In negotiations, the first person to fold was often the one forced to make concessions. The moment they showed eagerness, they would lose leverage and be pressured into offering greater benefits until they ended up on the losing side of the deal. Their pride simply would not allow such an outcome.
As a result, the three men found themselves sitting on pins and needles, trapped in an increasingly uncomfortable stalemate.
What frustrated them most was that, despite their earlier confidence, they knew the truth. Among all the investors seeking entry into the city, none possessed wealth and resources comparable to Gideon's. Losing him would be a far greater blow to them than it would ever be to him.
Meanwhile, Ashley had quietly observed everything from the beginning.
