Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 459

Chapter 459

Holden failed to stifle a laugh. “Do I look like a fool to you? I know my son wouldn't be freed upon your return.”

Raymond merely shrugged his shoulders, looking like an old rogue. “Don't forget, Mr. Lewitt, you're the one asking me for a favor, and I'm the one making the decisions here.”

“Is that so?” Holden slowly got out of his seat and fished out an emerald pendant from his pocket, playing with it in the palm of his hand.

Upon noticing the pendant, the older man sprang to his feet. “What did you do to my grandchild?”

“Nothing much. All I did was send him to Tarragon's Prudent Hall for an experience. The kid's lacking in physical fitness, so he passed out a couple of times, but don't worry, he's still alive.”

Raymond's expression changed drastically at the mention of Prudent Hall.

That place was akin to hell, where all sorts of gruesome torments would be inflicted, and chances of making it out alive were slim.

“Holden, although we're enemies, we should still abide by the unspoken rule of not harming the women or children. Are you trying to break that rule by targeting my grandchild?” he questioned.

Amused by the older man's accusations, Holden chuckled.

This old bat dares to talk to me about the unspoken rules of our industry. Does he have no shame?

“Well, isn't my son in your hands right now? Aren't you threatening me with my son? If not, then I'll take my leave,” he voiced.

With that, he turned around and walked to the door. However, he did not forget to add, “Oh right, Mr. Raymond, he's your biological grandchild, correct? If you wish to save him, then you'll have to agree to my terms. As for the terms... I'll think about it at home and let you know.”

The older man's face twitched violently as it grew red with fury.

He was the one threatening Holden and had gotten what he wanted, but the tables turned in the blink of an eye.

In fact, it was a dramatic turn of events.

Raymond exclaimed, “Wait! I'll trade with you! Give me control over Zaewora, withdraw from Epea, and release my grandson. In return, I-I'll let your son go.”

Hearing the proposal, Holden halted in his tracks and turned around. A smile spread across his face, but it did not quite reach his eyes. “Are you daydreaming, Mr. Raymond? My son's in your hands, while your grandson's in mine. It's only fair if we make an equal exchange. How could you add two additional conditions?”

Raymond was so infuriated by the man's words that he was shaking in fury as his face turned ashen.

“Are you trying to go back on your word? Do you think I dare not kill your son?” he snarled.

Holden merely spread his hands. “Do as you please. He wouldn't feel lonely with your grandson accompanying him in the afterlife. But it's really unfortunate for you, Mr. Raymond. Your son passed away at a young age and only left one descendant. Your grandson's your precious treasure, isn't he? I don't suppose you can have any more children, so it looks like he's the only one who can continue your family's bloodline.”

Every single one of his words was merciless, stabbing Raymond where it hurt the most.

“Not bad, not bad at all! In that case, let's just keep stalling like this.”

Holden quirked a brow at the older man's words. “Are you sure, Mr. Raymond? I'd suggest you get rid of your wishful thinking. After all, your grandson's in Prudent Hall. He could cross over to the afterlife at any second.”

Raymond's legs gave out, and he fell heavily onto the chair.

Seeing how severely devastated the man was brought a smile to Holden's face. “Indeed, I did take Zaewora from the Hoffman family. Many years have passed since then, and Tarragon has grown significantly. As such, I'll be generous and return the territory to you.”

Raymond looked up at him, his voice trembling as he asked, “A-Are you speaking the truth? You're returning Zaewora to the Hoffman family?”

“But on the condition that you hand over my son, and of course, I'll also release your grandson.”

The older man shut his eyes, and calmness filled his tired-looking eyes when he finally opened them again.

“Okay,” he uttered through clenched teeth.

He then fell silent for a moment before adding, “Order Tarragon's men to withdraw from Zaewora first. I'll release your son once my people have taken over the territory.”