"You actually know how to bluff?" Leopard burst into laughter, then strode over to Andrew's side. His expression shifted, growing more serious. "Kid, you've got some moves. I like that." He paused, studying Andrew with an appraising look. "Take your time with whatever you're doing here. But listen, if you ever need anything in the future, drop my name. And if you're not opposed to it, come find me. Work for me."The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.Everyone present froze. Even the bodyguards flanking Leopard exchanged confused glances, their faces betraying their shock. In all their time serving him, they had never heard their boss extend such an offer to anyone, let alone a street kid who looked like an alternative kid.Andrew scratched the back of his neck, offering an apologetic smile. "I really appreciate it, but I'm currently an employee at Bennett Group. The benefits there are actually pretty solid, so I'm not really looking to jump ship at the mo

"Exactly! If Mr. Allen personally took charge, we'd definitely succeed this time. And if we pull this off, we'll climb another rung on the ladder in Ashridge. After that, no one will dare mess with us brothers anymore!" one of the men said excitedly, his voice brimming with confidence."Boss! Boss, we've got a problem!"The door burst open. A young gang member stumbled inside, panic etched across his face. Even Cole flinched at the sight of the man's expression."What's got you in such a rush?" Cole snapped irritably."We just got intel on the Hatchets and the Vipers!" the subordinate blurted out, breathless."Spit it out. What's going on?" Cole asked, confusion creeping into his tone."We just received word that Blackheart is on his way here. He's planning to consolidate all the small-time gangs in the area under his control. If anyone refuses, he'll wipe them out completely!" The man's voice trembled with fear.The announcement drai

Ryan turned to the men behind him, his voice steady and authoritative. "Brothers, enough talk. Since he's letting us come at him together, we do it together. Stay sharp, but keep it clean. We're all colleagues here, after all."Andrew had to admit the guy had his head on straight. That kind of caution and thoughtfulness marked him as someone worth cultivating.The security team formed a tight circle around Andrew, their eyes locked onto him with predatory intensity, as though they wanted to tear him apart."Look, if we win this, you better not come after us later in the company. Because if you're gonna pull that kind of..." one of them started to say."Ha!"Before the words even left his mouth, Andrew exploded into motion. He shot toward the speaker like a thunderbolt, his leg snapping out in a devastating kick that connected squarely with the man's torso. The guard staggered backward several steps, clutching his ribs in obvious pain.Andrew

Andrew shook his head. "Of course we can't just stand by and let people do whatever they want, but you need to remember something. This guy has a lot of brothers under him. If something happens to him, do you really think this whole thing can be wrapped up so easily?" His tone was measured but firm. "The Hatchets aren't small-time. If Scarface really ends up dead or crippled, his crew will stop at nothing to get revenge. Even if we try to handle it through legal channels, there's no way to keep those guys in check. It'll turn into a complete mess, and innocent people will get caught in the crossfire."He paused, letting that sink in before continuing. "Actually, there is a way to deal with this, but it's a bit more complicated."Mara studied him carefully. "What kind of way?"A satisfied smile crept across Andrew's face. "Well, if you're asking, I do have an idea in mind. Not sure if you'd be willing to go along with it, though.""Just say it already," Ma

That afternoon, Andrew and Claire returned home together. Andrew didn't linger long after they arrived. He barely had time to settle in before he was already heading back outside, getting into his car and pulling away from the house within minutes. His movements were quick and deliberate, as though he had somewhere important to be and had no intention of wasting any time.About half an hour later, he arrived at a wide, empty lot on the outskirts of Ashridge, a desolate stretch of open ground far enough from the main roads to remain quiet and largely undisturbed. Twenty or thirty men were already standing assembled there, spread loosely across the lot in small groups.They were a rough-looking bunch, their faces hard and weathered, their expressions stripped of anything casual or friendly.Every man carried an unmistakable edge of barely restrained aggression, with a coiled tension in their posture and movements that spoke of men who had once been trained to figh