Chapter 70

Chapter 70

I gripped the cue stick, bent slightly at the waist, took careful aim at my target, then struck with swift force.

One clean shot, then I pulled the cue back without hesitation.

The cue ball struck the black ball dead center, a crisp clack echoing through the room.

The black ball dropped into the pocket on cue.

I set down the cue stick unhurriedly, picked up my drink from the nearby table, and took a small sip.

Daniel, standing beside me, quickly put down his cue and started clapping, his face full of admiration. "James, your skills are absolutely incredible."

After the compliment, he also picked up a drink.

As the owner of a powerful private military company, I found all kinds of military equipment child's play.

Guns and explosives went without saying—I could even skillfully operate bombers and fighter jets, and my skills were top-notch.

Seeing that flattery wasn't getting him anywhere, Daniel changed the subject.

"That girl from Astoria who was with you earlier—is she really your woman?"

I set down my glass and shot him a sideways glance without saying a word.

Daniel caught my ambiguous look and laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. "I really didn't expect you to go for that type. She looks so delicate and fragile—can she even handle your... enthusiasm?"

As he spoke, he shook his head while eyeing the firm chest and abs hidden beneath my clothes.

Daniel was probably thinking that a man who could fly fighter jets and bombers—how gentle could he possibly be with a woman in bed?

Especially with such a delicate girl.

He could probably already imagine poor Ella being worn out by me, her bones practically falling apart.

Poor girl.

I turned around directly, grabbed the pool cue beside me, and pressed the bottom end against Daniel's abdomen, slowly sliding it down until it stopped at the private area below his belly.

I gripped the cue tightly and applied a bit of pressure. "Say one more word of nonsense, and I'll make sure you lose your sexual function!"

Daniel's whole body went rigid, beads of sweat instantly forming on his forehead.

He frantically reached out to block the cue pressed against him, saying in panic, "James, don't—don't do anything rash."

My silver-blue eyes flicked to him, my voice rising just enough to cut through the air. "So... are we doing this deal or not?"

"Yes, yes, of course," Daniel blurted, hastily pushing the cue stick away from him. "Just... move that thing first, and we can talk business."

I snorted coldly and tossed the cue aside.

"I heard you've opened several casinos in Portavella, and you're also involved in horse racing and car racing. You make enough money each year to buy up all the best cemetery plots around the world. What, got tired of being a nouveau riche and want to get into politics back in Lumaria?"

Looking at the cue lying on the ground, Daniel finally let out a long breath of relief.

My words sounded like praise on the surface, but were actually mocking him.

But since he needed something from me, he could only swallow it.

"No matter how big my business gets, I'm still just stuck in a corner of Portavella. I'm originally from Lumaria, and my family's roots are there—I can't stay in Portavella forever. As long as you're willing to support my entry into politics, whatever you want, we can negotiate."

After hearing Daniel's words, I smiled. "The Smith Family has never gotten involved in politics. What makes you think my support would guarantee your success?"

"Those mercenaries under your command—every single one of them is highly skilled and decisive. They're enough to strike fear across Lumaria. Those guys who spend all day in the Senate and have never even seen a bullet—if they knew my backer was you, James, who would dare not vote for me? Unless they had a death wish."

I gave a cold laugh and asked casually, "Tell me, what position are you trying to run for?"

Daniel didn't hesitate for a second. "Secretary of Defense."

I actually laughed out loud.

Secretary of Defense? This idiot really dared to dream big.

He probably had no clue what the Secretary of Defense's responsibilities actually were.

Everyone knew that two key departments controlled a country's lifeline—one was the Treasury Department, the other was the Defense Department.

"Daniel," I said after my laugh, "first of all, you need to understand that the Secretary of Defense is directly appointed by the President, not elected. Second, do you know how many people across the country are eyeing that position? If the President actually appointed you as Secretary of Defense, with your cowardly nature, do you think there's any chance you wouldn't be assassinated on your first day?"

After hearing my words, Daniel frowned deeply, thought for a moment, then asked, "So I... shouldn't go for Secretary of Defense?"

I stroked my chin. "If you really want to develop a political career, I actually think there's a position that would suit you quite well."

Daniel immediately pressed, "What position?"

I looked at him, the corner of my mouth lifting. "That depends—what can you offer me in return?"

Daniel got straight to the point. "Until you support me through my appointment, I can give you thirty percent of my casino's annual profits."

I smiled. "You think just because you have casinos, I don't? Thirty percent of your casino profits means nothing to me."

Daniel looked confused. "Then what do you want?"

I didn't beat around the bush. "I heard you have five oil refineries in Orsava."

Daniel's expression darkened. "You want my refineries? I put in huge amounts of manpower and resources upfront to acquire those five refineries."

Of course, I knew how much he'd invested—otherwise, why would I be targeting his refineries?

I came to Esmere City specifically to "get something good out of it," not to do charity work.

What my camp's military supplies needed most were gasoline and kerosene. If I could get those five refineries from Daniel, the fuel problem for our military equipment would be solved instantly.

My expression remained calm. "What? Not willing to give them up?"

"Well..." Daniel's face showed hesitation.

Just then, my eyes fell on my phone screen, watching the little red dot that kept blinking. The corner of my mouth unconsciously lifted slightly.

Ella was staying put at the hotel like a good girl.

I looked back at Daniel and said indifferently, "I'll be staying here for a few more days. You can take your time thinking it over. But my patience is limited—don't make me wait too long."