Chapter 51: THE HUNTER’S NEXT PLAY
Most people would have hesitated, asked for details, negotiated terms. Yomi’s response was immediate and unwavering.
"Agreed."
The speed of his acceptance actually shocked Helena. She had expected at least some discussion about the nature of the favor, some attempt to establish boundaries or limitations. Instead, he had committed himself without a moment’s consideration.
"You don’t want to know what I might ask of you?" she asked, genuinely surprised.
Yomi’s gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her suddenly aware of how alone they were in her office. When he spoke, his voice carried undertones that made her skin prickle with unease.
"It’s human nature to use others for value," he said, his storm-gray eyes boring into hers with disturbing directness. "Just as I will be using you for your connections, you will use me for whatever purpose suits your needs."
The casual acknowledgment of mutual exploitation, delivered with such matter-of-fact certainty, gave Helena a glimpse of something far more complex than she had initially assumed. This wasn’t naive acceptance, it was the calculated pragmatism of someone who understood power dynamics on a level that most people never reached.
"I see," she said slowly, reassessing him once again. "Then we have an understanding."
"We do," Yomi confirmed, and something in his slight smile suggested that he found their arrangement more amusing than concerning.
Helena found herself wondering, not for the first time that day, exactly what kind of person she had just agreed to do business with.