Chapter 23: Cracking Facades

"Thank you, Mr. Chance, for your mercy," Leyton said gratefully.

Jared waved a dismissive hand. "You're done here."

Leyton rose, bowed deeply, then spun and left without a glance at Sandy.

Leroy blocked his exit, angered by Leyton's earlier words. "Mr. Scott," he demanded, "we signed a contract. How can you terminate our partnership so capriciously? And you can't hold my project commission hostage!"

"Get lost!" Leyton snapped impatiently. "What are you going to do if I refuse to release your payment?"

Leroy steeled himself. "I'm not afraid of you. You may be a Scott, but you were begging for Jared's mercy just minutes ago. You must pay my commission in full if you cancel the contract. My cousin Benji is one of Mr. Lewis's men. I'll involve him if necessary."

Leroy's priority was securing the lucrative commission to save his company, though he didn't understand Leyton's deference to Jared. The Scott family, ultimately, was no match for Tommy's power, a fact Leroy was exploiting.

"Dumbass," Leyton muttered, ignoring Leroy and leaving.

"I can't believe Leroy thinks he can leverage Tommy's influence! Tommy obeys Jared's every word."

After Leyton's departure, Leroy turned his anger on Jared. "Jared," he scowled, "I don't know what you did to intimidate Leyton, but I'm not afraid of you. I'll ruin you today!"

Leroy stalked off to find Benji.

An awkward silence followed. Everyone stared at Jared, wondering about his influence over Leyton. (The promotional text has been removed.)

Juliette turned to Sandy. "Sandy," she asked hesitantly, "did you break up with Leyton? Are you no longer going to be a Scott?"

Everyone's questioning gazes fell on Sandy, who blushed and fidgeted. She nodded in resignation.

A wave of whispers erupted. "So that's why she was defending Jared! Looks like someone got dumped by the Scott heir!"

"Judging by his behavior, Leyton won't be courting Sandy again!"

"She acted like she was still part of the family!"

Sandy's coveted association with the Scotts was now void, reducing her status in their eyes.

Leyton's deference didn't ease Virgil's anxiety. "Let's go, Jared," he cautioned. "Mr. Lewis doesn't hesitate to kill."

He genuinely feared for Jared's safety now that Leroy had summoned one of Tommy's men.

Jared smiled. "Have you seen Tommy Lewis?"

"No!" Virgil shook his head.

"Then how do you know he doesn't blink when he kills?" Jared teased.

Virgil's voice was fearful. "Jared, things have changed since you were in prison. Mr. Lewis's Templar Regiment and Steven Fisher's Crimson Dragon Gang are ruthless killers. Everyone in the city knows about them."

Jared's smile widened. He clapped Virgil on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen on my watch." He tossed the signed contracts to Virgil. "I'm too busy. You handle these."