"Hahaha," Josh chuckled. "You're just a bunch of kids. Do you know who's in front of you? He's Mr. Hoffman's best fighter. Mr. Hoffman himself is one of Mr. Lewis's closest lieutenants. And you boasted about knowing Mr. Lewis?" Josh erupted in laughter. Seeing through their lies about knowing Tommy, he recognized them as ordinary people.

Zayne broke out in a cold sweat at Josh's words. He hadn't expected his boasting to cause such trouble. His subordinates, believing his claim, were equally shocked. Maria, however, still wholeheartedly believed the lie—that even if Zayne didn't know Tommy, he must know someone who did, otherwise Tommy wouldn't have helped her family with their debt.

Relenting, Zayne apologized. "Mr. Queen, my friends had too much to drink. I apologize—" Bob interrupted, "Abusing Mr. Lewis's name won't be forgiven with an apology. Your fate will be decided." He turned to his men. "Take them away. Let Mr. Hoffman decide what to do with them." More than ten menacing men surrounded the group, terrifying Zayne, Maria, and everyone else.

In a corner, Troy trembled, having wet his pants and clinging to Jared. A recent graduate, he'd never faced such a situation. Jared patted his shoulder. "Relax, it'll be fine."

Zayne and the others were led to Charlie's office, where Charlie was enjoying a massage. Upon seeing Bob and the group, he frowned. "Bob, why are these kids here?"

"Mr. Hoffman, they beat up Mr. Queen's man," Bob replied.

"Didn't I tell you to handle it? Why bring them here?" Charlie demanded.

"Mr. Hoffman, this man claimed to know and be close to Mr. Lewis. I brought him for your judgment," Bob explained.

"What?" Charlie sat up, squinting at Zayne. "You know Mr. Lewis?"

Zayne stammered, "My my friend knows him."

"His name?" Charlie pressed. "I've worked for Mr. Lewis a long time. I know his friends."

Zayne was speechless. None of his friends knew Tommy; someone of his status had no connection to him. Charlie slammed his fist on the table, standing up. "How dare you abuse Mr. Lewis's name!"

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