Shawn surveyed the Jeff family's henchmen, the Outlaw Madmen, and Bruce lying on the ground.
His stern face revealed no emotional shifts.
He addressed Gabriel, "Mr. Gabriel, I apologize for the event involving Tim. And there are some matters I'd like to discuss with you privately. It won't take much of your time, and it will help us resolve today's issues. Would you be so kind as to join me?"
Gabriel squinted thoughtfully, realizing that Shawn's intentions ran deep.
The facade of humility made it challenging to gauge his true motives.
In fact, at this stage, it was already impossible to kill Tim and Sansa.
Upon careful consideration, Gabriel decided his plan to corner them to death was not mature enough.
He had been a bit impulsive just now!
Since Shawn has offered a way out, he was curious to see what this old guy was selling.
If the offering was attractive enough, he intended to take it.
"Alright, let's talk in the private room!"
Gabriel walked into private room number two, with Shawn closely following.
After the two left, the oppressive atmosphere suddenly dispersed.
The entire bar finally relaxed a bit.
But it wasn't until this moment that Sansa understood the seriousness of the situation.
Gabriel was not a reckless thug; he had some fearsome background.
She hadn't seen anyone like that in the whole Gumoldur City to make Shawn so deferential.
She looked down at her son in her arms, and felt somewhat bewildered...
The private room was dimly lit, and the atmosphere was heavy.
Gabriel took out a cigarette and lit it, smoking it leisurely.
He didn't offer a cigarette to Shawn but, holding the cigarette, asked, "Mr. Jeff, I deserve an explanation for today's events, right? Your presence alone wouldn't soothe my anger."
Whatever the topic, Gabriel decided, he had to maintain control.
Shawn explained, "There were things that couldn't be clarified outside, but true, I came today to save my son!"
"I... after all, only have this one son!"
"I hope, Mr. Gabriel, you can cut him some slack this time. When we get back, I'll definitely tighten the reins on him!"
"As for Leonard, you can decide on whatever punishment to him!"
Gabriel couldn't help but chuckle, "Interesting, Mr. Jeff. You forgot your wife's share, I suppose; you can't just put everything on Mr. Leonard alone!"
"Your son's an outrageous asshole. For what he did, ten times of death would only be a blessing for him!"
"If I didn't see it, I woulnd't care. But if he bullied someone I care about, do you think I'd let him off?"
"In short, no matter how rich and powerful you are, Mr. Jeff, it doesn't matter to me. I only want one thing justice!"
"He had set dogs on my people, and I gotta punishment with death, simple as that."
"If you think your presence or influence suffice to intimidate me, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed!"
Hearing Gabriel's unbridled words, Shawn furrowed his brows deeply.
But he, as an incredibly restrained man, did not let his emotions erupt.
He had earlier learned that Gabriel single-handedly annihilated a mercenary group at the ancient tomb and killed a pirate on the Black Pearl, and just based on these two incidents, Shawn knew he needed to lower his posture.
After a moment of silence, Shawn finally broke the ice, "Considering the circumstances, I'm willing to offer a token of sincerity as a gesture for your leniency toward my son."
Gabriel shrugged his shoulders and responded, "Alright, let's see the extent of your sincerity. I hope it's substantial."
He had already surmised that Shawn had an agenda and was willing to see what it entailed.
"Let me be blunt! I came here today not just to save my son but more importantly, to establish contact with you or, let's say, to propose cooperation!"
"Once we're in a cooperative relationship, certain information will naturally be shared!"
Gabriel squinted, finally grasping Shawn's intention.
This old fox had come to negotiate with him. Presenting the matter of Chewing Gum wasn't about saving his son but extending an olive branch.
Gabriel jokingly remarked, "The Jeff family is currently cooperating with Vicky, and I have a hostile relationship with her. So, it seems we're enemies in a way, aren't we?"
"Cooperation between us? Honestly, it has left me a bit baffled!"
Suddenly, Shawn stood up, his gaze profound.
In the elderly eyes, there was a gleam of wisdom.
In a deep voice, he said, "Gumoldur City, this vast metropolis, is like an exquisite beauty. My greatest dream in this lifetime is to conquer this land, to be the underground king of the entire Gumoldur City. I want to be the Emperor of Gumoldur!"
The overwhelming aura and the desire emanating from his eyes reflected his ambition.
Aren't you one already? Gabriel asked, "Don't you have Sam's support, immense wealth, and a formidable group of enforcers? Is there anyone in Gumoldur City who can challenge you?"
With the current power of the Jeff family, Shawn was practically invincible throughout Gumoldur City, akin to an underground emperor.
However, Shawn shook his head and said, "No, far from it. My relationship with Sam is purely transactional. I'm just a tool for his wealth accumulation. Furthermore, above Sam, there's Council Member Number One, the most influential figure in the Gumoldur Assembly!"
"Leaving aside other forces, just dealing with Vicky's Clan of Ghostly Purgatory Hall and Jason's daughter Matilda, who manages the Southern Heaven Association, gives me a big headache!"
"These two figures, despite being women, are both not easy to deal with!"
"Especially Vicky. Even if Ghostly Purgatory Hall is currently divided, its influence is still there. With Ghostly Purgatory Hall's support, I find it challenging to shake this woman!"
"I've been thinking about how to integrate the forces in Gumoldur City. But, Mr. Gabriel, your arrival has given me hope!"

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