"You are right. Considering what you've done, it's a wonder he hasn't killed you."
Duncan chuckled softly over the phone.
Raphael was stunned, seemingly unable to react.
Duncan had expected his silence. Changing the subject, he questioned, "Have you thought about what I asked you before? If you don't make a decision soon, the Howard family will be finished."
Hearing this, Raphael finally snapped out of his daze, his expression turning dark and sinister.
Clearly, those words were a deliberate test from this mysterious person.
If he had shown any hesitation, his plan would have been exposed.
Fortunately, he hadn't...
"I won't agree to it. Give up on that idea. I'll find another investor."
Raphael shouted with a mix of genuine anger and acting before hanging up the phone.
The reason he didn't immediately agree to Duncan's proposal was that the timing wasn't right yet.
Especially since he and Lance appeared at the same event today, which could arouse suspicion.
The next two days passed without any significant changes.
Lance continued to suppress the Howard family.
Raphael struggled desperately, seeking investments from various sources, but no one was willing to offend the Mercer family to help him.
Duncan watched all this coldly.
Emily was also watching.
She saw news online about Raphael seeking help everywhere, feeling a sense of vengeful satisfaction.
"Raphael, you never thought you'd have it coming, did you? Once I get hold of the Howard family's assets, I'll make you pay."
She couldn't help but fantasize about the future when she would control the Howard family's wealth and make Raphael grovel at her feet.
Another week passed like this.
During this week, many things happened.
Aiden was so anxious about the Howard Group's dire situation that he suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the ICU.
Abigail took care of him at the hospital every day and broke down in tears whenever she saw Raphael, eventually falling ill herself.
Their illnesses seemed to be the final straw for Raphael, forcing him to bow to Duncan.
"I can agree to transfer the company to you, but I want to meet you in person. Also, I want Emily."
"Have you forgotten? You're the one asking me for help, not the other way around. You have no right to make demands."
Clearly, Duncan did not want to meet Raphael or release Emily.
He knew exactly what this man was thinking.
Raphael wasn't surprised by the refusal. He smiled lightly. "Yes, I'm asking for your help, but you're not my only option. If you don't agree, I can take the Howard Group to Lance. I'm sure he'd be very interested in information about you."
"You're courting death!"
Duncan's voice on the phone was icy and filled with murderous intent.
Raphael sneered. "So what? I've faced a dead end. All I'm looking for now is a way out. Whoever can save me, I'll go to them."
Seemingly intimidated by Raphael's resolve, Duncan finally agreed to meet him.
After hanging up the phone, Raphael's lips curled into a ruthless smile. He put away his phone and headed to a café.
"Sir, your coffee."
A waiter respectfully placed a cup of coffee in front of Raphael.
Raphael nodded coldly and handed over a tip.
The waiter thanked him and returned to the kitchen. Upon opening the tip, he found a piece of white paper with an address written on it.
After reading it, the waiter changed out of his uniform and left through the back door of the café, taking a car to Mercer Group.
Upon arrival, he produced an employee ID for Mercer Group and made his way unimpeded to the CEO's office.
"Xavier, Raphael went to a café earlier and gave me this."
The waiter respectfully handed Xavier the note.
Xavier glanced at the information and nodded approvingly. "Good job. You can go back now."
It turned out that café was one of Lance's information-gathering points in the country.
After the waiter left, Xavier took the note and knocked on the CEO's office door.
"Mr. Mercer, Raphael has sent a message. It's an address where he plans to meet someone."
"When are they meeting?"
Lance looked up, his expression cold and severe.
The day had finally come.
Xavier replied, "Tonight."
"Good. Take some men and prepare in advance."
Lance ordered in a deep voice.
Xavier nodded in understanding and left to make arrangements.
That evening, Raphael arrived at a less bustling street at the agreed time with the mysterious person.
As soon as he got out of the car, he noticed the mixed crowd around him, very different from the elite circles he usually mingled with.
His tailored suit drew attention from those around him.
Noticing the scrutiny from his surroundings, Raphael frowned slightly and walked into the bar in front of him.
Inside the bar, the lighting was dim, the air was thick, and deafening music pounded as if it would burst one's head open.
Raphael looked at the chaotic scene before him, his brow furrowing so tightly that veins bulged on his forehead.