CHAPTER 04

The mansion was filled with screams, curses, gunfire, and pleas for another chance at life. It felt as though the floor was soaked in blood. However, these situations are commonplace for us because everyone here is accustomed to this type of society. Regarding those who stood by my side, they remained composed, calmly observing the shootings without a trace of fear. They appeared relaxed, displaying no signs of being intimidated.

“What do you think you’re doing, Zion?! Nababaliw kana talaga!” my stepmother exclaimed at me while my associates carried out my instructions on the individuals who raised their hands in disagreement, one by one.

“I simply discard the individuals who are of no use to me,” I replied with a shrug, casting a glance at the person standing next to my stepmother. “You and my stepmother are the only ones remaining... any final requests?”

Govert shot me a disdainful glance. “By killing someone like me, you've only shown that you're no different from the father you despise the most.”

“Do you really think I would personally end your life? It's not worth dirtying my hands with your blood, Govert. I hope you understand,” I said as I reached for the gun tucked in my waistband, directing it towards Emma. “Ginawa mong baliw ang Nanay ko, Emma worth it ba kung papatayin kita una?”

I observed the fear on Emma's face and the trembling of her hands as she gazed at the gun.

“Please, don't kill me! I'm still your stepmother...!” she pleaded.

“But I never acknowledged you as my stepmother,” I interrupted, cutting off her words.

Emma's hands shook as she grabbed the hem of my suit. “Ano ba ang dapat kong gawin para hayaan mo lang ako na mabuhay?!”

“Emma! You should not be begging for your life! That is not how the Govert family behaved! You are bringing shame to our lineage!” Mr. Govert shouted at his younger sister.

“I'm not as brave as you are, that's why I'm begging to live...” Emma replied, almost in a whisper.

“The weak should indeed beg for their lives. How astonishing to witness my stepmother standing before me, begging,” I chuckled, my laughter resonating throughout the mansion hall. “Emma, Emma, Emma... see how much your own brother despises you? Won't you heed his words?”

“... please!” Emma’s pleaded.

“Mangyayari lang iyan kapag...” I lowered the gun, placing it in Emma's trembling hand, and directed it towards Govert—her brother. “Right here, in front of me and our audience, prove to me that you are deserving of my mercy and the right to live. Your life now rests upon the trigger of this gun. Pull the trigger, and you shall live.”

“I-I can't do it...” she stammered, her hands trembling uncontrollably.

“Then I'll assist you, Emma,” taking hold of her trembling hand, and together, we pulled the trigger of the gun.

Govert remained motionless, giving me a disdainful gaze. Unexpectedly, he burst into laughter, a chilling sound that echoed through the room. The laughter continued until another gunshot pierced the air.

“Well done, Emma. Your stepson is incredibly proud of you,” I praised her, as we both gazed at Mr. Govert, his eyes wide open and his body drenched in blood.

Ibinagsak ni Emma ang baril na hawak, nanginginig ang mga kamay, hindi makapaniwalang lumuluha, umiiling, at nagsimulang sumigaw hanggang sa mawalan siya nang malay.

“What about her son?” Knox asked.

“Let him come to us, and then I will decide what needs to be done. For now, send Emma to where my mother is, and drive her to madness, just like my mother experienced. I want her to taste her own medicine,” I instructed, my gaze fixed on the unconscious Emma.

“What now, Mr. Levine?” inquired those whom I had spared.

“Mr. Levine...” Knox handed me a glass of wine, confirming that no drugs were mixed in it.

I accepted the glass and raised it in the air with a wide smile. “Ladies and gentlemen, while today was originally meant to mark my father's birthday, his passing has transformed this occasion into a celebration of the new leader. I, Ace Zion Levine, proudly stand before you as the new leader of the Vipers Gang!”

Despite the unconscious of Emma being relocated and the presence of deceased individuals, including my father, the celebration persisted. The festivities carried on, undeterred by the blood that stained the polished floor. No one voiced any complaints; everyone was content and oblivious to the blood scattered in various parts of the floor. After all, who, devoid of conscience and compassion, would perish at the mere sight of blood?

“Now that you have earned our trust, what is your next plan?” inquired the bald man.

“Marami,” I begin, “First, you are familiar with the area known as Paradise, where the prostitution of women is rampant. I want to put an end to that. Instead, we will give those who owe us a choice. They can either work in Paradise voluntarily or face the consequence of us eliminating their loved ones, one by one. Second, we must ensure that no children are involved in this business. I do not want to be seen as someone who preys on the weak. We need to protect the innocent. Third, all drug transactions must go through me first. I want to have full control and knowledge of the operations before you proceed with selling them. Lastly, the Diamonds must come to me, and only to me. No exceptions. I want to maintain strict control over this valuable resource. These are the initial steps for our next plan.”

“Understood, Mr. Levine!” everyone agreed.

“It's the same with thugs or goons. It's forbidden to force them if they comply with the initial directive, and they will only resort to killing if necessary,” I warned them.

Everyone embraced the change I made. I have no intention of following in my father's footsteps. Instead, I will forge my own path in how I handle the people around me.

While I was observing everyone, Knox approached me.

“Do you know Mr. Otto?” Knox asked me. I pondered the name for a moment.

“What's the significance of this Otto?” I asked in return.

“One of my associates spotted him. He's one of your father's men involved in drug and diamond trafficking. I believe he intends to flee to another country with the diamonds and your father's money,” Knox explained in a hushed tone.

“Is there yet another piece of trash lingering on my father's side?” I replied sarcastically.

“What should we do with him?” Knox inquired in a similar manner.

“What happens to someone who absconds with something that doesn't belong to them?” I asked rhetorically, without glancing at him. “They face the consequences.”

“Our associates apprehended him, but the money briefcase is no longer in his possession. According to him, someone stole it,” Knox explained.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't mind, my Secretary and I will be temporarily stepping away due to an urgent matter. Please enjoy yourselves for as long as you wish. I have an array of delightful wines awaiting your indulgence. Goodbye for now,” I announced. Then, I turned and swiftly departed the gathering with Knox. “Do we know the identity of the thief? What's the name of that infuriating individual?” I asked impatiently.

“Dante Monroe, and he had two sons named Gael Monroe and Caden Monroe,” Knox disclosed.

On our way to their location, I requested that Knox conduct a thorough background check on the entire family history of the thief.