"They’ve got the Superintendent backing them," Ronan explained cautiously, unwilling to dwell on the tangled faction rivalries."Just a low-ranking superintendent—hardly worth our attention," Jax scoffed. "Boone talks a big game about his connections, but they amount to nothing when push comes to shove."Ronan bowed his head in agreement, not daring to argue. The intricate turf wars of the underworld were nothing more than skirmishes between ants to the elite power players at the top."Track him down," Jax pulled out his phone. "The loan shark from Noble Mansion. I need his name.""No rush," Ronan lifted his gaze, calculation glinting in his eyes. "Duke’s crew is also hunting Ranger. We don’t need to strike first. Let them take the heat, then we’ll clean up the mess."Jax raised an eyebrow, approving of this scheme to reap the rewards of others’ struggles. He then dialed a call to mobilize men to cordon off the target zone.The lounge inside Warm Winter Club was dimly lit. Kane, Cruz

Hiding in the shadows of the corner, Slate kept a close watch and whispered an update: "The target is leaving."Back in the apartment block, Ranger checked his watch repeatedly, consumed by anxiety, wondering why Levi was taking so long to return.Night swallowed the last traces of daylight entirely.After bidding everyone farewell, Levi followed his contact through the snow toward the parking area. Out of the silent darkness, Pierce lunged from the side. The cold glint of a dagger pressed firmly against Levi’s chest.The driver accompanying them opened his mouth to shout, only to be slammed to the ground and restrained by Slate, Gunner and the rest. Gun barrels dug into his torso, threatening him into silence."Get in the car," Pierce ordered in an icy, unyielding tone.The sudden ambush caught Levi off guard. He hastily called out to acquaintances for help. Those who saw the armed men brandishing blades realized mortal danger and turned to flee at once.Gunner moved to give chase, b

An unnamed desolate road swallowed in pitch-black night.Pierce dragged the gravely wounded Gunner along, staggering forward at a run, and spoke in a low voice to steady him. "Backup is almost here. Hold on."Gunner had lost far too much blood. His consciousness faded, and his body gave out completely. He repeatedly gestured for his companions to abandon him and escape.Slate dialed for reinforcements, his tone betraying their defeat as he truthfully reported the catastrophe: Silas was dead, Gunner critically injured, and they were trapped in an unfamiliar neighborhood under relentless pursuit.Duke’s voice remained calm and unyielding. Suppressing panic, he issued sharp instructions: survival came first; retreat if possible. If they could not all escape, make tough choices without hesitation—do not let everyone die together. He then pinpointed an unfinished plaza construction site in District Seven and ordered them to dig in and wait for aid.Once the call ended, the three men sprint

Ronan let out a bitter laugh. "Jax brought this fate entirely upon himself. I masterminded the whole crackdown operation, yet in the end, my life has to fill the hole.""We’ve known each other for years.""Save the sentimental appeal. Speak plainly. Will you protect Jax, or protect me? I won’t be a burden to you either way."Silence engulfed the room. Boone slowly dropped to his knees, his eyes bloodshot."Ronan, if Jax doesn’t come back, thousands of our men in the organisation will be left with no way out. I beg you to go through with this."Ronan lit a cigarette and stayed quiet for a long time."They specifically asked for me. They know I set up the counterfeit drug trap. I’ve been crushing Duke’s crew relentlessly these past days, and they hate me with every fibre of their being. I won’t survive this exchange.""You only need to buy us a little time. Once Jax gets away safely, I will move heaven and earth to rescue you."Ronan stood up, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his

"Cooperate, and all past grievances will be wiped clean. Refuse, and no one will hold Duke’s men back from seeking revenge. Give me your answer."Ronan glanced sideways toward Boone’s ambush position hidden in the shadows, his gaze steady and heavy."Guns from both sides are trained on me. I cannot make any obvious moves." He paused briefly before taking the offer. "Tell me the route. I’ll trust your plan."Kane saw through his test and issued orders in a low voice. "Keep hold of the phone. Walk straight three hundred metres and turn into the side road on the left. Remember, I will not show myself until the tails following you are eliminated."The call ended. Kane turned to Cruz and spoke rapidly. "Alert Duke’s crew to stand by. No reckless moves."Meanwhile, beneath the signpost. Ronan stowed the phone, turned and headed straight for the side road, ignoring the men lying in wait behind him the entire time.Inside the shadowed alley, the bald man tensed instantly."He took an unknown