Chapter 76

The one-eyed man's group surrendered upon seeing Blade's large contingent. After a brief discussion, they dropped their weapons and squatted. Blade addressed Severin respectfully as "Mister Severin," assisting him in subduing the group. Severin thanked them and went upstairs alone. Upon seeing Severin descend with Diane in his arms, Blade stepped forward, asking concernedly, "Mister Severin, is your wife alright? I'll ensure these men don't see the sunrise!"

Severin smiled faintly. "Thank you. My wife is fine. But why did you help?"

Blade grinned sheepishly. "Draco Hall has issues with the Cedar Gang."

"I doubt that's the whole story," Severin remarked pointedly.

Blade answered awkwardly, "Would you come to Draco Hall tomorrow? Our supreme commander wishes to meet you. We searched for you all day, even going to your house, only to discover you'd moved."

Severin frowned, surprised. "Your boss wants to see me?"

Blade's heart pounded. He thought, This man keeps a low profile. Doesn't he know he's the supreme leader of Dracodeus Temple? Why is he playing dumb? However, aware of the supreme leader's enigmatic nature, he didn't reveal Severin's identity. He smiled awkwardly. "Yes. He wants to see you. You'll understand tomorrow."

"I'll visit tomorrow if I have time," Severin agreed, curious about Draco Hall and wanting to thank their boss personally for their assistance.

Jada and the others arrived downstairs, speechless at the scene: injured men and subdued figures squatting on the ground. Draco Hall's presence was overwhelming—the restaurant was filled with them, with more outside. Blade glanced at Jada. "Sorry for the trouble, Miss Jada, but we had scores to settle with One-Eye's men."

He turned to Severin. "You can leave with your family, Mister Severin!"

"Thank you," Severin nodded. He addressed Judith and Maurice, "Mom, Dad, Selene, let's go home."

"Okay!" they replied, visibly shaken. They carried Selene out.

Severin smiled at Blade and left with Diane.

"What's the meaning of this?" Jada demanded, furious. "You settled scores with One-Eye, yet let Severin and his family leave? They intended to dine-and-dash! They haven't paid!"

Blade, though tough, was careful. He smiled. "Your restaurant is running a scam. Their meal cost sixteen thousand dollars, not the one hundred and sixty thousand you demanded. Accusing them of dine-and-dash is outrageous. I suggest you keep quiet, or you'll lose your business. I'll expose your scam; your restaurant chain has about a dozen locations, doesn't it?"

The final two lines ("Enjoy Ad-Free Reading>>" and the repeated Google search prompt) were removed as they are promotional material unrelated to the text's content.