Coen, still shaken by the day's events, attempted to mask his lingering confusion with a reassuring smile.

"Derek, I know you will do the right thing. You are a good man. It is a shame about the potential business opportunity with the Morris family."

Seizing on a potential solution, Derek leaned forward, his tone gaining a level of excitement. “It occurs to me that if you are still searching for new business partners. Perhaps I can introduce you to someone with a very impressive background," he suggested, his words laced with promise.