The Florist's Dominance

Chapter 5

The tattooed man sneered cynically, "That's the Harvey family's business. You have no right to interfere. Hand over the child, or we'll take him by force!"

Adrian clicked his tongue in annoyance. "I already said, I'm not looking for trouble. But you keep forcing it."

The tattooed man was no longer patient. "Finish that man!"

Two guards from behind him immediately advanced. One approached the bench from the left, one from the right.

They considered Adrian, who was still sitting, an easy target. But they were dead wrong.

When the two men approached, both of Adrian's hands rested on the bench and both his legs shot out like springs, kicking right in the solar plexus of each man.

"Huh—!" Both men were thrown backward, staggering while holding their stomachs, breath caught and faces pale. They fell sitting down, unable to get up.

The tattooed man growled, "Damn—!" then signaled to two other guards. "The rest, attack!"

But before the two men could launch any attack, Adrian threw silver needles that were always hidden behind his shirt sleeves. Two thin silver flashes shot out, each precisely hitting vital points on the necks of the two guards.

"Ghuk—!"

Both men stopped abruptly mid-step, hands reaching for their necks with expressions of confusion that quickly turned to panic.

Their bodies tensed, then like puppets whose strings had been cut, they collapsed to the ground with a thudding sound.

In just a matter of seconds, six guards were already helpless. Only the tattooed man remained standing frozen with his face pale. His eyes went back and forth between Adrian, who was still sitting calmly, and the bodies of his colleagues scattered about.

The tattooed man spoke in a hoarse voice, "W-what are you?"

His fear could no longer be hidden. His confidence as team leader vanished instantly.

Finally, Adrian stood up, then answered softly, "As you can see, I'm just someone who doesn't like to see children being frightened."

Then he stepped closer.

The tattooed man tried to take a step back, but his legs felt stiff. Adrian didn't attack. He just stood in front of the man, staring at him with a deep gaze.

Adrian spoke low but full of authority. "Go home, and take them all with you!"

After a moment of silence, Adrian continued his words, "Tell whoever sent you that the boy is safe."

"If anyone wants to pick him up, send his mother herself to Reid flower shop. Not uniformed thugs!"

Both hands of the tattooed man clenched tightly, a conflict between shame and fear warring on his face. But he knew, fighting further was suicide. With trembling movements, he nodded slowly.

"A-Alright," he muttered.

He then turned around, then with difficulty dragged his colleagues who were unconscious or paralyzed one by one into the SUV. The process took time, and Adrian only stood watching while protecting the little boy who was now standing beside him.

After the black SUV finally left, Adrian took a long breath. He turned toward the boy and crouched down to level his face with the boy's face.

Adrian asked gently, "Are you okay?"

The black-haired, straight-haired little boy nodded vigorously, his green eyes sparkling. "Daddy, you were so cool! You're like a superhero!"

Adrian smiled wryly. "But superheroes don't kidnap a rich kid. Come on, we have to get out of here before they come back with more people."

Fifteen minutes later, a taxi brought them to the front of a flower shop with a weathered wooden sign that read "Reid Flower Shop" with paint that was nearly faded.

After paying the driver, Adrian woke up the boy beside him.

He woke up slowly, then got out of the car and looked at the flower shop with eyes full of curiosity.

The tiny hand gripped the fabric of Adrian's pants tightly. "Is this your home, Daddy?"

Adrian answered while opening the creaking glass door, "Yes, temporarily."

Inside, the scent of mixed soil, fresh flowers, and roots greeted them. The shop was small but tidy. Wooden shelves were filled with pots containing various plants such as moon orchids, peace lilies, lavender, and several herbs like mint and basil.

In the corner, there was a small desk with an old computer and a stack of biology textbooks.

Adrian turned on the neon light that flickered before finally shining brightly. "Wait here for a moment." He then locked the door from inside and pulled the simple curtain that covered the display window glass.

The little boy sat on a wooden bench near the desk, his eyes exploring every corner of the shop. "This is a nice place," he muttered.

Adrian smiled seeing Ansel seated politely. "Thank you."

He went inside to get two glasses, a pitcher containing water, and several packages of bread that were always available in the cupboard.

"Eat this first. You must be thirsty and hungry."

The boy nodded, then took the bread with chocolate topping and ate it with slightly furrowed eyebrows.

Adrian poured water into the boy's glass. "I heard them call you Ansel from the Harvey family earlier. Is that really true?"

After swallowing his bread, the boy nodded. "Yes, I'm Ansel Harvey."

Adrian opened the package of bread with cheese topping. "That's a nice name."

Ansel's big eyes observed the man who had become his savior today, "What's your name?"

Adrian answered casually, "I'm Adrian."

Ansel's eyes sparkled. "I like Daddy Adrian!"

Adrian laughed softly at Ansel again, but his thoughts immediately remembered that the Harvey family was one of the most influential families in Vecredal city besides the Rios family. And he was now with their grandson without his parents' permission.