Chapter 8. Hostage

"Perhaps you have missed or been too focused that you didn't understand our explanation for the third time. But I would be happy to repeat it. DAI Technology wants full rights to operate the hospital for one purpose, to conduct further research on all early disease detection devices. Making a system without knowing the basis of the problem is certain to not find its way. Any other questions?" Casey explained elegantly and arrogantly.

Ace and his team knew that Bruce was restraining himself in this meeting room. It felt too crazy if he showed his hatred in a forum that was led by his own father.

Bruce tried to calm his anger with Dai's team's intentionally provocative statement that cornered him. But he knew very well that it was not possible to cause a scene at the moment, even though he really wanted to do it. "I have no other questions," Bruce replied with his sharp gaze still fixed on Ace.

"Thank you, Mr. Bruce," Casey replied, closing the Q&A session beautifully.

After the meeting was over and all the board of commissioners had left the meeting room, Bruce approached Ace with a casual attitude, albeit still radiating arrogance.

"So, you're the one who wants to buy this hospital?" Bruce asked pessimistically.

Ace just nodded without speaking. The response made someone like Bruce angry, and Ace was very adept at playing his opponent's emotions.

"Where did you steal the money from?" Bruce asked again disdainfully. His intimidating attitude was clearly visible to Ace. However, it wasn't Ace's name if he didn't respond to his opponent brutally. There was always a smart way to eliminate people like Bruce.

"To be honest, your arrival earlier surprised me. I didn't know you were brave enough to look at me here in front!" Ace said.

"Do you expect me to avoid you?"

"More precisely...I don't think you know it's me standing here today. I think this issue is exciting enough for me to bring up in the next board of commissioners' forum?" It was a weakness that was too mainstream.

"Go ahead. Maybe I can also ensure that there will be no further forum for your company!" Bruce's retort made Ace think. However, once again, it wasn't Ace if he didn't anticipate his opponent's attack.

"I reckon you think too highly of yourself," said Ace casually. "Do you think you can beat me? Sorry, Bruce, but you're far from it."

"You'll be surprised with what I can do," Bruce retorted, his lips quivering with anger.

"Good. I suppose it's also the right time to show your attack video to me?" Ace replied, still with controlled emotions. However, his gaze implied a high level of confidence. Then, Bruce felt broken before he could fight back.

"Now...I think it's best if you find a more elegant way to fight me, if you're still interested in fighting. Or perhaps you want to be kind and surrender as a man who lost?" Ace concluded while leaning back on his chair.

"You..." Bruce clenched his fist tightly, but Ace just looked at him cynically. "You may win this time, but I have a voice that can make you regret it."

"Oh, really?" Ace replied enthusiastically. "What voice is that? Perhaps the voice of someone you'll use to call for help after you lose?"

"You..." Bruce clenched his fist tightly and Ace just looked at him cynically. "You may win...but I think you want to know whose voice this is?"

Ace felt a sudden surge of anxiety as the sound recording played. It was as if the world around him had faded away and all that remained was the sound of that recording. He listened intently, trying to make out every word and every sound.

"Ace...help me!"

Ace heard a woman's voice that was clearly his own sister's voice. He was surprised and shocked by what was happening. Bruce just smirked and watched Ace's reaction.

"You know, Ace ... this woman is pretty and smart. And I'm sure, under these circumstances, she really needs someone to protect her," Bruce licked his lips and challenged Ace with his gaze.

Ace felt annoyed and angry, but he also knew he had to stay calm and not be provoked by his emotions. He needed to take a wise and strategic approach to this situation.

"You think you can scare me by threatening my sister? You're dead wrong, Bruce. I'll never give in to you!" Ace said firmly and resolutely.

Bruce just smirked, showing that he was not affected by Ace's words. "You have great courage, Ace. But remember, in this world, courage alone is not enough to defeat power and money," he said arrogantly.

Ace pondered for a moment, trying to find a way out of this situation. He didn't want his sister to become a victim of Bruce's ambitions and interests. He had to find a way to protect his sister and defeat Bruce.

"Listen carefully, Bruce. I won't let my sister get caught up in your game. I'll protect her and stop your outrageous ambitions," Ace said firmly.

Bruce just laughed coldly. "You think you can stop me? You're just an ordinary man, Ace. While I have enough power and money to destroy you in an instant," he said arrogantly.

Ace just smiled, showing that he was not afraid of Bruce's threats. "You're dead wrong, Bruce. I'm not just an ordinary man. I'm someone who can save your father. And if you threaten my sister again, you'll get what's coming to you," Ace said firmly while showing Bruce the hospital debt letter from Brooklyn.

"Or this?" Ace took a document showing a photo of a young girl who was suspected of being the mistress of the hospital's president director.

Bruce was stunned and shocked by Ace's words. He realized that Ace wouldn't give up easily and he had to be careful in playing with Ace. However, he wouldn't back down easily. He would continue to pursue his ambitions, even if it meant sacrificing anyone in front of him.

Ace and Bruce stared at each other challengingly. Both sides were confident in their determination.

"Okay! You win this time. But not in the future!" Bruce threatened arrogantly.

"I'm waiting for you. Anytime ... and Bruce. I think you should change your style of threats. Holding a victim's family hostage? I think you can be smarter than that, because I can do the same thing to your family ten times over. Remember that!" Ace said firmly.