Chapter 108-A Promise in the Dark
"My old man pulled some strings with the Prosecutor’s Office—we’re still waiting on news. Why don’t you lay low in Australia for a while?" Manfred looked at August with visible concern.
Charles had completely distanced himself from Black Rock Co., but Derrick was relentless. As long as the espionage charges weren’t dropped, August had no freedom. Even stepping outside was a risk.
Bertman was only a former Chamber president—his words carried weight, but not enough to change the tide. Manfred had done everything in his power to protect August, but they still weren’t a match for Derrick.
"You think I can just fly out of here?" August’s tone was calm, almost indifferent. "Derrick’s probably locked down every airport by now."
Despite the chaos surrounding him, he remained composed. In fact, he wasn’t the least bit worried about his own fate. The way Derrick was losing his mind trying to bring him down? That meant only one thing—Derrick was suffering.
Poetic justice. Watching Derrick burn himself out with hatred and frustration, sleepless and furious, unable to take August down—that was punishment enough. Who needed death, when you could make someone live a life worse than dying?
"Then what do we do? Are you seriously going to jail?" Manfred panicked. "What if I take the fall for you? I’ll have my father pull some strings and get me out afterward—"
"No." August cut him off firmly. "Manfred, trust me. I’ll be fine."
Manfred had already done so much for him. There was no way August would let him sacrifice himself any further.
Seeing August close his eyes in silent thought, Manfred clenched his fists. He understood what August meant—but how could he just sit back and watch him go to prison?
Without another word, Manfred left the apartment. He didn’t tell August where he was going. Ever since learning the truth about him and Charles, something had shifted inside—he’d become strangely emotional. He had to do something. Anything.