Keiko nodded.
“That would be sensible.”
Walter looked down.
Then toward the money.
For a moment, he seemed to remember the wager.
He pointed toward the stacks.
“The twenty-five thousand.”
Imani didn't move.
He looked at her.
“You won.”
The room was quiet.
She studied the money.
It represented months of financial breathing room. Her mother's medical expenses had become a constant source of anxiety, and Daniel needed support as he prepared for college applications.
Twenty-five thousand dollars mattered enormously.
But Imani also knew that accepting cash informally from a man involved in a disputed transaction could create complications.
She looked toward Walter.
“If you intend to honor the wager, please arrange the payment through a documented, lawful process. I don't want cash handed to me without a record.”
Walter blinked.
“You're worried about the paperwork?”
“Yes.”
He stared.
For a moment, he seemed almost offended.
Then he laughed quietly.
Not mockingly.
With disbelief.
“Of course you are.”
Imani didn't smile.
He nodded.
“Fine. My office will document it.”
Keiko looked toward him.
“Any payment should be clearly separated from her testimony or willingness to assist. It should not contain a confidentiality condition.”
Walter nodded.
“Agreed.”
Julian stepped forward.
“This is absurd. We're discussing a major acquisition, and now we're paying a waitress because she read some Japanese?”
Walter turned sharply.
“Be quiet.”
His son stopped.
For several seconds, they stared at each other.
Then Julian looked toward Imani.
There was unmistakable hostility in his eyes.
“You have no idea what you've done.”
Imani's stomach tightened.
But she kept her voice steady.
“I pointed out what the document says.”
Julian gave a bitter smile.
“You've involved yourself in something much bigger than you understand.”
Before she could answer, the restaurant manager stepped beside her.
“Ms. Carter's duties are finished for the evening,” he said. “If additional discussions are necessary, they can be arranged through the restaurant and her own representatives.”
Julian looked toward him.
For a moment, he seemed surprised that anyone in the room was still willing to challenge him.
Then he turned away.
Conrad Vale stepped closer to the exit.
Keiko noticed.
“Mr. Vale, before you leave, please identify which version of the agreement your office circulated to the escrow parties.”
Conrad smiled politely.
“I'm not sure I have that information with me.”
The attorney remained calm.
“Then please instruct your counsel to preserve the relevant correspondence.”
He nodded.
“Of course.”
But his expression had changed.
The confidence he displayed earlier was gone.
Walter stood.
For a moment, he looked old.
Not physically weak.