He recognized this man possessed a sharp business acumen, remaining unfazed despite Oliver's suppression. He could secure her and Liora's future if he handed Mandy over to Bradley.
However, Richard had trust issues with men. He knew that in this world, many were skilled at deception, just as he had been in the past. He was adept at hiding his true feelings, even from Selene, whom he once believed he genuinely loved.
"Mr. Pendleton, until next time," Bradley said as he stood and exited the meeting room.
Mandy was impatiently trying to console Liora. Anyone with a functioning brain should understand the situation. But what could Liora do besides crying?
"Bradley," she said.
Bradley raised an eyebrow and told Mandy, "You two should spend some time talking to Mr. Pendleton. After all..."
Mandy pretended to be grateful and said warmly, "Thank you, Bradley."
Bradley casually left the detention center.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Husband Wants Me Dead (Esther and Bradley)
don't read at all. horrible story, makes me sick....