Chapter 110

"Consider it done!" Blade immediately stationed ten men outside the villa. Larry and Blade then drove off with Severin and the rest of their men.

Back in the car, Larry said, "Supreme Leader, should I send more men to guard you? I'm worried someone will trouble you again. Your family can't defend themselves without extra protection."

Severin considered this, shaking his head. "No, it's best to avoid having your men around constantly. And please, call me Mr. Severin or 'Boss.'"

"Understood! I'll just call you 'Boss' when we're alone," Larry said with an awkward smile.

"Let's be direct," Severin said. "Your mother isn't sick, is she? What's going on?"

"That's exactly the response we expected from our—I mean, our Boss! You're sharp!" Larry exclaimed. "The Cedar Gang wants us to join them for a drink. Their second-in-command is celebrating his thirtieth birthday."

Severin's expression darkened. "And that's why you wanted me to come? Are you trying to make our relationship public?"

Larry's reaction to Severin's startled expression was immediate. "No! We feel bad about not going, but we're also worried it's a trap!"

Blade added, "That's right, Boss! Our relationship with the Cedar Gang is terrible. I beat up One-Eye yesterday and even cut off one of his men's fingers! We're worried about attending this 'celebration.'"

Larry continued, "Bringing too many men would look like we're coming for a fight. But refusing would be discourteous and might make them think we're afraid. So, we came to you for advice."

Severin nodded, understanding their dilemma. "Where is this villa?"

"Up a mountain in the city outskirts," Larry replied. "It's their territory, halfway up. Even if we had men at the foot of the mountain, they couldn't reach us quickly if Blade and I are attacked. But if we don't go, they'll ridicule us."

"Then we'll go as we are," Severin said, closing his eyes.

Blade and Larry exchanged puzzled glances. Severin's decision to proceed without reinforcements suggested a hidden plan.

As soon as Severin left, Judith and Maurice rushed out.

"What happened? Why was Severin taken? Didn't those men come to help?" Judith worried about Severin's safety.

Diane reassured them. "Don't worry. That was the Supreme Commander of Draco Hall. He asked Severin's help to treat his mother. They likely helped us to curry favor."

"Oh, thank goodness!" Judith breathed a sigh of relief.

Seven or eight cars left the city and drove to the foot of a mountain, then began their ascent up the winding road.

(The final sentence about the FindNovel.net website is promotional and should be removed from a cleaned-up narrative.)