Chapter 4

“Leroy Tam, 28 years old, heir to the family business. He’s led a life of luxury since childhood, and his personality is... flamboyant, to say the least. While he has some significant business talent, it’s made him somewhat arrogant. To him, business ethics and the law are often things he can overlook.” 

As Dean listened to Linda’s introduction, an impression of Leroy Tam gradually began to take shape in his mind. He had already sensed that Leroy was more than just a wealthy playboy—he was a deeply self-centered individual when it came to handling problems. Linda continued, “He’s incredibly selfish, and he often lacks genuine concern for his employees and business partners. Especially in this case, considering how he dared to use questionable, even illegal methods to provoke the mafia—you can imagine just how difficult he must be to deal with.”

Dean’s heart gave a slight jolt, and he gained a clearer understanding of Leroy’s character. He began to worry that such a person might create more complications during the mediation process. Linda added, “Leroy Tam has a strong need to control everything. He’s used to imposing his own will on situations. In some of his previous business dealings, he’s even displayed inappropriate behavior, both towards women and men. We have to be extremely cautious to avoid falling prey to his manipulative tactics and interpersonal games.”

At these words, Dean furrowed his brow slightly. He realized that this wasn’t just a legal matter; it was tangled with intricate human dynamics and ethical dilemmas. He knew he had to prepare himself thoroughly for the challenges Leroy Tam might throw their way. Linda’s warnings deepened his concerns for the upcoming mediation, but he also understood that only by remaining calm and professional could they hope to resolve the issue at hand.

Finally, they arrived at the client meeting room. As they pushed the door open, Dean saw Leroy Tam sitting at the table. Dressed in an expensive suit, he wore a confident yet disdainful smile, and his gaze held a hint of arrogance. After all, this was no easy client to handle. Linda had already made it clear that she would take charge of all negotiations, leaving Dean to merely take notes.

Indeed, Leroy Tam was the most difficult client Dean had encountered so far, and he had a nagging feeling that Leroy was occasionally glancing at him—almost as if plotting something. Linda didn’t waste much time engaging with Leroy. She simply outlined their strategy and briefly brushed off his deliberately provoking remarks before concluding the meeting and leading everyone into the next room for the mediation.

As the door slowly opened, they stepped into a room that exuded a sense of pressure. Upon entering, they saw the opposing legal team seated at one side of the table, their expressions stern, with several documents in front of them. Standing beside them were two men, inconspicuous and silent, their faces unreadable as they stood off to the side.

At the center of the conference room sat a tall and imposing man—Damon Greyson, a core figure in the Dragon Gang. Standing at around 188 cm, his muscular frame was clad in a dark suit, which gave him an air of authority and solemnity. His sharp features and piercing eyes often sent a chill down one’s spine, making it clear that he was not a man to be trifled with. The moment Damon entered the room, the atmosphere thickened with an undeniable sense of tension and gravitas.

Damon sat at one side of the conference table, his hands folded across one another on the surface, his expression cold and unreadable. He appeared utterly indifferent to the mediation that was about to begin. As Linda and Dean entered the room, Damon’s gaze slowly shifted toward them, and the icy, commanding look in his eyes created an almost suffocating pressure that seemed to fill the entire space.

Dean felt a sudden jolt of unease. He realized that dealing with Damon Greyson would undoubtedly make this mediation far more complex. Damon’s presence and appearance matched exactly what he had heard about the infamous mafia boss—an intimidating figure who exuded a palpable threat. Taking a deep breath, Dean steadied himself, trying to remain composed. He knew that in the face of such an adversary, he would need to bring his very best professional demeanor to navigate the stormy waters of this complicated mediation.

Linda, too, felt the weight of the room’s oppressive energy. She subtly adjusted her posture and gave Dean a signal that they could proceed.

The mediation began, and as everyone took their seats, the atmosphere remained thick with tension. Damon Greyson sat across from them, his cold gaze fixed firmly on Dean. The two bodyguards beside him remained standing, further amplifying the intimidation in the room. Documents were scattered haphazardly across the table, waiting to be addressed as the discussion moved forward.

