Chapter 112: "Let's Go!"
Those higher in the hierarchy walked toward the villa gates. Since the villa was halfway up the mountain, accessible only by one road, the number of Larry's companions was easily visible from the gates.
If Larry planned an ambush, the woods at the mountain's foot offered the only viable location. However, should a fight erupt, it would be too late for any reinforcements to arrive from there. Cars were parked in the open space for Larry, Blade, Severin, and their party to disembark.
"Haha, I was worried you wouldn't come, old friend! I'm glad you could make it to Kevin's birthday party! Your presence makes our villa all the merrier!" Monte was delighted to see Larry and Blade with such a small entourage.
Despite extensive preparations to kill Larry, he'd estimated less than a ten percent chance of their attendance. Larry and Blade's arrival, with so few people, was quite a surprise.
Severin smiled coldly, observing the group. Their enthusiastic greetings might mislead a bystander into believing they were old friends long separated.
"Haha, you're too kind! This is a luxurious villa! The architecture is both imposing and modest. How splendid! We're honored to be guests," Larry laughed. "You're too kind. It's just a meal; if I'd been afraid to come, everyone would have laughed!"
"Gutsy!" Monte gave Larry a thumbs-up. "Our relationship has been tense lately. I worried you might be afraid, assuming I was plotting against you, especially after Blade assaulted our subordinate yesterday!"
Larry grinned. "It's not the first scuffle between our men. Such trivialities won't affect us! Besides, we couldn't decline your invitation!"
Larry then turned to Kevin, saying awkwardly, "We came in such a hurry, I didn't have time to get a gift. Your invitation was last-minute, so I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not! Your presence is a great gift!" Kevin, tall, burly, and somewhat chubby-faced, replied gruffly.
"Yes, yes! Your attendance is the best gift!" Monte echoed, ushering them inside. "Please, come in! I expected a hundred or two hundred people—hence all these tables. But who cares! Your presence is more than enough!"
(Note: The repeated promotional text at the end has been removed as it's not part of the original passage's content.)