Chapter 19

Dustin held the final bullet delicately between his fingers. His eyes gleamed mockingly as he gazed at the three trembling people before him.

"So," he said in a calm, icy voice, "who do you think deserves this?"

Paralyzed with fear, they trembled like leaves in a windstorm. Dustin casually pointed at Phoebe. She immediately fell to the floor.

"It's him! He planned it all! I was just manipulated!" Phoebe screamed, pointing an accusing finger at Aaron. "You—!"

Aaron's eyes widened in rage and disbelief. "It was her! Her idea! She planned everything!" he shrieked.

The two began hurling insults at each other. In moments of life or death, human nature revealed itself—a vicious display of mutual betrayal.

Dustin shifted his aim toward Pete. Overwhelmed by terror, Pete dropped to his knees, bowing before Dustin.

"I was just following orders! Aaron wanted to kill you, not the Crimson Gang! Please, spare me!" he pleaded.

Dustin didn't shoot. Instead, he flicked the bullet away with a disdainful smirk. The small metallic clink sent all three diving to the floor, clutching their heads in panic. The acrid stench of urine filled the air; its source was unclear, but it could easily have been all three.

"Who's the leader of the Crimson Gang?" Dustin asked, frowning.

Pete started to respond, but Dustin cut him off. "Never mind. It doesn't matter."

Dustin pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Tell Blake to come to the Mirage. Right now," he said flatly, hanging up.

The three exchanged stunned glances. Who was Blake? Why would he call him? Only Pete's expression shifted slightly, as if the name struck a faintly familiar chord.

Chapter 19 (Continued)

Dustin reclined calmly on the sofa. The trio dared not move. Minutes ticked by, restlessness building outside the room.

"Mr. Kane, is everything alright in there?" a cautious voice asked from behind the door.

"Stand guard! No one comes in!" Pete bellowed, his voice cracking slightly. Dozens of Crimson Gang members were outside, but he dared not call them in. Dustin could end his life as easily as swatting a fly.

Aaron threw panicked glances at Pete, trying to signal him to act, but Pete ignored him. Better to stay alive than follow a fool. Calling them in would be sending lambs to the slaughter.

More time passed. Suddenly, a commanding voice boomed from outside. "The Crimson dogs are here. Clear out! Every single one of you, get lost!"

The hallway fell deathly silent. The Crimson Gang, infamous for their brutality, didn't respond to the insults. Footsteps approached the door with deliberate confidence.

Knock, knock. The taps were soft, almost cautious.

"Mr. Fox, may I come in?" a deep voice asked.

"Enter," Dustin said casually.

A man entered. The trio saw him clearly. Aaron and Phoebe didn't recognize him, but Pete froze, his face draining of color.

"The Panther Gang's leader!" he stammered.

At last, the name "Blake" clicked. Blake Torell, the infamous leader of the Panther Gang, was the undisputed ruler of the Honora underground. His status was too high, his reputation too fearsome, for anyone to dare utter his name directly.

"What?! He's the leader of the Panther Gang?" Aaron and Phoebe gasped in shock. They knew who ruled the Honora underground, but something else terrified them even more.