Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 227

As expected, just as Hayden was about to leave, more than a dozen people appeared before him, neatly blocking his way.

They stood like an iron wall, firmly cutting off his line of sight.

"Are you trying to run a shady business here?" Hayden was slightly surprised, but his gaze sharpened as he stared coldly at them.

"Shady business? What an amusing choice of words!"

"Let me make this clear. Either you sell me that gem, or you're not leaving this place." Benjamin dropped all the pretenses and looked at Hayden indifferently.

"There are plenty of witnesses here. If word gets out, your business will be finished. Everyone will know what kind of scams you're pulling here!" Hayden responded righteously.

However, the crowd around them averted their gazes, lowering their heads in silence. Nobody dared to speak up.

Though these onlookers were wealthy residents of Stonybrook, their influence and authority paled in comparison to Benjamin's. Offending someone like him could mean total ruin.

It might even cost them their lives.

"I see. This is truly laughable! Is this how you do business?" Hayden couldn't help but mock as he saw through the situation.

"Enough talk. Make your decision now. Leave the gem and go, or stay and waste even more time!" Benjamin smirked, threatening Hayden.

Hayden narrowed his eyes, his expression turning grim. He hadn't anticipated this sudden turn of events.

In his past life, when someone had discovered this gem, it had caused a sensation in Stonybrook and the emerald industry. But Hayden was unaware of the events leading up to it and only knew the outcome.