The big boss laughed at Sarah's question. The sound of his laughter made me feel a mix of disgust and irritation.

"You're quite bold, aren’t you? Fine. I suppose it’s best we settle everything right here and now!" The man suddenly sat back down.

"The point is—I’m still demanding compensation for what your employee did—"

"Wait, wait. Didn’t you hear what I said earlier? Sylvia is NO LONGER an employee of Wonderland. Period. She has nothing to do with me anymore. And if you keep insisting on blaming one of my staff, then I don't see the point in continuing this conversation."

"Alright, fine. I’m not demanding compensation by asking you to replace that damned wench, but I *am* asking for your help in finding SYLVIA! I won’t just let this go!"

"I can’t promise anything. I’ve been trying to track her down ever since she disappeared, but no luck. So… no, I can’t guarantee anything." Sarah sounded like she no longer wanted anything to do with Sylvia.

"Then what now? I came all this way hoping for a solution to the Sylvia issue!" The big boss was clearly getting frustrated. "Looks like I’ll have to take this to the authorities!" he suddenly announced, making Sarah visibly panic.

"I suggest you don’t do that, Sir!"

The middle-aged man narrowed his eyes, glaring at Sarah. "Why not? You scared? Looks like someone doesn’t want the authorities involved, huh?" He smirked, thinking he’d found Sarah’s weak spot. His laugh now sounded condescending.

"If you’re really scared, then do as I say. Don’t act all tough. You think dealing with me is going to be easy?" he scoffed.

"Alright. I’ll help you find Sylvia. Just don’t think about reporting this to the authorities. That wouldn’t be good for you either, would it? Your reputation could end up in ruins, Sir."

"Hahaha! You’re feisty, aren’t you? Fine. I accept your offer to help find Sylvia. But let me be clear—if you can’t find her… I’ll take *her* as compensation instead." He turned his sharp gaze to me this time.

"That’s not how this works!"

"Oh, but it *can* work like that! Pick one—give her to me as collateral, or I report you. Ha! Not a hard choice, is it? Just pick!" The big boss kept laughing, loud and arrogant. I swallowed hard, panic rising inside me.

"Relax. You don’t need to offer compensation. I’ll find SYLVIA and bring her to you myself!" Sarah snapped, clearly running out of patience. "I think we’ve said enough. Please leave my office. I’ve got other things to do—like hunting down Sylvia."

"My goodness, how rude of you, kicking out a guest like this."

"You’re not a guest to me. So please, respect my request like I’ve respected yours."

"Alright, alright. I’m leaving." The big boss finally stood. "Let’s go. We’re done here," he ordered his two loyal bodyguards.

The big boss was already standing at the door when he turned around once more, his sharp eyes pinning Sarah like a predator staring down prey.

“And one more thing…” His voice dropped low, calm yet dangerous. “You better find Sylvia, *and fast*. I’m not a man known for his patience.”

Sarah tensed, her hands clenched into fists behind her back.

“You think I’m bluffing?” he continued, his smile cold. “Try me. Let this be your final warning—I want results. No more excuses.”

He then gave a mocking nod, his voice laced with menace. “I’ll be waiting. And if you fail… well, you already know what’s at stake.”

With that, he turned and strode out, his bodyguards flanking him like shadows. The echo of his footsteps lingered like a dark omen.

After confirming that the man had gone downstairs and was headed toward the exit, Sarah came over to where I was still sitting with Fania.

“El, are you okay?” she asked, clearly worried.

I smiled faintly at her question. “I’d be lying if I said I was okay. I feel… drained.”

“I’m so sorry you got dragged into this mess with Sylvia.”

“Well, I was already involved from the start, remember? If not for Sylvia, I wouldn’t have even met Sebastian.”

Sarah gently patted my hand. “That’s different, El. Back then you were helping me. This time… you’re being dragged into Sylvia’s mess without even meaning to.”

“My bad feeling came true. I never thought things would really turn out like this.” I clenched my fingers.

“I get it, El. I really do. I’m sorry.” Sarah took my cold hands in hers. “Fan, can you make some green tea for El? It’s in the pantry. Just look around.”

“Of course, I’ll get right on it,” Fania replied, quick and efficient as always.

“El, don’t go home yet, okay? Just rest here for a bit. You clearly need a moment to breathe before heading back.” Sarah tried to convince me to stay. Honestly, I *was* in shock. I couldn’t believe it. How could someone even suggest that I be used as compensation for what Sylvia did? The whole thing was insane. Now I understood why Sebastian and Amelie hated their father so much.

“Don’t take it to heart, El. Don’t let it get to you. I’ll find a way out of this Sylvia mess—you don’t need to get involved,” Sarah said, trying to calm me down.

“I just can’t believe it. Sebastian’s father… he’s nothing like Sebastian. How can they be related and still be so different?”

“Well, that’s just how people are, El. Even if they’re blood, personalities can be worlds apart. Maybe Sebastian got his kindness from his mother. He probably became a good person *because* he’s been through so much pain. Maybe, deep down, he still hopes his father could’ve been different.”

I fell silent. Sarah was right. I thought of my own mother—the woman who gave birth to me, the one who should’ve protected me. Suddenly, I understood the hatred Sebastian felt. The kind of pain he carried. Just like me… a child sold off by their own parent. Maybe Sebastian and I weren’t so different after all.

“Want something to eat?” Sarah offered as Fania returned with the tea. I smiled and shook my head.

“No, this tea is enough. Thank you, Fania.” I took the cup from her hands.

“So… what are you going to do now, Sarah?” I asked after sipping my tea.

***