Mr. Freeman smiled slightly, a knowing expression that suggested he had anticipated this question."Of course they'll expect something in return, Master West. Nobody provides significant assistance without expecting reciprocity…that's basic human nature, whether we're talking about criminals or legitimate businesspeople.”Mr Freeman immediately said and shook his head before continuing almost at the same time.“The question isn't whether obligations will be created, the question is whether those obligations are manageable and whether they're worth the benefit we receive."He immediately pushed off from the desk and began pacing again, his analytical mind clearly working through the calculation."Think about it this way Master West, Lord Xander and Rico want the Vandels destroyed for their own reasons. Their interests align with ours in that specific goal. They're offering to provide intelligence, resources, and strategic support to help us accomplish that shared objective.”“In return

"We always have choices. We could walk away entirely, focus on rebuilding the West family business empire, living successful lives without pursuing vengeance. That's a legitimate choice." Mr Freeman immediately said.He turned back to face Victor Langeston West immediately."Or we could spend decades trying to build a case through legitimate channels, knowing that the Vandels will likely corrupt or circumvent our efforts at every turn, possibly succeeding eventually but more likely watching them continue to prosper while we grow old chasing an impossible dream. That's also a choice.""Or," Mr. Freeman continued, his voice strengthening, "we could accept the alliance Lord Xander and Rico are offering, use their resources and intelligence to strike at the Vandels effectively, accept the manageable risks that come with that alliance, and actually accomplish the goal of seeing your parents' murderers destroyed.”“That's the choice I recommend, but it is still a choice, not an inevitabilit

Cough! Cough!! Mr Freeman immediately coughed twice before answering Victor Langston West's question at the moment. “Master West…” "I think we can't rule that out," Mr Freeman said carefully. "But it's more complicated than that, because there are multiple possibilities, and each one carries different risks. Let me walk you through them, Master West, because this is important." He held up one finger. "Possibility one, Abigail Clark is exactly what she claims to be…a journalist or investigator who has independently gathered information about the Vandels and your situation, who genuinely wants to help for her own reasons, and whose timing is coincidental rather than suspicious.” “If this is true, then she could be an incredibly valuable asset. Real journalists with real evidence and real commitment to exposing corruption can be powerful allies." He immediately said at the moment as he stared at Victor Langston West almost immediately. He immediately held up a second fin

Mr Freeman immediately held up another finger, indicating he had more examples.“Master West…”"Let me tell you about another case, this one even more relevant to our situation. Fifteen years ago, there was a prosecutor in a major city…I won't say which city because some of the people involved are still alive and this case never became public knowledge.“This prosecutor was building a case against a corrupt political machine that had controlled the city for decades. He had evidence of bribery, extortion, vote manipulation, you name it.""And then an investigative journalist approached him, claiming to have additional evidence, claiming to have sources inside the machine who were willing to talk, offering to help expose the corruption through her platform while the prosecutor built his legal case.”“It seemed like a perfect partnership—the prosecutor's legal approach combined with the journalist's public pressure."Mr Freeman's voice dropped lower."The prosecutor brought her in, share

Before Mr Freeman could respond, there was another knock at the door."Yes?" Victor Langeston West immediately called out.The door opened slightly and Nanny Louis peered in, her expression concerned."Master West, Mr Freeman…I heard there's a reporter at the gate claiming to have information about the family. I wanted to make sure you're not planning to bring her in without proper vetting.”Mr Freeman and Victor Langston West immediately exchanged glances, both somewhat amused that Nanny Louis, despite her dramatic exit earlier, was still monitoring the situation and inserting herself when she felt it was necessary."We were just discussing that very question, Nanny Louis," Mr Freeman said diplomatically. "What's your assessment?"Nanny Louis came fully into the room, her expression troubled."My assessment is that this is extremely suspicious timing. You've just been discussing alliances with Lord Xander and Rico, we've been talking about sensitive plans regarding the Vandels, and s