“Sorry, I never disliked you,” Butcher said, his voice low, steady. “But I have my reasons.”“Tell me,” MacGregor rasped, blood staining his shirt. “What reason do you have to kill me? …No, I already understand. You’re not the type to kill for something petty. If it was something small, you would’ve sent someone else. But you came yourself.” He coughed, clutching his wound. “It looks like you’ve finally reached the game, right? Maybe it’s from the higher-ups… you’ve finally gotten that connection.”“Yes,” Butcher admitted coldly. “You’re right. And that is why I said—no hard feelings.”MacGregor gave a bitter smile. “All of us… all of us joined this life knowing one truth—we could die any day. I know you can kill me. And I also know there’s always a chance I could’ve killed you. But still…” His eyes flicked upward, as if looking beyond the ceiling. “I will pray for your soul. I’ll pray you go to heaven… that your sins are forgiven.”Butcher said nothing.MacGregor swayed, his strength

“What? Five million dollars each?” Anita raised an eyebrow, half in disbelief. “Isn’t that a little too much?”Butcher’s gaze hardened. “Not for a family that just lost their loved one. Nothing is too much.”“I don’t know about that,” Anita muttered. “When someone dies, they’re gone. Your men… they signed up for this life. They knew what it meant to join your mafia. Five million? That’s more than a gift—it’s excess.”Butcher’s tone dropped, sharp as a knife. “And that’s where you’re wrong. No life is worth money. A billion dollars wouldn’t buy a heartbeat back. But in this world… money is the closest thing to life. Without it, people starve. Without it, they’re already dead. My men gave me their loyalty—I give their families security. That’s balance.”Anita crossed her arms, unconvinced. “Funny. You only paid me seventy grand for this mission.”Butcher gave her a flat look. “You’re not one of mine. You work for me, but you’re not part of my blood. And you told me yourself—your only co

“Yes, I know,” Anita whispered, her voice steady but laced with nerves. “You are the main deal. The main man. One of the scariest. I fear you more than I fear anyone.”Butcher leaned back in his chair, his silence heavier than words.“Okay,” Anita continued, forcing a faint smile. “If that’s all you have to say for today… then rest. You need it for tomorrow.”“I will see you tomorrow,” Butcher said quietly.Anita nodded. She stepped closer, kissed him softly on the cheek, and then left the room without another word.Butcher exhaled, rubbing his forehead. He rose, locked the door behind her, and moved to his bed. On the nightstand, he placed a gun within easy reach. He knew no one would dare come after his life—but in his world, possibility was always waiting in the shadows.⸻The next morning, Butcher woke early. He dressed in a fitted knit suit from the closet, sharp and dark, his presence as commanding as ever.When he stepped into the living room, the smell of sizzling steak greete

Meanwhile, Nolan was having the busiest time of his life. He was in a massive pool with thirty other men in the mansion, drinks floating on the water, laughter echoing off the tiled walls. For Nolan, it was relapse—luxury drowning him after years of struggle. Life hasn’t been this great in a long time, he thought. I wonder if Poor Man and the others who stayed behind managed to get anything done… or if they just sat there uselessly. Suddenly, his phone buzzed on the chair beside the pool. He grabbed it, water dripping from his hand. Butcher. Nolan froze for a second. What’s he calling for? Did he reach there already? No… I’m sure he hasn’t. He swiped the screen and pressed it to his ear. “Hello?” Nolan said. “Butcher,” came the voice on the other end. Calm, direct. “Just wanted to inform you—I’m on my way.” Nolan frowned. “On your way? What do you mean? …Wait, I hear music. Where are you?” “It’s not music. Just the radio playing.” Butcher’s tone was clipped, and then

“Fun, my ass,” Butcher said, his voice cutting like a blade as he turned his glare directly on Dane.The room fell silent. Dane shifted slightly, but he didn’t look away.“Sir,” Jane quickly spoke up, trying to break the tension. “But I haven’t heard from Paul. We don’t know what’s happening. Has he called you? Has he spoken to you?”Butcher dragged his eyes off Dane with effort and shook his head. “No. He hasn’t called, and he hasn’t come back. He should’ve been here by now. It’s already getting late… unless he’s nearby and I haven’t noticed.”Jane frowned, her voice cautious. “Should I go check the ship, sir?”“No,” Butcher snapped, his eyes narrowing again before softening into that chilling calm. “Don’t go there. Nothing’s wrong. I told Paul to call me if something happened. I haven’t received a single call—not even while I was away on mission. If something bad had happened, I’d already know.”Jane lowered her head. “I hope he’s fine…”“He will be,” Butcher said, though there was