Viper’s ragged breath filled the silence. His eyes stayed locked on Alex, hate and grudging respect mingling in his stare.“Fine, kid,” he muttered at last, swallowing his pride. “We’ll call it quits. You let me go, I let all of you walk out alive.”The punk in white gaped at him. “B-but, Big Bro—”Viper rounded on him, snapping, “Shut your mouth! I don’t need a backseat driver right now.”Alex watched him a moment longer, then slowly loosened his grip.The jagged glass came away from Viper’s throat, leaving a thin line of blood behind.The whole bar practically exhaled in relief.Even the punk in white flinched and pulled his knife away from Jack’s neck, shoving the idiot forward.Jack went flying into Sophia, who just barely kept him from hitting the floor.Florence rushed over, fussing like a mother hen that forgot she’d been insulting Alex five seconds ago.Viper rolled his shoulders, rubbing at the red streak on his neck.“You’ve got more nerve than most losers who show their fac

Alex glared at them all, his patience long gone. “Next time, I’ll just watch while they hack off your damned hand,” he snapped, turning away from the group.Sophia squared her shoulders and stepped closer, voice cold and unwavering.“You think you’re such hot stuff, don’t you? Don’t let a little backing from Jasmine Kingston make you stupid. I’m telling you to think before you throw your weight around.”She raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with condescension.“Face it, Alex. It’s one thing to have powerful friends pave your way, but it’s another to actually have the chops to keep climbing. Don’t trick yourself into believing you’re invincible. Let this be my final warning.”Alex rolled his eyes, letting out a derisive chuckle. “You talk like you’re some holy saint who’s got it all figured out. You’re so sure I’m just mooching off the powerful?”“Oh, spare me the act,” Sophia shot back, spitting the words like venom.“If Jasmine Kingston hadn’t put her name on the line, Viper would

Inside his office.Bernard slouched in his plush leather chair, puffing cigar smoke toward the ceiling like he owned the entire damn city—which, if you asked him, he practically did.“Hey, Mr. Bernard,” Viper began, voice taut. “Any chance that scrawny Kid confessed yet?”Bernard snorted, a cruel grin twisting his jowls.“Confess, not confess—doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. That clueless little runt’ll talk soon enough. They all break under pressure in the end.”Viper rubbed a hand over his mouth, “You sure? If I were you, I’d handle him quick. Things can get…unpredictable.”Bernard slammed his meaty fist on the desk, the thud echoing off the walls.“You telling me how to run my station? My station. My rules. I call the shots here, and don’t you dare forget it.”Viper raised both palms in surrender.“Easy, Mr. Bernard, easy. I know you’re the king around these parts. I just fear the Kid has someone big in his corner. Powerful folks poking their noses in your business can turn e

Mr. Bernard glowered at Alex, jabbing a thick finger into his chest.“Kid, your woman here’s the only one with a damn brain. Listen to her while you still can. Confess, turn yourself in—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll live long enough to see the sun rise again. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you’re hunted down like a rabid dog.”His voice shook with anger, cheeks flushing as he spat out every syllable.“I’m a cop, boy. I’ve got the entire force in my back pocket. Face me if you want, but you’re playing with fire!”Alex locked eyes with him, silent. Then, in one swift move, he drove his boot into Bernard’s gut. The impact sent the man lurching.“You’re not worthy to wear that badge.”Bernard’s gag echoed around the small interrogation room.He lurched forward, retching violently, his half-digested dinner splashing onto the concrete.As if that weren’t enough, the sour stench of urine followed. Bernard’s face flamed, tears mixing with sweat.“You—You piece of shit!” he sputtered between wheezi

The Sub-Inspector sighed, like a man too tired to care anymore.He raised his sidearm.Viper shrieked, voice cracking in terror. “No, no, no! I made mistake but you can’t just kill me! There’s a procedure—a trial! I want my lawyer! There’s still law in this country, right?!” Alex glanced over his shoulder, voice cold.“Relax, Viper. You won’t be alone. Your boss Raymond’s next in line.”The door clicked shut behind them as a single gunshot shattered Viper’s last plea.Sophia half-turned, just in time to catch a glimpse of Viper’s body hitting the concrete in a lifeless heap.They stepped outside, the faint evening light hitting their faces like a cruel reminder this was real.Across the street stood Jasmine, flanked by her own bodyguards.Her expression flickered with worry before twisting into a scowl the moment she spotted Alex’s hand clutching Sophia’s.She stalked over in her designer heels, posture rigid, eyes brimming with rage.“Well, well,” she snapped, crossing her arms.“Lo