Jeffrey challenged, "Do you want to become insolvent and end up in prison?"

Tessa looked uncertain. After much hesitation, she gritted her teeth. "Fine," she said, "I'll be the witness."

Matthew, who had been quietly observing, grew even colder upon hearing Tessa's agreement.

The door burst open, and a dozen burly men stormed in. Their leader approached Jeffrey. "Mr. Smith," he asked, "who do you want us to kill?"

Jeffrey pointed at Matthew. "First, break his limbs, then kill him! Only then will I be appeased."

The man, brandishing a knife, started toward Matthew but stopped abruptly. He stared at Matthew in shock, unsure what to do.

Jeffrey, expecting to see Matthew scream in pain, angrily shouted at his lackey, "Why the hell aren't you moving?"

Ivan stared at Matthew, his face as pale as a ghost. Unable to contact the other Red Wolves, he had been seeking a new boss. Someone had introduced him to Jeffrey's men, promising lucrative illegal work. This was nothing new to him, so he'd agreed without hesitation. The task that day was a chance to prove himself and show his loyalty—only he hadn't expected the target to be Matthew. He was someone Ivan dared not touch.

Seeing Ivan rooted in place, Jeffrey scolded furiously, "You piece of shit! Are you chickening out? Get him!"

Ivan's forehead was drenched in sweat. He wanted to leave but feared offending the Smith family. He was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Matthew glared coldly at Ivan. "You want to kill me?" His voice was soft yet intimidating.

Ivan trembled. "No, I dare not. I'd rather die than do that." He knew he was no match for Matthew, even with the dozen men.

Matthew pointed at Jeffrey. "Beat him up. Keep going until I tell you to stop, or you'll be the one dead at my hands!"

Recalling Vincent's gruesome death, Ivan instantly broke out in a cold sweat. He knew Matthew was serious. Though he couldn't afford to offend Jeffrey, his own survival came first. He turned, raised his knife, and slowly approached Jeffrey. "Mr. Smith," he said, "don't hold it against me. I'm being forced to do this."

Jeffrey was stunned. "Y–You want to attack me? Are you tired of living?"

Ivan stood before Jeffrey. "I want to live, so I have no choice but to do this! I'm sorry!" With that, he kicked Jeffrey.

The kick sent Jeffrey and his chair tumbling to the ground. The glass in his hand shattered, spilling wine everywhere.

Tessa covered her mouth, staring in disbelief. The killers, sent by Jeffrey, didn't dare kill Matthew; instead, they turned on Jeffrey. How could this be? When did Matthew gain such power?

After kicking Jeffrey, Ivan turned to Matthew. "Is that enough?"

Matthew replied coldly, "Keep going until I say so."

Ivan nearly cried. He couldn't disobey Matthew, but each strike brought more trouble. He gritted his teeth and continued kicking Jeffrey.

Jeffrey screamed in pain. "Fuck! How dare you hit me? Do you want to die? My arm hurts! Stop right now, or I'll kill you!"

Ivan, having held back, lost his patience at Jeffrey's scolding. Gritting his teeth, he kicked harder. Shrill screams filled the room.

The door slammed open again, and a woman stormed in. "Who's causing trouble in my bar?"

The novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!