The atmosphere shifted dramatically after Mateo Ward spoke. The once-enthusiastic crowd instinctively retreated a step. This single movement revealed volumes about the Schroeder Family's influence in Shiglance City. Despite the wealth gathered here, nobody dared challenge their dominance.
Mateo cast a smug glance my way and sneered, "Mason, what moves do you have left?"
My eyebrows furrowed as I struggled to formulate a response. I scanned the crowd, but everyone avoided meeting my eyes, leaving me isolated in this confrontation. Taking a deep breath, I asked with creased brows, "Are we really surrendering like this, or should we... eliminate the messenger?"
Never did I imagine becoming the one forced to take such drastic measures.
"Time's almost up," Mateo checked his watch with a victorious smile. "The treasure belongs to me now!"
With those words, he strode confidently toward the stone statue.
