Conor didn’t even turn toward him. Arthur raised his hand again. “Stay where you are.” The bodyguard immediately stopped. Arthur continued studying Conor.For several seconds, neither man spoke.The room was so quiet that the faint clinking of porcelain from the restaurant outside could be heard clearly.Arthur’s eyes moved slowly over Conor’s face.He was trying to determine what kind of man would remain this calm while surrounded by the Hale Family’s bodyguards.But Conor gave him nothing.No nervousness.No hesitation.Not even the slightest sign that he intended to back down.Arthur finally spoke.“You really don’t intend to leave?”Conor took another sip of tea.“No.”Arthur raised an eyebrow.“You know who I am.”“Yes.”“You know what the Hale Family represents in Golden Sparrow City.”“Yes.”“And you’re still sitting there?”Conor placed the teacup down.“You’ve asked me that three times.”Arthur’s lips twitched.“And your answer hasn’t changed.”“It won’t.”One of the b

Arthur continued staring at Conor.“You’re either exceptionally confident…”He paused.“…or you have no idea what you’re dealing with.”Conor gave him a calm smile.“Perhaps I’m simply having a very good afternoon.”Nick couldn’t hold back his smile this time.Arthur noticed.“You find him entertaining?”Nick shrugged.“Occasionally.”Arthur looked at him.“And you?”“I’ve known him long enough not to argue with him over tea.”Arthur’s expression became thoughtful.“That explains your confidence.”“No,” Nick replied.“It explains my survival.”Conor glanced at Nick.“That was almost profound.”“Thank you.”“I wasn’t complimenting you.”“I’ll take it anyway.”Arthur stared at the two men.For the first time, his irritation was mixed with genuine amusement.But the manager was not amused at all.He stepped forward again.“Mr. Conor, I’m asking you one final time. Please leave.”Conor looked at him.“You’ve said that several times.”“And you keep refusing!”“Yes.”“Why?”“Because your ar