The people up ahead jumped. They spun around warily, but their faces immediately broke into smiles when they saw Stella Sterling. "Miss Sterling, you're here. You came alone, right? You didn't bring anyone else?"
As he spoke, the square-faced man glanced behind Stella Sterling. After confirming she had indeed come alone, the smile on his face deepened, and the look in his eyes changed.
As if she hadn't noticed, Stella Sterling strode toward them. "Don't worry, I know the rules. Where's the merchandise?"
"In there. Has Miss Sterling prepared the payment? I only take cash!"
"Don't worry, I brought it. But I have to inspect the merchandise first. I can't feel safe carrying all this cash around otherwise. I hope Boss Pence understands!"
Smiling pleasantly, Stella Sterling walked in the direction he had indicated.
"Of course, of course. That's only natural. Miss Sterling, you can rest assured. We've worked with many people, and we are absolutely honest businessmen!" the square-faced Boss Pence chuckled as he followed behind Stella Sterling, simultaneously shooting a look at the men beside him.
Stella Sterling looked at the dozens of large boxes piled in the corner, her smile growing wider.
She opened a few boxes to inspect them. The contents were all genuine. The more she looked, the wider her smile became, while the men behind her drew closer and closer until they were nearly pressing against her.
Although her attention was focused on the medicine, she was also watching the situation behind her from the corner of her eye. Seeing them get closer and closer, the smile on her face remained, but the one in her eyes faded.
'I wanted to do business properly. I didn't want to resort to gangster tactics while we're still in a civilized society. But if these people insist on doing business the uncivilized way, then I can't be blamed for what happens next.'
'Looks like I'll get to save my money tonight. This is my favorite kind of business—especially when the other party initiates it. What a wonderful stroke of luck.'
'It seems I've been running into a lot of good people lately.'
'They must know I have many uses for my money, so every last one of them is trying to help me save it.'
"Don't move! Or you can kiss your life goodbye!"
Just then, a tall, skinny man rushed up behind Stella Sterling, clamped a hand around her neck, and spoke in an artificially deep voice.
Boss Pence was still smiling cheerfully, looking even more radiant and affable than before. The words that came out of his mouth, however, were utterly shameless. "Miss Sterling, I've always been an honest businessman. Don't you worry. As long as you give us all the cash you brought, we'll let you go, safe and sound. We won't harm a single hair on your head!"
"So, that's why your inventory is so complete? I bet Boss Pence has swindled quite a few people this way, hasn't he?"
Stella Sterling asked curiously. She had just inspected the goods; the selection was comprehensive, with basically every medicine that couldn't be bought on the market. Acquiring such an inventory wasn't something you could do in a day or two just by pulling a few strings.
'It seems these people have had this inventory all along, using it as bait to lure in one victim after another. However…'
Seeing how calm she was, not showing the slightest bit of fear, Mr. Pence's smile stiffened. He then laughed. "Miss Sterling, you really are brave, daring to come here all by yourself. But pretending to be calm is useless now, you know. I'm not so easily fooled. I advise you to be smart and hand over the money. That's the only way you'll leave here safely. You're a smart woman, Miss Sterling. I'm sure you know how to choose!"