CHAPTER 2

Alan could feel the pressure building as he tossed the crates over to the waiters as quickly as he could before anyone else found him.

“You are lucky you came just right on time. The guests were just about to leave embarrassed,” one of the waiters told him.

He didn't feel lucky though. Why would he feel lucky when had just been told that he wouldn't come out of the building alive? He was done for.

A deep threatening voice loomed over the subtle darkness in the alley prompting the waiters to scamper like cockroaches at the smell of insecticides. “Hahaha, here you are. You bastard! How dare you disobey father’s instructions”.

Alan turned around slowly - it was Lesley Billing; the first son of the Billing family.

“I should test how firm these bottles are by slamming them on your head. I am sure Rose would feel sad for a day or two and after that, she will be back to her senses.”

“Mr. Lesley, I understand that you are pissed off but it is not my fault I promise, I was stuck in traffic, and it…”

“You still have the guts to defend yourself?” Lesley barked, snapping his fingers angrily.

“I am just trying to tell you what happened, Mr. Lesley. There was no way I could have arrived earlier than I did.”

SLAP!

There was a dark silence, the echo of the slap on Alan’s face hung in the air.

The waiters and waitresses had their eyes widened in terror.

The slap came with so much force that Lesley’s expensive wristwatch fell off his wrist, breaking into pieces.

“Ha!” Lesley growled. “Just take a look at what you caused. That watch you just destroyed cost 10 million dollars - it is a hundred times the amount you have made your entire life.”

“Mr. Billing, I understand your pain but you didn't have to overreact by hitting me. Not to mention but I obviously didn't break your watch.”

“What?!” Lesley was dumbfounded. How could he still have the guts to talk? What was more annoying was the fact that it seemed that the slap barely had any effect on him as he didn't even flinch.

How surprising! Did the good-for-nothing pauper know how incredibly furious he was? What nonsense!

“You are going to pay for my watch…I don’t care if you pay with your blood,” Lesley’s anger heightened as he grabbed Alan by the collar of his shirt. 

Alan responded with a cold stare - he knew that Lesley was just a weak bully. If it was a fair world, he would have broken his bones to pieces just right there.

Mr. Billing, Rose, and Margaret soon walked into the alley.

Mr. Billing strode calmly towards Lesley, pulling his arm gently off Alan’s collar. “Son, leave his shirt. You are stressing yourself unnecessarily.”

It was clear that Lesley’s attempt to make a mess of Alan was not as effective as Lesley would have wanted but that would only mean more problems for Alan. 

Mr. Billing wouldn't let Alan free without giving him the disgrace of his life - how could he try to ruin his 60th birthday ceremony? He would show him an unforgettable lesson.

“No, Papa. He broke my watch. I wouldn't let it go just like that,” Lesley refused, still grabbing Alan’s collar.

Rose’s face was filled with worry and pity for Alan. “Please Lesley, just leave my husband alone. I will pay for the watch if that is what it takes.”

“Unbelievable! What voodoo has this idiot used on you that makes you support him so blindly.”

Mr. Billing cut in. “Lesley, don't worry about Rose. I am sure that when we are done with this bastard, she won't even recognize him. How can she love or support him if she can't even recognize him right?”

“Hahaha!” Both Lesley and Mr. Billing burst out laughing mockingly as the former finally let go of Alan’s shirt collar.

“As for you Mr. Greyson,” Mr. Billing turned to Alan. “I promised that you won't make it out of this event alive and I intend to keep my promise.”

Mr. Billing’s face was filled with contempt, a smile forming on his lips as if he just recalled a playful memory. “Since you wanted to ruin my birthday ceremony, I will compensate the guests for your foolishness by giving them a pleasant show.”

“A show?” Alan’s sister-in-law, Margaret asked curiously. 

“Yes, Margaret, a show….and Mr. Greyson here would play a massive role in making sure that the guests are entertained. They won't only be drunken with wine but there would be an expedition proudly sponsored by Mr. Greyson.”

The alley was filled with curious faces as their eyes lit up with a spark of interest. The remaining waiters who were there quietly left the edge of the alley - they had seen enough and didn't want to risk involving themselves in what was already an ugly situation. 

“Hahaha, are you scared, Mr. Greyson?” he mocked Alan while he responded by giving him an unknowing look.

In the blink of an eye, Mr. Billing signaled his guards and before Alan could catch his breath, they surrounded him swiftly.

A sharp crack and….

Poof! The first punch landed on Alan’s face followed by several other punches and kicking. 

Their expressions were mean and their movements were swift. There was no way he could overpower them and even if he could, it was probably not wise to pull up a stunt.

“Please, take it easy on him. This is cruel, he doesn't deserve this,” Rose pleaded on Alan’s behalf, tears forming a cloud in her eyes. “Dad, it is your birthday and we should be celebrating. Why are we promoting violence?”

Mr. Billing’s shoulder was stiff as he paid no attention to his daughter’s plea. He was resolved to show Alan what suffering truly looked like. There would be no mercy and it was only just the beginning.

Alan was left with bruises on his shoulder and belly and he used his arm to guard his face as the hits kept coming in almost every second. He was beaten to a pulp. Why did life have to be so cruel to him? 

Mr. Billing raised a fist into the air, signaling his guards to stop. He then adjusted his tuxedo jacket with his shoulders raised. He was enjoying the moment.

“I hope the guests have had wine and the other refreshments served to them,” Mr. Billing asked one of the guards.

“Yes Master, it is refreshment time at the hall.”

“Perfect timing,” he sighed pleasantly. “Now go to the dungeon and release Bingo and his dummies.”

Rose's eyebrows raised in surprise - She remembered the names and it wasn't pleasant. What the hell had Alan brought on himself?