chapter 45

As the negotiation dragged on, tensions began to simmer beneath the surface, threatening to erupt into open hostility at any moment.

Anderson's mother, her eyes filled with malice, leaned forward, her voice dripping with venom as she addressed Jace and his companions.

"You think you can talk your way out of this, Jace? You think you can just waltz in here and expect us to forgive and forget?" she sneered, her tone laced with contempt.

Jace's jaw clenched with frustration, but he forced himself to remain calm, knowing that giving in to anger would only escalate the situation further.

"We're not asking for forgiveness, just understanding," he replied evenly, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "We all have grievances, but resorting to violence won't solve anything."

But Anderson's mother was not so easily swayed, her hostility burning like a flame as she continued to press her agenda.

"You're nothing but a thorn in our side, Jace," she spat her words like knives slicing through th