The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 93

Rage twisted Elliott's face into a vicious mask. Being kicked to the ground by Stefan in front of a public crowd was a humiliation he'd never endured before. His pride, a carefully maintained facade, lay shattered on the pharmacy floor.

He swore then, a silent, venomous oath, that Stefan and the Elixirs Dispensary would pay a hundredfold.

Samuel began to panic. "I—I'll go get the boss..." he stammered, his face pale.

If Elliott and the powerful Lessing family truly targeted the dispensary, it wouldn't survive long in River City.

"You! Don't you dare leave!" Elliott snarled, pushing himself up from the floor. His eyes, dark with hatred, locked onto Stefan.

"I'll wait. Let's see what the boss here has to say about this," Stefan replied calmly, exhaling a slow stream of smoke from his cigarette.

He wasn't in a rush. He'd caused the scene here, and it was only right that he stayed to ensure the fallout didn't bury the innocent owner.

On the third floor of the Elixirs Dispensary, away from the commotion below, an elegant scene unfolded. Seated at a polished coffee table were two figures.

One was an older man with a full head of silver hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. Dressed in impeccably tailored, classic tailoring, he carried an air of quiet authority and refined knowledge.

This was Valka, the renowned physician and, unknown to most downstairs, the owner of the dispensary.

Across from him sat a woman in an emerald-green velvet dress. Her hair was swept up, revealing a slender neck adorned with simple pearl earrings that swayed gently. Her face held a mature, captivating beauty—luminous skin, intelligent eyes that held a hint of playful allure.

She was like a ripe, fragrant fruit, full of vitality and poised elegance.

This was Megan.

"Mr. Hale, if everything is agreeable, we have an initial accord," Megan said, setting her coffee cup down with a soft clink.

Valka's expression was one of deep respect. "Yes, yes, of course. It's an honor for my humble shop to be considered for the Marevia Consortium. I am most grateful for the opportunity," he said, unable to hide a note of eager excitement.

Megan was moving to bring the Elixirs Dispensary under the expansive wing of the Marevia Consortium, a strategic step into the herbal medicine market.

Valka's decades of expertise and the shop's sterling reputation were valuable assets she intended to leverage.

"Once the acquisition is finalized, you'll have greater responsibility, Mr. Hale. Quality control for all herbal ingredients will be paramount. The Consortium's standards are non-negotiable," Megan continued, her tone businesslike yet not unkind.

"Understood completely, Ms. Davis. You have my word," Valka assured her, nodding earnestly.

Their discussion was interrupted by the faint but rising sounds of a disturbance from the ground floor—shouts, the thud of impacts.

Valka's brow furrowed. Trouble in his shop?

Recognition dawned on Valka's face, followed by concern. That entitled young man.

"I'll handle it." Valka turned to Megan with an apologetic nod. "Ms. Davis, please excuse me. A minor disruption requires my attention."

"Of course. I was about to leave myself." Megan rose gracefully, her demeanor unruffled.

Together, they descended the stairs.

*****

Outside the dispensary, Elliott was on his phone, his voice a low, furious hiss as he called for reinforcements.

Stefan merely watched, his expression unreadable, a faint curl of smoke rising from his cigarette. Elliott's theatrics—the threats, the posturing—were nothing more than a pathetic performance.

"Just you wait!" Elliott spat, ending his call and jabbing a finger at Stefan.

"The owner will side with me. He'll refuse to sell to you. And for laying a hand on me? You're not walking away from this."

"Walk away?" Stefan took a final drag and flicked the cigarette away, his gaze turning icy. "Why would I? Keep running your mouth, and the only place you'll be talking from is the pavement."