Hearing Sierra Sullivan's unhesitating refusal, the smile on Simon Hughes's face didn't change, as if he wasn't the least bit angry.
"Sierra, there's no deep-seated hatred between us. What happened before was just some petty arguments, nothing serious. No need to dwell on it, don't you think?"
"Right now, we're facing the same crisis. We should put these petty disagreements aside and work together to solve the problem at hand. Don't you agree?"
"If you're still upset, I can give you a sincere apology. Once we're back in Subterra, I'll give you whatever you want as compensation. Contribution Points, a house, a shop, the latest guns and protective suits—anything you want is yours for the asking. Think it over."
After delivering his speech, Simon Hughes's expression relaxed considerably, a glint of confidence in his eyes suggesting he was sure of his success.
'In his mind, there had never been any deep-seated hatred between him and Sierra.'
