?Chapter 1344:


    It was his secretary on the other end of the line. “Sir, the front desk just called. A Ms. Lewis is downstairs, iming to be the mother of your friend Belinda. Should we allow her up?”


    Johnson’s brows arched in mild surprise.


    Belinda’s mother was here to see him?


    A subtle smirk crossed his lips as if a thought had just clicked into ce. “Send her up,” he said.


    “Understood, sir.”


    Ten minutester, Holley was ushered into the reception room.


    “Ms. Lewis, to what do I owe the visit?” Johnson reclined on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, his gaze cool as he studied Holley.


    “Mr. Hoffman,” Holley began, her voice stiff with formality, “I’m here because of Niko.”


    Cutting past any pleasantries, she dove straight into her purpose.


    “Is that so?” Johnson’s brow lifted slightly.


    Holley swallowed hard before meeting his eyes. “I’m not sure if Belinda has told you, but here’s the situation. I owe Timothy a tremendous debt—he saved my life once, and I’ve never forgotten it. Timothy approached me, asking for my help to free his son. So…”


    She hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I know it’s forward of me toe to you like this, but for Belinda’s sake, could you please do me this favor and release Niko?”


    After listening, Johnson let out a low chuckle. “If this is truly for Belinda’s sake, shouldn’t she be the one making the request? You and I are practically strangers, Ms. Lewis.”


    Holley’s face tightened, a flicker of difort crossing her features. “I’ve already spoken to Belinda about this, but she’s… She is cold toward me right now. She doesn’t want to listen to anything I say.”


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    Johnson’s tone sharpened with mockery. “If Belinda won’t even listen to you, why should I?”


    Holley was struck silent.


    Biting her lip in frustration, she looked at Johnson with a pleading expression. “I’m begging you, please let Niko go.”


    Johnson cast her a sidelong nce, a faint, derisive smile curling his lips. “You could sell out your own daughter for personal gain. Do you really expect me to believe you would go to all this trouble just for a so-called debt of gratitude?”


    Holley’s face paled in an instant, her expression one of utter humiliation.


    Johnson’s words cut deep.


    Yet, needing his cooperation, Holley didn’t dare show her frustration.


    Before she could muster a response, Johnson spoke again. “Perhaps Timothy’s got some leverage over you, and that’s why you’re so desperate to help his son?”


    Holley’s face shifted once more, a brief glint of unease shing in her eyes.


    She quickly masked it, letting out a weary sigh. “You’re overthinking this. Timothy really saved my life years ago. So, I’m just asking you to show some mercy and let Niko go this time.”


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