"Let's go," Austin said calmly as he walked into the hotel.Jacob's expression was tense, and a sheen of sweat had quietly formed on his forehead.This whole mess had started because of him, and if Austin placed any blame on him, he wouldn't be able to bear it.Right now, all he could do was play the role of a pawn.He quickly stepped forward and approached the hotel lobby manager. "Hello, we'd like to see Simon."The smile on the manager's face vanished.He gave Austin and Wolf a condescending look."Oh, I remember you. You're the ones who got beat up by Mr. Marshman this afternoon, right?" he said, his tone dripping with arrogance and disdain.Jacob forced an awkward smile. "Could you please inform him that we're here?""Get lost. Mr. Marshman is a busy man. Do you really think just any random nobodies can see him?" the manager sneered, waving his hand dismissively."Or are you looking for another beating because the first one wasn't enough?"Jacob's face darkened.He mig
Austin's voice was cold and commanding, exuding an air of dominance.Everyone in the room instantly looked furious.All eyes turned to one man.He was the only one still lounging with a girl in his arms.The young man had a chiseled face, sharp and arrogant. He sat sprawled out on the couch, a cigar dangling from his mouth, his grip tight around the woman beside him.He sneered at the lobby manager. "What the hell are you doing? Letting in any random stray off the street?"The lobby manager panicked. "Mr. Marshman, it wasn't me! They forced their way in! It's Jacob Sanders—the guy you dealt with this afternoon!"Simon chuckled, then spat on the floor, his expression menacing. "I deal with so many people every day. You think I have time to remember every single name?"The lobby manager jumped in fright and quickly moved to the side.Austin slowly raised his hand and pointed at Simon. "You—get over here!""Pah!" Simon spat, leaning back arrogantly on the couch, the cigar still
In that instant, a single thought flashed through everyone's mind, including Simon's—this guy is a beast.The air in the room seemed to freeze.However, Jacob watched with burning eyes, visibly excited.Wolf quickly moved to stand beside Austin, ready to fight by his side."Step back," Austin said coldly."Mr. Campbell, I—" Wolf hesitated."They're just a bunch of nobodies. I can handle this alone," Austin's voice was cold and commanding, leaving no room for argument.But that one sentence, full of arrogance and dominance, struck a nerve in Simon and his men like a thousand sharp needles."Damn it, what are you waiting for? Get him!" Simon shouted.The remaining men, still shaken, exchanged glances before their expressions hardened, and they rushed at Austin.Austin moved like a phantom, his fists and feet leaving behind a trail of afterimages as they whipped through the air with deadly force.Austin had seen far worse in his life.This scuffle, which barely rose above the
Simon was terrified.Even with his face covered in blood, the deathly pale complexion beneath it couldn't be hidden.In Austin's eyes, Simon saw nothing but a chilling, murderous intent—no emotion, no hesitation. It was like staring into the eyes of a bloodthirsty beast.Not even when facing Ethan had Simon ever felt such fear.His heart pounded in his chest, threatening to burst through his ribs.Finally, Simon managed to force a single word from his throat."Alright…"……Brook Villa nestled in the scenic outskirts of Eastbrook, surrounded by mountains and water, was the most exclusive resort and clubhouse in the area.Only the wealthy or powerful could gain entry, ordinary people could only admire it from afar, never getting close.Tonight, the Brook Villa was especially lively.Inside the villa, the place was brightly lit and decorated for a celebration.A tight patrol of security vehicles highlighted the high level of protection in place.In the main hall, music played
"Let it. He's your brother, after all. There's no need to make a fuss. Let them in." Derrick said generously, waving his hand.Ethan breathed a sigh of relief and quickly instructed the person outside to let them in.When Austin walked into the hall, dragging Simon behind him, the room erupted in gasps of shock.Everyone's faces went pale."Simon!" Ethan's expression turned grim, and the alcohol-fueled haze in his mind cleared a bit."Mr. Brook..." Simon, who had been in fear and confusion, snapped back to reality at the sound of Ethan's voice.He wailed pitifully, "It's him! He wants to see you!""Damn it!" Ethan exploded in fury, disregarding Derrick's presence as he angrily shouted.Everyone else in the room was also livid, glaring at Austin and those behind him, Jacob and Wolf.How dare they beat Simon to this state—were they trying to get themselves killed by Ethan?However, no one noticed that Derrick, who had been standing at the table with a brush in hand, suddenly fr
Derrick's words seemed completely out of place given the tension in the room, leaving everyone stunned."Mr. Brook, why are you still thinking about painting..." Simon groaned in pain."Shut up!" Ethan snapped, his eyes flashing with anger as he cut Simon off.He quickly glanced at Austin, noting that he hadn't reacted, then turned back to Derrick."Mr. Stephens, please go ahead."The crowd was utterly shocked, standing frozen in disbelief.Was Ethan elevating Derrick to such a high pedestal?Someone had barged in, practically slapping him in the face, yet he remained this composed?In their minds, the underground king of Eastbrook was a ruthless figure—someone who would spill blood at the slightest provocation!No one could have guessed that Ethan held Derrick in such high regard.Even Austin was a bit taken aback. Someone who could rise to the level of an underground king was no ordinary person.Beyond his methods, Ethan was undoubtedly proud and hight ambitious.For him
"No, no, this won't do. Such wonderful news—Cecily being pregnant—I must return home and devote myself to creating a special painting for her and the little one," Derrick said as he left.Watching Derrick go, Austin couldn't help but chuckle.No wonder he's a master. He managed to handle everything with such finesse, keeping both dignity and face intact.In doing so, he subtly helped Austin and, in a way, saved Ethan as well.This brief encounter left Ethan and everyone else feeling as though they were in a dream.All eyes turned to the painting in Ethan's hands, including Ethan's own.Ethan had practically begged for a painting, and Derrick, in response, casually sketched a pig.But for Austin, Derrick offered to painstakingly create a masterpiece without even being asked.The difference was like night and day!"Whew..." Ethan rubbed his temples, exhaling a breath laced with the scent of alcohol, before once again breaking into a smile.The atmosphere in the room shifted as
"The underground king of Eastbrook bows down."This news swept through Eastbrook like a storm.Ethan knew that by doing this, he would become the laughingstock of the entire city. But he also knew he had no choice—he had to do it!Even if he became a joke, he would remain the underground king. But if he refused to lower his head, he would end up a dead man.He understood the situation perfectly.In fact, that very night, a message was released from Brook Villa.No one is to compete for the land!This is a clear warning to all real estate companies in Eastbrook. It was also a gesture of goodwill toward Austin.But Austin didn't pay it much mind.If not for Derrick's involvement, he had no idea how Ethan would have responded—but Austin knew his response would have been much tougher.A mere city's underground king? He didn't even compare to the richest man in Basin City or the capital—he wasn't even worthy of carrying their shoes!After leaving Brook Villa, Austin didn't linger