Before Herbert could respond, Marcellus rose and placed a firm hand on Noah’s shoulder. "Why the fear, Noah? You’ve got the Blackwood family backing you. We’re offering protection not just for you, but for your businesses too. There’s no reason to worry." His tone was cold, almost confrontational. Noah, feeling the weight of Marcellus’ words, simply nodded before making a quiet exit.Once Noah had left, Herbert cleared his throat, shifting his attention toward Edwin and Roderick. His gaze was steely, his voice carrying an unmistakable gravity. "I have an assignment for both of you," Herbert announced, his tone signaling that there was no room for negotiation.Roderick and Edwin exchanged puzzled glances, their father's words unsettling them."What kind of assignment, Father?" Roderick asked, curiosity and unease creeping into his voice."I need you both to go to the Gate Complex and have a word with the owner. Make sure he understands that we’re his number one dealer, and any busines
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
"Psst!" Edwin hissed from behind, tossing the dagger he had been gripping earlier. Roderick caught it effortlessly, spinning the blade in his hand as his lips curled into a sinister smile, his eyes never leaving the three figures in front of him."Alright, boys," he said, crouching slightly as if he were about to pounce. "Let's see what you've got."The three Gambino boys stood frozen for a moment, sizing him up, their blades clenched tightly in their hands. They exchanged uneasy glances, as if waiting for someone to make the first move."Come on, guys! He might be a Blackwood, but he's just one man! We’ve got the numbers, so we've got the advantage!" one of the Gambinos barked, attempting to rally his comrades. His voice was shaky, but it was enough to stir a bit of courage in the others. It worked. The momentary fear faded, and with newfound determination, they charged as one. Their feet pounded the floor as they rushed toward Roderick, blades raised. When they were close enough, t
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!
"And what exactly is that?" A deep voice cut through their conversation, causing both men to turn. Their father, Herbert Blackwood, approached with a sharp, probing gaze that demanded answers.Oswald instinctively took a step back as Herbert drew closer."Father," he muttered, his eyes meeting Herbert’s before shifting to Marcellus and Roderick, who stood just behind their father.Herbert’s gaze hardened as he looked at Oswald. "What are you trying to teach your brother? That he should be soft? He’s not a kid anymore, for crying out loud—he's an adult now! He needs to get his hands dirty because that's what the Blackwood family is about!" Herbert spat out the words, his tone cold. "I was a fool to listen to you and keep him confined to the legal business. From now on, he’ll be involved in both the legal and illegal sides of our work." His voice was final, each word punctuated with simmering anger.Oswald didn’t flinch. "I wasn't telling him to be soft, Father. I was saying he has a ch
Oswald took a slow drag from his cigarette, eyes narrowing with a calculating glint. “Weapons delivery, eh?” he mused, turning his gaze toward Edwin. A dark, determined spark lit up his expression. “What do you say, Edwin? Up for a little robbery?” His voice held a cold, calculated edge.Edwin hesitated, meeting his brother’s intense gaze. The question hung in the air, heavy with the unspoken promises of violence and revenge.“What exactly do you mean by ‘robbery’?” Edwin finally inquired, his voice low and cautious after a tense moment of silence.“I want you to help me intercept and steal the weapons crates being shipped to the Gambinos,” Oswald replied, smoke curling out of his mouth as he spoke.Hearing Oswald’s plan, Edwin’s eyes widened in shock. “What?!”“Lower your voice, damn it!” Oswald snapped, his eyes flashing. Edwin quickly lowered his voice, his shock barely concealed.“What do you mean, help you steal the shipment?” Edwin asked in a hushed tone, his brow furrowed with
Edwin yawned deeply, his hand rising sluggishly to cover his mouth as he stumbled out of bed. Each movement seemed to cost him a great deal of effort, his entire demeanor heavy with exhaustion. “I’ll be there shortly,” he muttered, his voice barely rising above a whisper, as if even speaking was too much to ask of him at this hour.Bridget watched him closely, her expression softening with worry. She tilted her head slightly, studying his face, the creases of concern deepening around her eyes. “Is everything alright, Edwin?” she asked gently, her tone as delicate as her gaze.“Why do you ask?” he replied, a note of irritation slipping into his voice as he cast a sidelong glance at her, his brows furrowing.“You seem… a bit off,” she continued, choosing her words carefully. “Stressed, maybe even troubled. It’s as if something heavy is weighing on your mind,” she observed, her eyes searching his face for any hint of what might be wrong.“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it,” he replied short
"At least we get to eat something decent tonight." Lucas mused, his heart racing in joy as he locked the convenience store he worked in as a sales rep.Even though Lucas works both day and night shifts, he still earned peanuts that was barely enough to put food on his table. His low earning made him and his wife, Katherine, to eat junk foods day in and day out.However, today was different. Lucas had decided to spoil his wife tonight and get he something nice for once.Throughout their three years of marriage, Lucas has been unable to but her gifts and treat her the way she deserves due to the lack of funds, and because of that he has been saving up for weeks just to get her a decent meal from one of the most expensive restaurant in the city.He walked through the dimly lit street gleefully, and after a few more minutes, he arrived in his apartment. Lucas stepped into the building and flipped the light switch hoping to see Katherine sitting on the sofa just like she used to. But she