In a dim corner of an inconspicuous café, Jack held his breath, trying not to attract attention, but his ears involuntarily caught the conversation between Blaine and the old man.
The old man spoke with a hint of resignation, "If we could have met like this earlier, why bother now?"
Blaine responded coldly, "We've already discussed everything we need to. What do you want? My terms are simple, but you got too greedy. Otherwise, we could have cooperated quite nicely."
Jack thought to himself that it sounded like negotiations between two opposing forces. Could last night's chase be related to this old man? The ensuing conversation sent a shiver down his spine.
The old man questioned, "But those things weren't originally yours. Are you sure you want to hold onto them?"
Blaine sneered in response, "As if those things belong to you. You think your scam is flawless, but do you really believe no one knows? This will leak sooner or later. Who would have thought a reputable expert in cultural relics is actually a master forger? And who could have imagined the museum's artworks have long been replaced with counterfeits..."
The old man angrily interrupted her, "Shut up, Blaine! We've been together for ten years. Without me, do you think you'd be in your current position? Is it fair to turn on me for those things?"
Jack suddenly realized that this man was the expert in cultural relics often seen on TV, frequently appearing on Blaine's show "Antiques Chronicles." He realized he had learned too much about secrets he shouldn't know.
Blaine didn't back down, "I've said it, split everything down the middle. It's my bottom line. We've spent ten years together, which have been the best years of my life. I've given you everything. Giving me a little compensation isn't too much to ask. If you don't agree, you'll have to face the consequences."
The old man fell silent. He knew the cultural relics in Blaine's possession were invaluable. He had toiled for half a lifetime, only to become a pawn for others in the end.
Continuing, he said, "Blaine, those things won't show their true worth in your hands, and you can't take them out. In the country, you dare not sell them, they're all registered. Yours are genuine, but the museum's are fake? Frankly, once you show up with those things, you'll be arrested."
The old man played his trump card, "Fine, half and half it is. You make a list, we'll discuss it later."
Without saying anything further, Blaine got up and left the café, with Jack following closely behind. They got into the car, and Blaine instructed Jack to drive home.
"Do you understand what just happened?" Blaine asked Jack.
Jack attempted to play dumb, "I don't know anything."
Blaine stared directly at him, "Do you think I'll believe you just because you say you don't know? Let me tell you, everything we just said is true. Jack, when we get back, let's discuss something. Don't rush to leave, stay with me as a driver, your driving skills are good, and I'll give you a raise later."
Jack understood that he had already been drawn into an event that could change his life. He knew his choices would affect his future destiny.
"I... I'll keep the secret," Jack finally said.
Blaine nodded, then instructed Jack to drive home. As the car slowly pulled out of the parking lot, Jack looked back through the rearview mirror, watching the café gradually recede. But the unease in his heart only grew stronger. He didn't know what would happen next, but he knew his future was now tightly intertwined with this dangerous woman.