Surviving In This Filthy World As A Novel Villain

"You’re joking… right?" His words were slow, deliberate, as if giving Liam one last chance to say that this was all just some terrible misunderstanding.

"This isn’t funny," he added, his voice dropping slightly. "That Hundred and Fifty million wasn’t pocket change—it was my blood and sweat."

His nails dug into his palms. But still no mention of Lily in this but balanty saying ’his’ hard earned money.

"You’d better not be playing games with me."

Liam, however, remained completely composed. He showed no fear. No guilt. Not even concern. It was as if he was merely stating facts, as if none of this was a big deal at all.

"Mr. Ethan," Liam said slowly, his tone carrying an almost lazy indifference. "There are a lot of people watching right now."

He gestured slightly to the audience, where hundreds of eyes were glued to them, the atmosphere so thick with tension that it felt like the air itself had turned heavy.

"…What reason is there that I would have to lie to you?" Liam’s words landed like a hammer inside Ethan’s skull. It felt like something had exploded in his mind. It wasn’t just him. The entire hall had fallen into a stunned silence.

"What the hell is going on?" someone in the crowd whispered, struggling to make sense of the situation.

"From what I’m hearing… Ethan Carter invested Hundred and Fifty million to help JoySync Company develop the retinal-iris technology…"

"But in the end, he won’t even be making a single cent from it?"

"…Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying JoySync Company tricked Ethan Carter?"

"That’s impossible! Ethan Carter is known for reading the energy of his investments—how the hell did he not see this coming?"

The murmurs spread like wildfire. Some people looked at Ethan with pity. Some with amusement. Some… with delight at the misfortune of Ethan.

And then, a loud scraping sound broke through the whispers as a chair was suddenly pushed back.

All eyes turned toward Lily, who had abruptly stood up, her face flushed with both disbelief and rage.

She pointed directly at Liam, her hand trembling slightly from the sheer frustration bubbling inside her.

"You… you… Liam Jensen!" she snapped, her voice sharp and piercing.

"What the hell do you mean by this?!" There was no attempt to maintain politeness anymore.

"When we signed the contract, everything was clearly written out in black and white!"

"Ethan invested Hundred and Fifty million… And we agreed that we would share in the profits! So why the hell are you only telling us now that you don’t even own the patent?!" Her voice was rising, carrying an undeniable accusation.

"Are you playing us right now?!"

The tension in the room was now even more unbearable or more like the entertainment was now even all time high… like a plot twist or climax.

Hundreds of eyes were glued to Liam, waiting for his response.

And yet—Liam remained completely unmoved. There was no panic in his expression. No hesitation. No sign of guilt. As if this entire situation was unfolding exactly as he had planned.

The murmur of the people who were sitting and the cameras flickering light which captured all the moments that were happening in pictures and the cameras that were recording some were even using their mobile phone to record this.

Spotlights gleamed off polished marble floors, reflecting the cold sweat forming on Ethan’s forehead.

Hundreds of eyes were locked onto the unfolding drama, a mix of curiosity, amusement, and disbelief filling the space.

Lily’s face was contorted with rage, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.

Across from her, Liam Jensen remained calm, even amused. He spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture of innocence, his smile light, yet carrying a mocking undertone.

"Miss Lily," he said, his voice smooth and unhurried. "We run a serious business here, there are many reporters here and even some big media company reporters. Do you really think we have time to play games?"

His words carried a subtle sting, as if he found her outrage childish, even ridiculous.

Lily’s expression twisted further, but before she could argue, Liam continued with an almost lazy confidence.

"Besides, when you signed the contract, didn’t you read it carefully?" He sighed, shaking his head as if genuinely disappointed.

"Even if you didn’t, let me make it clear for you now." He met Ethan’s gaze directly, his smile never fading.

"Your Hundred and Fifty million was an investment—nothing more." His voice carried a finality that sent a shiver through the room.

"You have no control over the company’s operations, decisions, or research." He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting.

"The only thing you’re entitled to is dividends."

Lily opened her mouth, ready to argue, but Ethan raised a hand, stopping her. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark with anger.

He inhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn’t afford to lose his composure now.

"Fine," he said, his voice controlled but edged with barely concealed fury. "Let’s go by your logic."

He took a step forward, his presence commanding despite the growing whispers in the audience.

"We don’t have a say in how you run the company. Sure." His fingers curled slightly, his nails digging into his palms.

"But after deducting all your research expenses…" His voice lowered, carrying an unmistakable warning.

"Return the rest of the money." A deathly silence followed his words. For a brief moment, there was hope. Ethan wasn’t stupid. The contract was airtight, and there was no way for him to force control over the company.

But at the very least… He could cut his losses.

Liam nodded, his expression completely agreeable.

"That’s a fair request." His tone was so casual, so unbothered, that it almost made Ethan feel relieved.

For a brief second, he thought Liam was about to hand over a large sum of money and let him walk away with some dignity intact.

But then… Liam paused, as if thinking carefully.

"However," he continued, his voice just a fraction softer, forcing everyone to lean in.

"The contract also clearly states…" He smiled, but this time, there was an edge to it.

"Any losses during the investment period must be shared equally between investors and the company."

Ethan’s heartbeat quickened at those words… the words ’losses.’

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(A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)

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