The residents, initially taken aback, quickly regrouped and resumed their protest louder than before.
“Stop the construction!” they demanded, accusing Matthew of valuing profit over compassion. “We won’t allow any construction here!”
The residents’ frustration escalated, fueled by the promise of payment for their uproar. Amidst the clamor, Hamilton saw an opportunity.
He urged for silence, suggesting, “Let’s settle down. I’m sure Mr. Clark will offer a fair resolution. Arguing won’t get us anywhere.”
As peace returned, Hamilton faced Matthew with a disingenuous grin.
“Mr. Clark, perhaps a conversation is in order. Delays in construction could be costly for you. Wouldn’t a compromise be beneficial?”
His voice grew louder, as if doubting Matthew’s comprehension.
“I intend to address this based on its merits. The discussion should come from your end.” Matthew remained composed.
(EagleNovels) ‘s (EagleNovels)
Hamilton, frustrated, signaled Killian with a subtle wink.
Killian caught on and quickly spoke up. “Seeing you here, Mr. Clark, signals your willingness to resolve this. We’re open to compromise.
How about this? Three hundred million for relocating our family graves.”
Breck’s jaw dropped at the audacity.
The jump from fifty thousand to three hundred million was extortionate.
The crowd rallied behind Killian’s demand.
“A corporation as large as yours won’t miss three hundred million, right? Moving ancestral graves is a significant burden. Moreover, halting construction could cost you over a billion. Three hundred million is a small price for you.”
Matthew appeared relaxed, a faint smile playing on his lips. He seemed gentler than usual, unaffected by the clamor of the residents around him.
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updates…
He gestured for Breck to bring over two chairs, and they sat down together, quietly observing the quarreling crowd.
As time passed, the residents noticed Matthew’s silence, interpreting it as indifference.
This prompted Killian to raise his voice. “Why remain silent? Even if you disagree with us, you should at least say something, right?”
Hamilton, looking somewhat embarrassed, turned to Matthew. “Mr. Clark, perhaps we should calm the crowd? It won’t reflect well on us if this continues.”
Matthew offered him a calm smile and replied, “Just wait a moment.”
Hamilton felt an inexplicable chill and chose to wait silently, puzzled by Matthew’s response.
Minutes later, the chaos persisted, with Matthew still choosing silence.
It was then Hamilton’s phone rang. He checked it, saw it was his wife, and initially dismissed the call.