Harold's voice cracked before the first word even escaped. "S-sir, please, it's not what you think!"
I didn't back down. I leaned in, my presence pressing down on him, ratcheting the tension until every bit of his composure was on the verge of cracking.
He raised both hands, palms out, as if he spotted an invisible gun. I almost felt sorry for him because a bullet would've been mercy compared to the price of crossing me.
"I swear, this wasn't my decision. The branch manager just informed me."
"Who made the offer?" I pressed harder.
"It's the Mythical Guild. I had no authority to refuse it."
Amanda frowned. "The Mythical Guild? From Milestone City?"
Harold nodded so fast his glasses nearly flew off.
"Y-yes! Them! They're planning to expand here. Apparently, they've already purchased the surrounding buildings. They want an entire block for themselves—one massive base of operations. That's why the bank raised the price."
