Jay knew enough about acupuncture to recognize this technique. It was an ancient technique used to treat deadly infections. His eyes followed Richard’s hands as he placed each needle, and after every needle placement, he nodded and whispered ‘yes’ to himself. Watching Richard reminded him of how he used to watch his master back in the day. He found himself in awe of Richard’s abilities. Despite watching his master do this technique a few times, he had never been able to replicate it. This particular technique just required too much precision and at least 29 years of practice, so how could this young man do it so effortlessly? From what he could see, even old, highly experienced masters had nothing on Richard. His actions were one of an experienced and talented healer who had spent decades in practice. But Richard looked too young, Jay wondered. How could he do this so effortlessly?Once all 14 needles were in place, Richard heaved a sigh of relief. It had been a while since he p

“Yes, we have. He- he,” he stammered, scratching the back of his neck as his heart raced terribly fast.“Can’t you speak?” Jay asked, his voice low but carrying extreme seriousness. “Mr Richard here is the person I told you about when I arrived… the- the nuisance at the auction...”“The one you made sure to put in his place at the auction?” Master Jay asked, his voice rising with anger as he recalled everything Samuel said.Samuel nodded slowly, his face etched with fear and regret. “I openly mocked and humiliated him in the presence of everyone at the auction. I called him incompetent and several other demeaning names, but I promise you, I didn’t know who he truly was..”“You did what?” Master Jay shouted, evidently furious. “You called him incompetent and ridiculed him in the presence of everyone? How could you have been so disrespectful??”“I didn’t know…”“And so?” Master Jay roared. “You didn’t know?! You humiliated him in front of everyone at the auction because you were ignor

“And who the hell are you to order us to kneel??” One of the debt collectors shouted at the top of his voice. “You cannot intimidate us!”“You cannot do anything to us! In fact, I dare you!” the man continued until he felt something pulling his shirt from below. He looked down to find his fellow collector, already on his knees, tugging at his shirt. “Kneel!” the latter whispered. “Didn’t you hear him say they are here on Dario’s orders?”The man’s eyes widened instantly, almost bulging as he instantly dropped to his knees, his body trembling with fear. “Jesus!” he whispered, momentarily covering his mouth. The chill that ran down his spine as he recognized the name ‘Dario’ was deadly. Who wasn’t terrified of Dario in the city?Some of the other collectors recognized the leader of the armed men as Barry, one of Dario’s subordinates, and, fearing Dario’s reputation, nearly all of them were on their knees already. They dared not to move. “Good,” Barry muttered. He turned sharply

“Guys, it’s Richard!”Andrew immediately shot from his seat, his expression twisting with intense anger. “What the fuck is he doing here?”Without hesitation, Bruce signaled to the bouncers to throw Richard out. As Richard approached his relatives towards the end of the hall, two muscular bouncers blocked his path. “Sir, you need to leave,” they simply declared. But Richard paid no attention to them and kept walking. One of the bouncers grabbed Richard by the shoulder to stop him, but before a second passed, Richard grabbed his hand, pulled him forward and twisted it in a sickening crunch. The sound echoed through the hall, sending a chill down the spine of everyone nearby. The other guests froze, whispers spreading like wildfire. “Is that… Richard Valkar?”“It can’t be… he’s here? What’s he doing here?”“How did he find out about the banquet?”Every eye stayed fixed on Richard. The face of the second bouncer turned red with anger. Without thinking twice, he wrapped his hands on

“Ah!” They chorused, their hands flying to their mouth.They knew Dario hated noise.Every muscle in their bodies quivered with fear, and their eyes darted nervously toward Andrew, silently pleading for him to do something. But Andrew, pale and wide eyed, was rooted to the spot, his own body trembling harder than theirs. Will today be their last day on earth?As Dario slowly advanced, each step he took amplified the weight of their dread.They stood in a tighter cluster, their hands trembling as they rubbed their palms together in a frantic, pleading gesture at Richard.Dario was taking Richard’s orders, and only Richard could stop him. They knew that if Dario killed them there and then, no one would even find their bodies. A chorus of hushed whispers filled the air as they mouthed a series of pleas to Richard.“Please, Richard… don’t do this…”“We’re sorry. Please spare us… please we beg…”“Richard, we’re family. Please, have mercy…”Though, Andrew stood aloof, almost peeing in h