The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 14

"Mr. Fiend, you truly brought me an enormous surprise tonight! Utterly unexpected!"

Korbin laughed heartily, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Stefan. "Mr. Fiend, given your performance, I'd like to discuss a contract with you."

"The contract can wait. Please transfer the bounty I'm owed first," Stefan said calmly.

The combined bounties for Shark and Battleaxe totaled eight million. Stefan had swiftly eliminated them in seconds, so by the rules, that eight million was rightfully his.

"Of course, the bounty will be transferred to you immediately, Mr. Fiend." Korbin smiled.

Stefan provided a bank account number, and Korbin promptly instructed someone to make the transfer.

Soon, Stefan's phone vibrated with a notification confirming the deposit.

"And what about the ten percent commission?"

Stefan's gaze remained placid as he looked at Korbin. "According to the challenger rules, upon a successful challenge, I'm entitled to ten percent of the house's winnings from all bets placed on that match."

A fleeting, almost imperceptible cold glint flashed deep in Korbin's eyes. Outwardly, he remained composed, smiling as he replied, "Of course, I haven't forgotten. The relevant staff are still settling and consolidating the accounts. Once the report is in, your ten percent commission will naturally be transferred."

Tonight's betting volume had been massive, with almost all money placed on Shark and Battleaxe.

So, from this single match alone, Korbin had made a huge profit.

Money already in his pocket, Korbin naturally didn't want to share it. But considering Stefan's instant fame from this fight—and that signing him would mean having a future cash cow—Korbin decided he didn't want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish. For the sake of greater long-term profits, he resolved to give Stefan his share.

However, how much of that share he gave was entirely up to him.

Soon, Korbin received a report via phone. He turned to Stefan with a smile. "Mr. Fiend, a fair number of people actually bet on you tonight, you know. After tallying, the total winnings for this match are 50 million. At the ten percent rate, I'll transfer five million to you."

Fifty million?

Stefan's expression didn't change, but inwardly, he scoffed.

He knew Korbin was underreporting.

The amount bet on Shark and Battleaxe for this match must have been astronomical. There was no way Korbin only netted fifty million.

In fact, Korbin had only reported a fraction. The actual figure was closer to 150 million.

"Alright, transfer it to my account then," Stefan said coolly, not pressing the issue. Even if he investigated, he'd find nothing—Korbin could easily cook the books.

But, trying to swallow his money wouldn't be so easy. Whatever was taken, he'd make sure it was returned with interest.

Anyway, Stefan would continue dealing with Korbin. He wasn't in a hurry. For now, he'd just consider the withheld money as being stored with Korbin.

Korbin acted promptly, transferring the five million to Stefan's account immediately.

Janet spoke, gesturing towards the street ahead.

Stefan followed her gesture. Parked by the roadside was a Bentley. Inside sat a woman wearing a face mask, her starry eyes looking directly at him from the distance.

Even from afar, Stefan could sense the woman's poised, noble bearing.

"You recognized me?" Stefan turned his gaze back to Janet, his tone cold.

Janet nodded. "Yes. My lady and I were watching your match against Battleaxe and Shark. By the way, my lady placed a bet on you."

"Oh? She must have made quite a bit then," Stefan remarked with a faint, knowing smile. Then he added, "I'm not interested in talking to your lady. Also, don't try to follow me again. Otherwise..."

Stefan's gaze shifted back to the woman in the Bentley, and a slight smile touched his lips. "You won't be able to protect her."

With that, Stefan turned and walked away.

"You—!"

Anger flared within Janet, her face flushing with rage.

She gritted her teeth, then walked back to the car. "Miss, he is completely unreasonable. He flat-out refused."