When they entered, Henry had called them "brother" and "sister," and Ruby had called him "brother," showing her high emotional intelligence. No matter her true feelings, she maintained a polite facade.
Her addressing him as "brother" indeed increased Henry's goodwill towards her, making her seem more personable than her husband, Ryan.
"Alright," Henry said, "Your shares in the bar remain unchanged. Future renovations will also be handled by your brother. As for today, it was my fault for hitting your brother. I'll cover all expenses. If you're not satisfied, feel free to state other conditions."
Their initial plan was only to keep the shares, not considering Quentin's renovation business.
Henry's proposal pleased them, especially Quentin.
Despite being embarrassed publicly, continuing to handle the bar's renovations would restore his reputation among suppliers.
He nodded happily.
But Ryan said, "If covering expenses is all it takes, then people would be fighting on the streets every day."
Henry smiled, "No problem. Brother, if you have any ideas, feel free to share."
Ryan said, "An apology is a must. You know my reputation in Harbor Springs. I don't care about small amounts of money, but I care about face. My brother-in-law was beaten. Without 500,000, this won't be settled."
Quentin and Ruby thought his demand was too high, excessively so!
Henry had agreed to continue the shares, making them partners. It was best to ask for no compensation to maintain a good relationship.
Ryan had other plans. He doubted Henry could hold the bar for long. Erick would stop at nothing to reclaim it.
Charles and Samuel wouldn't give up either. Ryan wanted to get as much as he could now.
As for the shares, since Henry agreed, he believed no matter who owned the bar, they wouldn't dare reduce his shares.
Ryan had spoken, so Ruby couldn't object. She waited for Henry to haggle, ready to agree to a counteroffer.
Quentin worried Ryan might provoke Henry but didn't dare speak.
Henry reached into his pocket, making Quentin jump and push his chair back.
Seeing it was just a phone, Ruby and Ryan glared at Quentin, thinking: Are you scared of a phone?
Quentin sat back down, embarrassed, thinking: You didn't see how he shot Zachary. This kid is deadly without warning!
Henry had 900,000 from Charles' compensation. He asked Vanessa for Quentin's account number and transferred 500,000.
Quentin's phone beeped, and he said incredulously, "500,000 received."
Ruby was surprised. She didn't expect Henry to agree without haggling and glanced at Ryan reproachfully.
Ryan didn't expect Henry to be so straightforward.
He believed Henry was intimidated by his father's reputation and grew more confident.
Henry smiled and asked, "Brother, sister, can we order now?"
Ryan sneered, "No need for dinner. We have other matters."
He thought Henry's compliance showed fear, so he didn't need to be polite. Maintaining his authority would keep Henry in line.
He got up to leave.
Ruby and Quentin thought he was excessive but couldn't say anything in front of Henry. They slowly got up.
As Ryan opened the door, Wyatt was about to knock. Seeing Ryan, he asked, "What's going on?"
Xavier rushed out, hearing Wyatt's voice but left his men inside.
"Wyatt," Ryan said, "Thanks for the room. We're done here, no need for dinner."
Wyatt glanced at Henry and was stunned.
He asked Ryan, "You're done? What's the result?"
Ryan said, "It's settled."
Wyatt smiled, "Since it's settled, it's past dinner time. Let's eat. I told the front desk to prepare some signature dishes. Dinner's on me."
He patted Ryan's shoulder and walked in, signaling Xavier to stay back. Xavier returned to his room.
Ruby knew Wyatt but wasn't familiar with him, so she just smiled.
Ryan, dismissing Henry, didn't introduce them.
Quentin quickly introduced, "Henry, this is Wyatt, the boss of Harbor Springs! Wyatt, this is Henry, the current owner of Violet Bar."
Ryan added, "His name is Henry."
Seeing this, Henry stood up, "Since you have matters to discuss, I'll leave. Dinner's on me."
"Henry, you're joking," Wyatt said. "You're here, how can I let you pay?"
Ryan said, "Wyatt, you're the boss here. Calling him Henry is enough respect."
Ruby glared at him, thinking he was too much.
The matter was resolved. Wyatt was smoothing things over, possibly making future friends.
Wyatt was clearly giving Ryan face, but Ryan didn't appreciate it, potentially making an enemy of Henry.
Wyatt said, "As the saying goes, heroes emerge from the youth. We old folks might rely on young talents like Henry in the future."
Wyatt looked at Henry sincerely, without sarcasm or flattery.
Henry, observing Wyatt, was surprised that Harbor Springs' top boss looked like a cultured businessman, dignified and righteous, quite unlike his underworld role.
Or perhaps no one knew the top boss looked like this.
Henry smiled, "Wyatt, you're too kind. I'm just a country bumpkin, inexperienced. I'll need your guidance in the future."
Ryan snorted, thinking: Given an inch, you take a mile. Wyatt's giving me face, and you're pretending to be important. Who do you think you are?