Page 19 of Roberto

“Considering the danger we find ourselves in, I came to ask you to temporarily return my family’s initial investment so we can combat my uncle’s attempts to destroy us.”

Mr. Lau smiled sympathetically. “You could havecalled,Mr. Rosolini. There was no need to come all the way to Hong Kong.”

My heart sank. His words weren’t those of a man agreeing to a request.

“I wanted to ask in person,” I said, “given the unusual circumstances.”

“My heart goes out to you – it truly does. But you know the company cannot release any funds for 24 months after the initial investment.”

“I realize that’s theordinaryway of doing business – ”

“It was in the contract you signed.”

“Yes, but – ”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you, Mr. Rosolini. ”

I soldiered on, refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer.

“The initial deposit was in Bitcoin. Assuming you’ve keptit in Bitcoin, you’ve seen a 50% increase in value over the last two months. Keep the 50% as a penalty. All we ask is the return of the initial 50 million euros.”

Lau sighed. “Mr. Rosolini – ”

“My brothers and I intend to re-invest with the Syndicate after this business with my uncle is concluded. The Syndicate could dictate terms more beneficial to itself when we resume our relationship.”

“I’m afraid that any release of funds before the 24-month period ends is quite impossible.”

Desperation began to set in. “My brother, the CEO of my family’s business, has authorized me to negotiate terms. We would accept less than the full 50 million euros, depending on the offer. Obviously, you would keep the remainder as a penalty for early withdrawal.”

Lau gave me his grandfatherly smile again. “I’m sorry… but no.”

His refusal to meet me halfway – or even onetenthof the way – made me angry.

“You realize I’m not asking for the funds to buy a yacht,” I said curtly. “We need the money as a matter oflife and death.”

“And I hopeyourealize that I’m not being difficult for the sake of being difficult,” Lau replied. “You signed an agreement that all our investors are subject to. Making an exception foryouwould be highly unfair to the other partners.”

“In that case, I’d like to request a meeting of the partners,” I said, playing my only trump card. “Under the bylaws, as oneof the Syndicate’s major investors, I have the right to request an emergency meeting at any point – correct?”

Lau’s smile disappeared. “Technically, yes, but not for – ”

“I would like to speak with the other investors, especially those who are in a position to understand my situation. Specifically Mr. Gota and Mr. Xi.”

Gota (pronounced GO-tuh) was a high-ranking figure in a branch of the Yakuza, Japan’s version of the mafia.

Xi (pronounced Zee) was the head of a triad group, China’s system of organized crime.

I had met them during my previous trip to Hong Kong months ago.

Lau knew I thought that the other gangsters would be more sympathetic to my plight and thus more willing to negotiate.

He wasn’t happy about it.

“The purpose of emergency meetings,” he said sharply, “is to discuss developments that could influenceallmembers’ investments.”

“Considering that they could make 25 million euros with absolutely no risk on their part, I think they might want to hear my proposal.”

Lau clenched his jaw. He knew Gota and Xi might be angry if he didn’tat leastpresentthem with my offer. After all, they stood to make millions simply for letting me out of my contract.

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