Chapter 642

Nathaniel smiled politely as he leaned down, sensing the man in the car's arrogance. Henry glared at Nathaniel, exhaling a puff of smoke directly into his face.

Nathaniel, caught off guard, coughed repeatedly. Then, a soft voice reached him: "Are you alone?"

Turning his head, he coughed again before replying to Henry, "Yes, I am alone, but my presence seems unwelcome. If so, you must be uninterested in my proposal. Since I'm disturbing you, I'll leave."

Nathaniel turned to go.

"Hold up!" Henry snarled. Initially, he thought Nathaniel was playing a trick, but seeing Nathaniel enter his car and start the engine, Henry panicked. He quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and leaped out.

As Henry rushed to grab the half-open window, Nathaniel began to drive away.

"Stop!"

The car screeched to a halt, nearly throwing Henry to the ground. Regaining his balance, he glared at Nathaniel.

Nathaniel sneered from the car. "Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Lodge?"

"Since you're here to make a deal, stop being pretentious and come down to talk!" Henry grumbled, releasing his grip on the car.

A sardonic smile played on Nathaniel's lips. "I'm not being pretentious, but if you're not interested, there's nothing to discuss. After all, I'm not the one needing evidence, and I'm not the family patriarch, am I?"

Henry's gaze turned cold. "Are you threatening me?"

"I have no time for threats. I'm simply reminding you that all transactions are equal. You call me pretentious? You overestimate me. I wouldn't dare be so in your presence. However, Mr. Lodge, I expect the same respect in return."

Henry's eyes clouded. He stepped back, sighed, and relaxed slightly. "Let's talk."

After studying Henry's face, Nathaniel opened the car door and stepped out. Only then did he realize Henry wasn't much taller. However, Henry's menacing demeanor created tension.

There was a time when Henry would have intimidated Nathaniel. Now, entangled with the wealthy and powerful, he felt less threatened. Sooner or later, the Tanner Corporation would be his; an aspiring Lodge family patriarch was inconsequential.

Nathaniel casually placed his hands in his pockets and raised his chin. "Mr. Lodge, it's a pleasure."

"Cut to the chase. Gary said the evidence you possess will help me. Is that true?" Henry wouldn't have risked coming if he hadn't heard it from Gary himself.

"I understand your concerns, Mr. Lodge, and I can help, under one condition."

Nathaniel smiled, aware of his advantage. He was well-informed. While Jonathan held the title of patriarch, Justin still held the real power. Without Justin's overthrow, Henry would be of little use, even with the title.