She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 812

Deep inside the mine, the main cavern had been repurposed.

In the center sat a wide metal table. On one side, a high-backed chair faced away from the entrance. A figure sat in the chair, completely obscured by a voluminous black cloak. A blank metal mask covered their face, revealing only a sharp, cold jawline.

Behind "X" stood two guards dressed in black tactical gear and combat masks. They stood perfectly straight, their presence heavy and still like twin gargoyles.

The shadows surrounding the cavern seemed to conceal even more silent sentinels. The air was thick with a suffocating, lethal tension.

Surrounded by his eight mercenaries, Yale stepped into the room, followed closely by Baldwin. Joanna had been left in the vehicle outside; women and emotionally unstable elements were not permitted at a negotiation of this caliber.

As soon as he entered, Yale's sharp gaze swept the room. His heart skipped a beat. He felt the distinct, unnerving sensation of being watched by countless unseen eyes.

But the surrounding rock walls and the absolute dead zone for signals made this the perfect location for a sit-down.

The opposing side's setup looked simple, but it perfectly balanced offense and defense. Every position was meticulously calculated. The motionless "X," in particular, exuded no overt aggression yet naturally anchored the entire space, as if fully in control.

Baldwin was secretly terrified. He might be a military theorist, but the sheer presence radiating from the people in this room felt even more overbearing than Tanur Ares himself. The tangible pressure was suffocating for an armchair general like him.

Yale raised a hand, signaling his mercenaries to hold their positions near the entrance. He walked slowly toward the metal table with Baldwin. He had weathered countless storms and managed to keep his composure, even forcing a polite smile onto his face.

"I've heard so much about you, Mr. X. It's an honor to finally meet you." Yale stopped about ten feet from the table, bowing slightly, keeping his posture deferential. "I am Yale Nash. I'm here representing Mr. Tanur Ares to negotiate with you."

"Go on."

Baldwin cleared his throat, his voice rising and falling with practiced persuasion. "The nation's power is growing daily, but internally, they aren't a monolith. Border friction, historical baggage, ethnic tensions... there is massive room for manipulation. You've already established contact with the higher-ups here, which is a massive advantage. Here is the play: you maintain and deepen your cooperation with the government, gaining their trust and resources. Meanwhile, Ares can utilize our global network—especially factions harboring suspicions or ambitions against this country—to manufacture 'friction' and stimulate 'demand.'"

He grew more animated, painting a grand vision. "For instance, we instigate standoffs in sensitive maritime territories, spark minor conflicts in disputed resource zones, and back ambitious regional warlords. The moment tensions rise, the demand for advanced weaponry skyrockets! Then, you can 'legally' leak obsolete or prototype gear from the inside, while Ares provides 'high-end custom' services from the outside. An inside-out monopoly, sharing the spoils! Not only will our current markets remain intact, but we’ll rip open entirely new frontiers! The profits will be ten, a hundred times what they are now!"

Finishing his pitch, Baldwin looked eagerly at the masked figure.

He was certain that this proposal would be irresistibly tempting to any ambitious arms dealer.