Chapter 35
apter 35 Bryce Duffy from Bolt Arena
Leander hopped into Jamero’s car after leaving the bar.
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“Mr. Leander, my boss wants Gumus Mardin and a few others at Maplebrook Manor. Do you want me to take you there?” Jamero asked.
Leander gave a slight nod, and Jamero hit the gas, steering them toward the manor.
Maplebrook Manor was the hottest gambling spot in Ravenridge, thanks to Frankie, who championed its creation and quietly bankrolled it. It was a playground for the elite, where countless celebrities and big–name businesspeople flaunted their status with every visit. The place oozed luxury, and only those worth at least a billion could get through the doors.
Once they arrived, Jamero parked and led Leander inside.
Several stunning hostesses in high–slit dresses in the lobby greeted them with bright smiles, radiating charm. Frankie ensured everything in the manor was top–notch; even the hostesses underwent rigorous selection. They all looked like they could step off a runway, and many had already caught affluent clients‘ eyes and quickly climbed the social ladder.
When the hostesses spotted Jamero, their faces lit up with smiles and flattery. They knew he was more than just Frankie’s driver–his status and influence were way above theirs. Getting in his good graces could change their lives.
Yet, Jamero brushed them off. He gave a slight bow and motioned for Leander to follow him.
The hostesses then turned their attention to Leander, who looked barely seventeen or eighteen in his black–and–white waiter’s outfit. Aside from his striking looks, he blended right in with the waiters. Still, Jamero treated him with the respect that suggested he was someone important- maybe even more so than Frankie.
Leander kept his cool, barely glancing their way. As they moved deeper into the manor, the hostesses whispered among themselves. They were dying to know who this young man who commanded such respect from Jamero was.
With Jamero guiding him, Leander finally reached the private suite known as the “Paradise Suite.” Chapters first released on.net
“Mr. Leander!” Frankie jumped up when he saw Leander, clearly relieved.
“Gumus showed up at Leandrix Corp. today with his top four henchmen, wanting a private meeting. I took your advice and stalled him, bringing him here instead. He’s in the meeting room now. What do you think?” Frankie stated, frowning.
Leander leaned back on the couch with a grin. “A private meeting? You and Gumus have been
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Chapter 35 Bryce Duffy from Boll Arena
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at each other’s throats for years. Why would he come here to talk business? What’s in it for him? I’m curious, though. Ravenridge is your territory–who gave him the guts to confront you
here p>
After downing his tea, Leander got up and suggested, “Let’s go find out what this hotshot is planning p>
Leander, Frankie, Jamero, and a few of Frankie’s loyal guys headed to the meeting room.
Leander sat in the back corner while Frankie settled at the head of the table. Across from him was Gumus Mardin, a rough–looking middle–aged guy dripping in gold chains and rings. A scar ran down his left cheek, making him look intimidating. Gumus was known as the underground kingpin of Ascendia, and he and Frankie had been rivals for years.
Gumus lounged back with his legs on the conference table while a pretty waitress trimmed his nails beside him. He occasionally reached out to touch her, acting like the place was his.
“Frankie, I came here sincerely to discuss a partnership, but you’ve kept me waiting. Isn’t that a bit rude?” Gumus asked with a smirk, wrapping his arms around the waitress.
Frankie didn’t respond right away. He shot a glance at Leander, who nodded slightly before replying, “Gumus, we’ve had our fair share of conflicts over the years. Do we really need to waste time on small talk p>
He cut to the chase. “You know how I roll. I don’t have time for this. Tell me what you need and what I’ll get out of it if you want to collaborate p>
“Good to see you’re being direct, Frankie!” Gumus replied, putting his legs down and pushing the waitress aside.
He started off, “You should know what’s happening in Mornwick. Tommy Dunphy has everyone in Southridge on the same page. He controls all the foreign trade and has the upper hand regarding resources and power. You know that, right p>
“You’re in Ravenridge, and I’m in Ascendia. We’re both part of Northridge, but we’ve been split and are always vying for dominance. We can’t take on Tommy alone p>
“That’s why I want to kick off a Northridge Alliance soon. I’m inviting you to team up and take on Tommy together p>
Frankie’s gaze sharpened as he realized Gumus‘ true motives. He thought, Gumus has always had his sights set on ruling Northridge, but he’s up against some tough competition. Now he’s trying to use the whole Tommy situation as an excuse to gather more power – pretty ambitious, huh?
Frankie cocked his head slightly and saw Leander subtly signaling him with a raised finger from behind. He straightaway caught on and replied coldly, “You think I’d want to team up with you? Gumus, are you crazy p>
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Chapter 35 Bryce Duffy from Bolt Arena
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“Tommy might be tough, but he’s in Southridge, miles away from us. What’s it to me? If you want to take him on, go ahead. I’m not joining your little alliance!” After catching Leander’s cue, Frankie firmly dismissed Gumus‘ proposal.
With expressions growing icy, Gumus shot back, “Oh? So, you’re not interested? Frankie, I’ve been serious about this alliance since I came here alone. You’ve got only one option–agree to
it p>
“If you don’t…” A flash of menace crossed Gumus‘ face as he continued, “Then, I’ll take you out p>
The room went utterly still, leaving everyone in shocked silence. No one anticipated Gumus to threaten Frankie on his turf.
Frankie looked momentarily stunned. After a beat, he scoffed, “Gumus, do you really think you can boss me around here p>
“I don’t care about your reputation or power in Ascendia; this is Ravenridge–my turf. If you think you can take me out here, you’re seriously overestimating yourself p>
“Even Tommy wouldn’t dare to talk to me like this in Ravenridge!” Frankie retorted, his confidence unwavering. To him, he was untouchable in this place.
Plus, everyone in Maplebrook Manor was loyal to Frankie. If things got dicey, even with Gumus bringing his top four henchmen, Frankie was sure he could handle it without a hitch.
“Oh, really?” Gumus smiled, neither confirming nor denying it. He then turned to the back and called out, “Mr. Duffy, since he isn’t playing nice, I’ll need you to step in p>
Everyone in the meeting room shifted their attention to the man behind Gumus. Sitting casually in a chair was a middle–aged guy who looked ordinary but had sharp, piercing eyes that felt like a hawk sizing up its prey.
“Mr. Duffy?” Frankie echoed, momentarily shocked. Then it hit him, and a look of fear washed over his face as he asked, “You mean Bryce Duffy from Bolt Arena p>
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From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir
Chapter 36 Do You Even Qualify?