Chapter 235: A Gruesome Apology

Everyone was dumbfounded; even Leroy was grudgingly impressed. Jared had seemingly defeated his opponents with minimal effort.

Benji, having woefully underestimated Jared's abilities, groaned, "Get Mr. Lewis here at once!"

A waiter rushed off. The room's occupants grew nervous at the thought of Tommy's arrival. They were mere bystanders, yet his reputation preceded him.

"Jared?" Virgil called hesitantly, still holding the chair.

Smiling, Jared asked, "Are you scared, Virgil?"

Virgil clenched his jaw. "There's nothing to be scared of. I'm ready to fight to the end!"

Jared offered a quiet smile.

Leroy's arrogance swelled as he anticipated Tommy's arrival. "Watch out, Jared," he warned. "Once Mr. Lewis is here, he'll have you hacked to pieces!"

"I can't wait," Jared replied dryly, returning to his seat, cool as a cucumber.

Meanwhile, Tommy had been waiting for Jared on the third floor. Concerned by Jared's prolonged absence, he patiently awaited his arrival.

A waiter burst into Tommy's room, announcing, "Mr. Lewis, there's trouble downstairs. Someone beat up Benji!"

"What? How dare they cause trouble in my restaurant! Is it someone from the Crimson Dragon Gang?" Tommy demanded, leaping to his feet.

He hurried downstairs as the waiter explained, "I'm not sure, but he's very strong!"

Tommy frowned. If he's strong, he's obviously here to cause trouble. Only the Crimson Dragon Gang dares to mess with my turf. It could be them, after Steven's humiliation just days ago!

Tommy reached the second floor, kicked open the door, and was about to reprimand the troublemaker when he saw Jared. He swallowed his insults, subconsciously shuddering.

Oblivious to Tommy's reaction, Benji struggled to his feet, croaking, "Mr. Lewis, he—"

Tommy ignored him, going straight to Jared. [The sentence beginning with "S~ᴇaʀᴄh" is not relevant and should be removed.]

Leroy cackled as Tommy approached Jared. "You're dead meat, Jared!" he taunted.

To his shock, Tommy greeted Jared courteously: "Mr. Chance!"

Jared silently placed his cup on the table; Tommy immediately refilled it.

Everyone stared in disbelief, flabbergasted. Tommy appeared to worship Jared, mirroring Leyton's earlier behavior. His influence over these powerful men seemed unimaginable.

Leroy and Benji were perhaps the most stunned.

Benji stuttered, "M-Mr. Lewis, who is he?" He realized he'd grossly misjudged the situation.

Instead of answering, Tommy asked, "How long have you been serving me, Benji?"

"F-five years, Mr. Lewis!" Benji stammered nervously.

Calmly, Tommy clapped Benji on the shoulder. "Five years is a long time."

The cryptic statement sent alarm bells ringing. Benji knelt before Tommy. He knew Tommy's silence indicated murderous intent.

"Please spare my life, Mr. Lewis!" Benji begged.

Tommy, unmoved, tossed a dagger on the ground. "Cut your hand off!"

Benji stared at the dagger. After a moment's hesitation, he grabbed it and severed his left hand.