Chapter 271: Lex Gramen

Without saying a word, the woman picked up the phone on her desk, pressed a few buttons, and then spoke briefly with someone on the other end.

After hanging up, the woman turned her gaze back to Madara, her expression remaining flat.

"Just go inside," the woman said, pointing to the large door guarded by the two burly men.

Madara showed no emotion. He simply nodded slowly. "I understand," Madara replied before stepping toward the door.

Every movement of Madara was filled with calmness, but there was an aura of pressure that was hard to ignore. The guards standing in front of the door glanced briefly at Madara, but they made no effort to stop him. The large door was the final barrier before Madara faced Lex Gramen.

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As soon as Madara stepped inside, the room greeted him with a strange and oppressive atmosphere. In the center of the room, a muscular man sat casually in a large high-backed chair.

The man's long, dark purple hair hung wildly over his shoulders. He wore a tight black t-shirt that accentuated his muscles, paired with black shorts that gave the impression that he didn't care much for formality.

Next to the man stood a woman with a sharp aura. Her long brown hair cascaded down to her waist, contrasting with her deep blue, cold, and calculating eyes.

The woman wore a sleeveless white shirt that revealed tattoos wrapping around both of her arms, giving the impression that she was someone accustomed to living under the pressures of the underworld. The short black skirt she wore did not diminish the sense of danger that radiated from her.

Madara paused for a moment, assessing both of them with a calm yet piercing gaze. After a few seconds that felt long, Madara stepped forward with steady strides.

"I will pay the debt of the Kaori Shimizu family," Madara said coldly, without any preamble.

The muscular man, clearly Lex Gramen, flashed an unpleasant wide smile. "Of course! Very well, sir... But may I ask what your relationship is with that woman?" Lex inquired, his tone filled with feigned curiosity.

Madara stared sharply at Lex, then replied in a low voice that carried authority, "That woman will be my servant. I do not want her to be chased by your men anymore."

Lex raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Is that so? In that case, please pay the debt. The amount is... Five million Forty." Lex pulled out a piece of paper, a loan document showing the amount owed, and placed it on the table.

Without saying anything, Madara nodded. He reached into his tuxedo jacket, pulled out a thick envelope filled with cash. With calm movements, Madara opened the envelope, quickly counted the money, and handed five million Forty to Lex.

Lex accepted the money with a satisfied smile, his thick, ring-laden fingers touching each bill as if to ensure its authenticity. "Hmm... You seem quite wealthy. I'm curious, why are you bothering to help that woman? Could it be..." Lex grinned, his tone mocking. "Are you smitten with her?"

Madara looked at Lex with a cold stare that made the atmosphere in the room tense. "You don't need to know," Madara replied tersely, his voice flat but carrying an implied threat. He slowly but calmly put the remaining money back into his jacket.

Lex, seemingly realizing that he would not get any more answers from Madara, simply chuckled softly and continued with his work.