"I forgot one thing," Mark said at last, wiping a tear of mirth from the corner of his eye. "Humans become remarkably foolish when they are desperate. And this deal you just proposed, Max… it may be the most foolish thing any of you have ever attempted."
His words struck the hearts of the surrounding leaders like spears. Every one of them flinched. Every one of them stiffened. Yet their eyes remained riveted on Max, waiting for him to answer—for only his response seemed capable of anchoring this fragile moment.
Max didn't hesitate.
"Does that mean you accept the deal?" he asked calmly.
Mark tilted his head slightly, as if examining an ant that dared to bare its fangs at a dragon. His sneer sharpened again, the derision returning to his face, but there was also a faint undertone—acknowledgment, maybe even interest.
