Oswald's expression darkened as Anita’s words reached him. His right hand shot out, clamping tightly around her neck. Her eyes widened in fear, but before she could utter another word, Oswald hoisted her off the ground, her legs flailing beneath her as she struggled to breathe. His grip tightened, fingers digging into her skin, her face rapidly turning a bright red. "If my sister doesn’t make it out alive," Oswald hissed, venom dripping from every word, "I’ll burn this entire fucking hotel down—with everyone inside." His voice was low, controlled, yet menacing. Anita clawed at his hand, her breaths shallow and erratic as his fingers crushed her windpipe. He held her there for what felt like an eternity, the weight of his threat hanging in the air like a death sentence. Only when her struggles became faint did he let her drop, her body collapsing in a heap at his feet, coughing and gasping for air. Without another glance at her, Oswald turned and stormed toward the staircase, his f

"Didn't notice anything different about Mr. Edwin, mother. He looked the same, acted the same," Betty remarked as she stepped into the kitchen, her eyes fixed intently on her mother, Angela, who was meticulously preparing breakfast with a focused expression.Angela, her mother, paused momentarily, her hands still as she turned to face Betty. Her gaze was sharp, full of thought."Are you sure?" Angela asked, her voice tinged with doubt, her brows slightly furrowing as if she was trying to find something beneath the surface of her daughter’s words."Yes, I’m sure. I didn’t see any difference from the Edwin I knew before I left. I really think you’re just overthinking this, mother," Betty replied, her tone calm but slightly firm, trying to dispel the tension brewing in the air."No, Betty, I don’t think I’m overthinking at all. I’ve been watching him for some time now. The way he talks, the way he moves—it’s not the same as before. And just yesterday, he asked me for coffee with extra cr

Noah took a slow sip of his whiskey, cleared his throat, and began. "As you all know, the leader of the Gambino gang is a man named Santino Wayne, the only son of Mr. Maguire, who died a few years ago during a dispute.""Yes, Noah, we’re well aware," Marcellus interrupted, his impatience cutting through the room like a knife. "You mentioned that in the last meeting… or was it the one before? Just get to the point. Tell us what you’ve heard from them recently.""Don’t rush the poor guy, Marcellus," Roderick interjected, his eyes focused elsewhere, not bothering to acknowledge Marcellus’s frustration."Don’t rush him?" Marcellus snapped, the tension palpable. "Time is not on our side!" His words lingered, but Roderick remained unphased. Marcellus’s temper flared. "And you better watch how you speak to me!""Enough! Both of you, stop!" Herbert Blackwood’s voice boomed through the room, silencing the confrontation in an instant. Marcellus bit his tongue and fell silent. Herbert’s sharp ga

The shiny black Bugatti sped through the bustling streets of Newcastle. The city buzzed with life, its energy obvious, and after what felt like an eternity, they finally pulled up in front of the opulent Gate Complex. Roderick and Edwin stepped out of the car, the sound of their shoes clicking against the pavement as they glanced up at the extravagant building towering before them.The place was grand, almost overwhelming. Multiple areas branched off within the complex: a vibrant bar where colorful drinks were served with flair, a gaming area filled with flashing lights and cheers from gamblers, a crowded dance floor alive with rhythmic music, and a more secluded section where couples could steal away for some private time. Despite the early afternoon sun hanging high in the sky, the complex was already bustling with people, everyone absorbed in drinking, laughing, and indulging."Let’s get this over with," Roderick muttered, his voice thick with impatience. The duo stepped inside, th

Roderick’s lips twisted into a cruel smile as he yanked Maguire’s head back by the hair. "I see. Then I guess killing you and burning this place to the ground will send Santino a nice message—don’t ever mess with the Blackwoods."He turned toward Edwin, who stood silently by the door, eyes fixed on the scene before him."Here, Edwin," Roderick said, extending the blood-soaked dagger toward his brother. "Take this. Finish the job."His voice was cold, devoid of emotion, as if he were asking Edwin to perform a menial chore rather than take a life.Edwin swallowed hard, his throat dry as his brother’s words echoed in his mind. Cold sweat trickled down his face, and he remained frozen, his heart pounding in his chest."What’s the matter, Edwin? Don’t tell me you can’t do it?" Roderick’s tone was laced with contempt as he stared at Edwin, who stood several meters away. "This man just tried to kill us. He’s our enemy, and he deserves to die. So stop being such a coward and take care of him!