The opposing team’s lawyers took the floor first. A middle-aged man cleared his throat, picking up a document and speaking in a formal tone: “On behalf of the Dragon Gang, we have considered all potential solutions. However, due to Mr. Tam’s breach of contract and his use of improper methods to provoke us, we are now requesting the termination of the contract and demanding substantial compensation for our losses.”

Dean frowned slightly, a sense of unease creeping into his thoughts. He had expected this, of course, but what truly concerned him was the potential for Damon to intervene, which could make the mediation even more complicated. Linda quickly responded, her professional smile never wavering. “We understand your position. However, we are looking to find a solution that works for both sides. It’s true that Mr. Tam’s actions have caused some disturbance for the Dragon Gang, but we believe the compensation should be proportional to the actual losses incurred.”

Damon’s piercing gaze never left Dean, but the faintest, disdainful smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It made Dean feel uncomfortable, not only because of Damon’s powerful reputation, but because of the way he seemed to study him so intently. One of their other lawyers spoke up next: “We’ve assessed the damages, including business stagnation, the cost of breaching the contract, and the additional expenses incurred from internal management disruptions. We believe the compensation should amount to five million, which is a basic request, reflecting the cost we’ve borne from this incident.”

Dean did his best to remain composed, mentally calculating how to lower the compensation demand. He knew that a five-million-dollar payout would be an enormous burden for Leroy Tam and his company. Raising his head, he glanced at Damon and his two lawyers, his tone firm yet calm. "We would like to propose a reasonable reassessment of the compensation. While Mr. Tam has his flaws, his actions were not driven by malice. We can provide evidence to demonstrate his genuine intent to resolve the issue. We believe a compensation of two million would be more in line with the actual losses incurred and within a fair range."

Damon’s expression darkened, his eyes flashing with a brief spark of anger, but he remained composed. Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with disdain. “Two million? Little Boy, do you think that’s a fair compensation? Do you have any idea how much two million is worth? Our losses far exceed that, and our demand for five million is entirely reasonable.” Damon’s casual remark, “Little boy,” struck Dean’s nerve and, for a brief moment, it rattled Dean’s composure.

Linda who unaware of Dean’s reaction, interjected smoothly, "We are fully committed to evaluating all the losses thoroughly, but our goal is to find a middle ground that both parties can agree on. We are prepared to present further financial data and revised compensation figures, with the hope that you will consider our proposal and work together with us to reach a fair resolution."

Damon fell silent for a moment, clearly weighing Linda and Dean’s suggestion. The tension in the room thickened, and both sides’ lawyers exchanged hushed words, their expressions serious. After a prolonged pause, Damon spoke again, his voice cold but slightly more accommodating. “Alright. We’re willing to consider further discussions. But let me make this clear—our bottom line won’t be easily moved.”

Linda and Dean exchanged a brief look of relief, though they knew the negotiations were far from over. They couldn’t let their guard down yet. Resolute, they shared a silent understanding and prepared to continue pushing for a favorable outcome for their client.

Once the first mediation session concluded, Dean allowed himself a moment to exhale. After parting ways with Linda, he headed toward the restroom to wash his face and clear his mind before facing the next phase of the day. But as he entered the restroom, he was taken by surprise—Leroy Tam followed him in.

In the public setting of the restroom, Dean didn’t think much of it. He simply continued washing his face, trying to shake off the tension.

The quiet sounds of the dripping faucet and occasional footsteps echoed in the small space. Out of the corner of his eye, Dean noticed a figure standing behind him. He turned, only to find Leroy Tam standing just a few feet away. The man was tall, his posture commanding, and he wore a smile that could only be described as provocative.

In that instant, Dean understood—it wasn’t just his earlier, unsettling gaze in the meeting room that had caught his attention. Leroy Tam had been sizing him up, and now it was clear that his interest was far from innocent.

The aura around Leroy Tam exuded a palpable sense of pressure, leaving Dean with an uncomfortable tension that crept over him. He tried to make a hasty exit, but Leroy Tam moved quickly, blocking his path, a sinister smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Dean attempted to push past him, but all it did was inadvertently highlight the fact that his workouts were for health, not for strength.

"You did quite well in the meeting," Leroy Tam's low voice was thick with insinuation as he stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate. With each step, he forced Dean to retreat further. "But I’m more interested in seeing how you perform in other areas."