His Mafia Redemption

Chapter 15 : The Slap

Richard stood face to face with Brian, his heart racing but his lips curved in a calm, confident smile. Deep down, he wasn’t sure if mocking Brian was the right thing to do. Brian was dangerous — a man who would stop at nothing to destroy anyone standing in his way.

But right now, Richard didn’t care.

He wanted to see the look on Brian’s face — the disbelief, the anger — everything. For once, he wanted to make him feel small.

“You look surprised,” Richard said slowly, his eyes locked on Brian’s. “Don’t tell me you didn’t expect to see me alive?”

Brian’s jaw tightened. “You should have stayed gone when you had the chance.”

Dianne glanced between them, confused and tense. “Richard, what’s going on?”

Richard didn’t answer. He kept his gaze on Brian, studying him. He could still remember that night — the fear, the pain, and the thugs Brian had sent after him. He almost died because of this man.

But now, the tables have turned.

Just as Brian was about to speak again, a familiar voice echoed in Richard’s head.

<Ding!>

<User leveled up.>

<Bonus Mode Activated.>

<You can now use the system to gain advantage over your opponent.>

Richard’s eyes flickered for a moment. His lips slowly curved into a grin.

Brian frowned. “What are you smiling about?”

Richard ignored him and spoke softly in his mind, System, show me everything about Brian. I want all his details — his accounts, his deals, everything he’s been hiding.

<Ding!>

<Command accepted.>

<Retrieving data...>

A second later, a stream of information filled Richard’s vision. Numbers, names, transaction histories — it was all there.

Richard took a slow breath. “You know, Brian,” he said calmly, “for someone who acts like a saint at work, you sure have a lot of dirty secrets.”

Brian’s expression hardened. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Richard took a step closer. “i am sure you think high and mighty about yourself but I bet you are nothing. You have always parade yourself like you can get things done but FYI, you are just another man who is a bully. A man with a company who could barely hold it together. You want to tell me why you are having a low balance account? Isn't that why you are trying so hard to get Diane to marry you?” 

The word caught Brain off guard. His face reddened with anger. 

Brian glared at Richard. “You think you can ruin me with your stupid lies? You’re nothing, Richard! Nothing! You are bluffing!” 

But before he could say more, Richard raised his phone slightly. “Should I send the files now?”

For a long second, the air went silent.

Brian’s lips parted, but no words came out. His eyes darted from Richard to Dianne, and then to the group of employees watching them. His breathing grew fast.

Everyone could see it. 

It was written all over his face.

And then, out of nowhere, Dianne stepped forward.

She didn’t say a word. Instead, she reached out, grabbed Richard’s face, and kissed him.

Right there in front of everyone.

The kiss was deep and full of emotion. It wasn’t just a kiss — it was a statement. A message to Brian, to her family, and to everyone who ever doubted them.

Gasps filled the air.

Some of the employees covered their mouths, while others laughed softly, whispering to one another.

“Wow… I didn’t know they were this close.”

“Isn’t that the same guy her parents kicked out?”

“They actually look good together.”

For a moment, everything else faded.

Richard felt her soft lips against his, the warmth of her hand on his cheek. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, and for the first time, he felt like he belonged.

When she finally pulled away, she whispered, “I’m proud of you.”

Those words made his eyes soften.

Brian, however, looked like he was about to explode. “You’ll regret this, both of you!” he shouted. “Do you think this changes anything? I’ll—”

“Enough!”

The voice that interrupted him was sharp and cold.

Everyone turned their heads toward the main entrance.

Standing there were Kathleen and Gerald Warren — Dianne’s parents.

Kathleen’s eyes were blazing with anger, and Gerald’s face was unreadable but stern.

The crowd immediately went silent. Even Brian took a step back.

Kathleen started walking toward them, her heels clicking loudly on the floor. Her expression was hard, her hands clenched tightly by her sides.

“Richard,” she said, her tone low but furious, “what is the meaning of this?”

Richard opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything —

SLAP!

The sound echoed through the air.

Kathleen’s hand had landed hard across his face.

Gasps broke out all around. Dianne stepped forward in shock. “Mom! What are you doing?!”

Kathleen glared at her daughter. “What am I doing? I should be asking you that! You’re out here kissing this useless man in front of the company? Have you lost your mind?”

“Mom, stop it,” Dianne said sharply. “You don’t know what happened!”

“I don’t care what happened!” Kathleen snapped. “This man is nothing but a curse! Ever since you married him, our family’s name has been dragged through the mud!”

Richard stayed quiet, his face stinging from the slap. He clenched his jaw but didn’t fight back.

Gerald finally stepped forward, his tone firm. “Kathleen, that’s enough.”

She turned to him angrily. “Enough? You’re defending him now?”

Gerald sighed. “I’m not defending anyone. But slapping him in public won’t solve anything.”

Kathleen folded her arms, still fuming. “Then maybe it’ll remind him of his place.”

Dianne moved closer to Richard, placing a hand on his arm. “He has a place, Mom. He just proved it.”

Kathleen frowned. “Prove it? By what — embarrassing us in front of everyone?”

Richard finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. “No, ma’am. By showing the truth.”

He turned toward Brian, who was now trembling and trying to hide his face. “Ask your golden boy Brian why he has been trying to get married to your precious daughter.”