Antonio did not flinch. The first attacker lunged with a blade in hand, but Antonio twisted sideways with breathtaking speed, using the man’s momentum against him. A crack of bone echoed as Antonio disarmed him and sent him sprawling to the pavement. The second man came with a gun but Antonio wrenched the barrel, drove an elbow into the man’s throat, and the weapon discharged uselessly into the air. Panic rippled through the crowd of mercenaries.Then came the Iron Vipers. But Antonio moved with fluid precision. Knives flashed and bullets flew, but Antonio weaved through them like water slipping through clenched fists. One by one, the men fell.The street became a battlefield, but Antonio never lost control. His eyes burned with focus.Robert Adams himself was not spared. Antonio turned on him directly, a blur of fury and precision. Robert tried to retreat and tried to raise his weapon, but Antonio’s counter was merciless. A vicious strike tore through his leg, dropping him

Antonio’s gaze was steady. “Don’t bother. Give me the details.”Don sighed as he replied. “Blackthorn isn’t like the other men you’ve fought, Boss. He thrives in shadows. He rarely appears in the same place twice, but there are patterns if you look closely. His most likely hideout is an old warehouse by the docks in Ravenport. It’s abandoned on the surface, but beneath, there’s a cellar that leads to a warren of tunnels. That’s where he keeps his most trusted men and his ledgers.”Antonio’s expression tightened, but he said nothing, letting Don continue.“When he isn’t there, he moves to an inn on the outskirts of Eastmere. Not many know this. It looks like a rundown tavern, but it’s owned by one of his men. He goes there when he wants to disappear for a while. He’s mostly based in Eastmere. That’s where his network stretches the strongest. He controls shipments, and his influence reaches all the way to Gelrith.” Don’s eyes flicked up, reading Antonio’s reaction. “He isn’t car

All eyes turned toward Joan as he slowly began to read what was in the note aloud. The words echoed through the dimly lit room: “I did this because Elaine has been getting on my nerves. Consider this a lesson for the Greene family. Stay away, or worse may follow.” Elaine gasped softly, her hand going to her mouth, while Alder’s fists clenched at his sides. The room was suddenly filled with unease, suspicion, and grief. Joan lowered the note, letting it rest on his lap before passing it over to Alder, who read it again with furrowed brows. “Who could… who could write such a thing?” Alder muttered, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and disbelief. Elaine shook her head, her eyes darting nervously around the room. “I—I don’t know. I never meant to offend anyone. I can’t think of who would…” Her voice trailed off. One by one, the Greene family members began to murmur suspicions, each searching for explanations, for someone to blame. Then Alder suddenly stra

Antonio was furious for being accused wrongly, but he tried to control his emotions. He needed to figure out what was happening. Something was off. “Listen to me,” he spoke firmly. “I did not kill Ted. You’re pointing fingers at the wrong person. I have no idea who left that note, but you’d better find out who did, because it sure as hell wasn’t me.” Meanwhile, Joan’s chest swelled with pride as he addressed the Greene family. “Mark my words, Antonio Morris will pay for what he has done. I have people in high places, security officials who are loyal and influential. They will ensure he is taken straight to the headquarter prison, where he belongs. No one will stop me.” His tone was sharp and confident. The Greene family nodded enthusiastically and their expressions were a mixture of relief and admiration. To them, Joan’s words and confidence were proof of his dedication and love for their family. Rose whispered to Elaine even though still pained, “See? This i

Antonio held the note firmly in his hand as his eyes scanned every word with meticulous attention. “Look at this,” Antonio said calmly, lifting the note slightly so everyone could see. “I want to understand something. How exactly is this note supposed to be evidence?”Rose stepped forward, her voice shaking. “You loser, don’t try to twist things. It’s clear! The note indicates—” She paused, her voice cracking, “—that you killed Ted. That’s all the evidence we need!”Alder stepped beside her, nodding furiously. “It’s right there, Antonio! You don’t get to play clever. You’ve killed our brother, and now you’re acting like you don’t understand what’s in front of you?”Elaine, her face streaked with tears and anger, pointed a trembling finger at him. “How can you even question this? It’s proof! You can’t talk your way out of this one, Antonio!”Antonio remained unshaken. He tilted his head slightly, as if evaluating each of them. “I see. So your standard of evidence is a note, writt