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"Or..."

Jordan's eyes suddenly turned icy, filled with undisguised menace. "Announce right now that Phil Jackson's contract will be honored through its final day, and that he will lead us as head coach in our title defense next season! Otherwise, I guarantee that this team you worked so hard to build will fall apart before the season even begins!"

"You..." Krause forced out a single word. He saw Jordan's resolve in his eyes.

He had no doubt that if he refused to compromise today, this madman would truly do something that destroyed everything.

He had already sent Pippen away. If he drove Jordan away too, then Jerry Krause would become a sinner to all of Chicago—and the entire basketball world.

Owner Jerry Reinsdorf would tear him apart with his own hands.

After weighing the pros and cons, the rage in Krause's heart was doused as if by a basin of ice water, leaving only endless humiliation and coldness.

For the team's future, to prove his own worth, he had no choice but to bow his head to the superstar he had personally elevated.

"...Fine." Krause squeezed the word out of his throat, his voice hoarse and dry.

Only then did Jordan release him. Krause collapsed back into his chair like a pile of mush, gasping for breath. His tie was crooked, and he looked utterly disheveled.

"Remember your words, Jerry." Jordan gave him a cold glance, his contempt and disgust completely undisguised. "Watch your mouth, and keep your little schemes in check. We're responsible for winning on the court. All you need to do is shut up and write the checks."

With that, he turned and left without looking back, leaving only a proud and resolute silhouette behind.

Krause sat blankly in his chair, staring vacantly at the newspapers scattered