Matthew radiated a dangerous aura after hearing Zane’s threat. The already hot beach air suddenly felt significantly colder. Zane shuddered instinctively, feeling as if a ferocious beast had targeted him.

Unexpectedly, a voice called from a distance, "Hey, what a surprise to see you here." Recognizing the voice, Matthew looked up. Was that Alex Miller? He last saw Alex at the Opulent Club, where Marty had forcibly removed him.

Matthew hadn't expected this encounter. He wasn't close to Alex, so he merely glanced at him and then ignored him.

Seeing Alex, Zane quickly rose, ignoring Matthew. He greeted enthusiastically, "Mr. Miller, what a surprise! It's an honor to see you here." He extended his hand for a handshake.

Alex asked absently, "What are you doing here, Zane?"

Zane casually offered Alex a cigarette. "We're handling a matter, Mr. Miller. Some idiot crossed my Brotherhood men. I was about to deal with him. If it bothers you, I'll take him elsewhere."

Zane enjoyed showing off in front of his men, but he was deferential in Alex's presence. The Brotherhood, while a decade old, paled in comparison to the established Miller family; it was insignificant in Alex's eyes.

Alex frowned. "Who are you dealing with?"

Zane pointed at Matthew. "That fool—"

Before Zane could finish, Alex slapped him hard. "Who the hell are you calling a fool?"

Stunned, Zane touched his burning cheek. "Mr. Miller, you've misunderstood. I was referring to him. I wouldn't dare disrespect you, even with nine lives." He pointed at Matthew again.

"Fuck!" Alex kicked Zane in the stomach, sending him sprawling. "I'm hitting you for disrespecting him. Even I show him respect. And you—a complete idiot—dare act tough in front of him?"

Zane was dumbfounded. "W-who is he?"

Zane's two henchmen and Peony remained silent as Alex assaulted him, unable to intervene. Their curiosity about Matthew was piqued.

Alex gnawed his lip. Honestly, he didn't know Matthew's background either. Marty had dragged him home and beaten him, and a disgruntled Alex had asked about Matthew.

Marty's reply was, "If you win Matthew's favor, the Millers will reach new heights. Cross him, and we're doomed." Alex would have scoffed at such a statement from anyone else, but coming from Marty, he believed it.

Thus, to Zane's question, Alex coldly replied, "You're unworthy of knowing. Kneel and beg his forgiveness. Otherwise, I'll deal with you before he does!"

Zane's face paled; he understood the gravity of his situation. Even Alex was deferential to this man; Zane couldn't fathom Matthew's power and influence.

Scrambling to his feet, Zane dropped to his knees before Matthew. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize who you were and was disrespectful. I'll accept any punishment."

Zane's henchmen and Peony watched in terror.

Matthew glanced at Alex, understanding Marty had informed him. Still, he was pleased; it saved him trouble. "Alright, tell me. Who sent you to Wealthwave Group's factory and forced the workers out?"

Zane blurted out, "Steve Foreman."

Matthew had never heard of him. "Steve Foreman? Who is that? What does he do? Where does he live?"

Zane shook his head. "I don't know. I only met him ten years ago, before Brotherhood even existed. My friends and I frequented gambling dens. We met a guy who gave us errands; he paid well. We used that money to start Brotherhood."