Chapter 124

Rocco trembled, cold sweat slicking his skin. They had severely underestimated their opponent. The other East Side thugs froze, fearing any sudden move might provoke Andrew to harm Juan.

“Let Mr. Madden go, and I’ll lower my gun. Deal?” Rocco slowly lowered his weapon, a murderous glint still in his eyes.

Andrew smiled. “That’s better.” He promptly slapped Juan again. “Didn’t you want me to hit you? One, two, three…” he mocked. “How’s that? Satisfied now?”

Juan sobbed in unbearable pain. “Yes, yes! Please stop! No more! I’ll die!”

“What more do you want?” Rocco shouted. “I’ve surrendered! But if anything happens to Mr. Madden, you’re dead!”

Andrew released Juan with a warning. “Get lost, but remember our deal—leave me alone.”

As Juan stumbled away, Rocco lunged, snatching his gun. “Let you go? After what you did to Mr. Madden? You deserve to die a hundred times over!”

Adrenaline surged through him. He relished the prospect of regaining control, erasing this humiliation.

“So, you’re breaking your word?” Andrew frowned.

Rocco laughed maniacally. “Honor? Preach that to the devil! You might be tough, but everyone’s equal before a gun!”

Juan, now shielded by several thugs, screamed, “Kill him, Rocco! Kill him!”

Rocco grinned. “Say goodbye, kid!”

A soft whistle sliced through the air. A silver needle appeared on Rocco’s forehead. A tiny droplet of blood welled, and Rocco fell backward, dead, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Andrew stood over the body. “The bad guys always die from talking too much. That’s you in a nutshell.” He sighed. “But even if you hadn’t wasted time, you were dead the moment you raised that gun.”

Juan and his men were terrified. They couldn’t comprehend Rocco’s instant demise.

“Spare me! I’ll never commit another crime!” One thug dropped to his knees, followed by Juan and the others.

Andrew quietly returned his needles to his sleeve. Any sudden move, and they would share Rocco’s fate.

A phone rang, shattering the silence. It was Juan’s. With trembling hands, he answered.

Tony’s cheerful voice boomed, “Juan, my boy! How’s it going? Have your fun, but don’t go too far. I still need that kid alive for a while.”

“Dad, I–I…” Juan stammered.

Tony chuckled. “I know you’re having fun. You’re my only heir, my future successor. So enjoy yourself and show them East Side’s power. Anyway, I’ve got to go—Ms. Rhodes, Dr. Aicker, and Dylan are here demanding his release. Isn’t that hilarious, Juan?”