Stefan looked up and met Renee�s gaze intently. They were so close that they could feel each other�s breath on their skin, and suddenly, the air became thick with tension.

Renee swallowed briefly and put some distance between them. She gritted her teeth and said, �As a man, you should at least have the integrity to admit to what you did. You tricked Joanna and ruined my brother� Don�t you feel even the least bit guilty?�

�As opponents in a battle, it�s only natural that there�s a winner and a loser. If I didn�t do what I did, it might have been my face ruined or my corpse in the sea.�

�You�� Renee couldn�t argue.

�Do you believe that Night Demon would have been as generous if he had the chance?�

Stefan demanded as he stood up and approached Renee. �I remember vividly how torturous it was in the water dungeon, and how helpless it felt to be blind. Don�t you think he�s cruel too?�

�That� was an accident�� Renee mumbled, reluctant to admit that Stefan had a point.

Quinton�s actions had been more ruthless than Stefan�s, so Stefan wasn�t wrong.

�Accident?� A mocking smile crept up on Stefan�s face.

�Well, can I say that it was an accident that I ruined his face back then? If Joanna didn�t stab him and drive him mad to the point that he started attacking everyone, I wouldn�t have had to use such a method to calm him down.�

Stefan frowned slightly, not wanting to recall those unpleasant memories.

"After that, he grabbed Joanne and jumped into the sea, and after that, both of them went missing. I helped him manage Carmine Pawnshop for free for so many years to keep it from going out of business. It had been nearing ruin, but I made it successful again. Haven�t I done enough? In fact, I think I deserve a reward.�

Renee�s jaw dropped, and she gaped at Stefan like a goldfish.

�Unfortunately, that person is still as bullheaded as before. If he insists on provoking me, then don�t blame me if I fight back.� Stefan�s gaze slowly turned fierce. It seemed like he wanted to make a counterattack because of the news, and that was exactly what Renee did not want.

�Both of you are blinded by your hatred, and it gets worse every time the both of you fight. In the end, both of you might get seriously hurt�� Renee tried to explain, but Stefan just shook his head.

�There�s no point in you telling me this, you�d have better luck trying to persuade your stubborn brother. I�m just a businessman, and I don�t hold grudges. The only thing I want is profit.�

�Yes, I came to meet you today because I know that. I hope you can give me a bit of time to help you and Quinton resolve this," Renee said earnestly.

�You?� Stefan scoffed, raising a brow doubtfully.

�Of course, I cant do that. But Joanne can.� Renee�s gaze was determined as she spoke.

Stefan went silent, his gaze turning icy. Although he was always aloof and distant, he did feel sorry for Joanne.

�Promise me not to take revenge on my brother during this period, and I guarantee that you both will cooperate well after this issue is resolved.�

Renee was afraid that they might fight while she was gone, so she could only ask Stefan to stop for the time being. However, she didn�t know if he would agree or not.

After all, he had forgotten about her, which just made her his opponent�s younger sister. He felt nothing for her.

�Can� Can you do that?� Renee asked softly, hoping he would accept the olive branch. He stared at her coldly for a long time before he said, �Ten days. That�s all I can promise.�

Renee felt relieved after getting Stefan�s answer. Some part of her knew that the man wasn�t as aloof and cruel as he made himself out to be. JrNovels.com