Steve looked at Michael's expression and immediately knew that he was involved in it. Otherwise, he would not be so silent and nervous.

"Since you guys sell inferior serums and break the laws, you should bear the consequences," Steve said calmly.

"Six million!" Michael gritted his teeth and upped his offer. "Your Excellency, although you are a pharmacist, six million in original gold is no small sum."

For an F-grade pharmacist, six million in original gold was indeed a huge sum. Steve, however, was not tempted by it. After all, his wealth was worth billions in original gold. As such, there was no need to trade his sense of justice for any amount of money.

"Seven million! Not a penny more!" Michael felt as if his heart was bleeding as he increased his offer. If he went on increasing the amount, he might go bankrupt!

He never dreamed that he would be faced with such a situation, as he never thought they would get caught! This was because they never thought that they would sell a fake serum to a pharmacist, who was actually also a soldier!

The status of a certified pharmacist was so honorable, no one could imagine that a pharmacist would join such a dangerous profession as becoming a soldier! Moreover, refining serums as a pharmacist could easily make a lot more money than a soldier salary. Thus, no one had ever heard of a pharmacist becoming a soldier before!

That was also the reason why their secret operation had gone so smoothly these recent years. Unfortunately, they met Steve, who was a recruit with a complex background!

"I don't lack money," Steve shook his head, refusing the bribe.

"Really? Okay, 7.5 million! Sir, this is all of my wealth! Please withdraw the lawsuit!" Michael pleaded, a pitiful look on his face.

If Steve and Vivien did not withdraw their charge, the Black Tiger Store would suffer a huge blow. Then, when everything came to light, the Babbitt Group would surely not let them off easily!

Seeing that Steve was not moved, Jim hastily said, "I've earned 2.5 million in recent years, and I'd like to add that to the compensation."

Ten million in original gold! Hearing this figure, Vivien was dumbfounded. As a civilian, she had to be thrifty and save before she could afford even a single bottle of serum. So, ten million in original gold was beyond her imagination!

"Firstly, committing a crime should not go unpunished." Steve looked serious at first, but finally laughed. "Secondly, I think that you're wrong. I'm not the one who is suing you. It's Ms. Vivien. I'm just the pharmacist she hired temporarily to verify her serum."

Michael looked at Steve and Vivien, a confused look on his face. After all, everyone could tell that Steve had the final say in the matter.

As for Vivien, she just stood there silently, looking timid. Thus, everyone naturally tried to bargain with Steve.

However, according to legal procedures, as Vivien was the purchaser of the drug, she was the official plaintiff in the lawsuit. As such, it was really none of Steve's business.

"Dear Ms. Vivien, we are really sorry!" Michael turned to Vivien and said respectfully. "As long as you are willing to withdraw the lawsuit and settle this matter in private, we are willing to pay you 10 million in original gold as compensation."

Vivien was stunned and stood motionless, as she had never fathomed such a huge amount.

"I... I... " Vivien stammered, as she did not know how to answer.

She grabbed Steve's arm and said, "Steve, I don't know how to respond. You decide. You can make the decision for me."

"But… You are the plaintiff." Steve looked at Vivien, sizing up her reaction and wondering if she would choose justice or wealth.