Chapter 186

 186:
His initial outburst subsided, replaced by a sharp inquiry. “How in the hell did you even find out about this mess?”
Collin paused briefly before responding. “That orphanage,” he stated evenly, “is where Linsey spent her childhood. She took me there today, and we happened upon your crew causing a scene. That orphanage is strictly off-limits. You’d better get your subordinates in line, and fast, or I’ll handle it myself.”
Dustin drew a deep breath, his expression turning serious. “I apologize,” he said. “This is my fault; I should have handled this situation with more care. I owe you and Linsey a full explanation.”
Meanwhile, the scar-faced man slunk back to the office, where his boss, a portly, unkempt individual with a perpetual scowl etched across his face, awaited him.
The moment the scar-faced man crossed the threshold, the portly man exploded. “You’re absolutely useless! It’s been days, and you still haven’t cleared out that orphanage? How am I supposed to explain this to my boss now?”
He slammed a stack of papers onto the scar-faced man’s chest. “It’s just one old woman and a bunch of snot-nosed kids! How difficult can it be? If this drags on any longer, the big boss will hold us accountable, and you’ll be out on your ass!”
The scar-faced man quickly scrambled to defend himself, his face twisting with frustration. “Boss, it’s not my fault! It’s all because of Collin Riley and that wife of his, Linsey!”
The portly man frowned, a look of annoyance crossing his face. “What in the hell do they have to do with this mess?”
The scar-faced man, still seething, explained, “They showed up at the orphanage today and stopped us dead in our tracks. They even threatened to go public with everything!”
He added, “I also found out that Linsey grew up in that orphanage. She’s going to be a real pain in our asses, I can tell. So, what are we supposed to do now?”
L𝓐tєѕτ chʜɑρτєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovєl𝑠.ⲕоm
The portly man shot a disdainful glare at the scar-faced man. “You’re utterly worthless. That Collin is nothing more than a cripple, and Linsey? She’s barely worth the effort. If she’s so eager to throw her life away, why not expedite her departure?”
The scar-faced man’s eyes widened in shock, betraying his alarm. “Boss, are you suggesting…” His voice trailed off as he mimicked the motion of pulling a trigger. “That we resort to such drastic measures?” He continued, his voice laced with concern. “But what about the Riley family? What if they retaliate?”
The portly man dismissed the concern with a careless wave of his hand. “Why would the Riley family bother? For all we know, we might be doing them a service. They could end up thanking me!”
His eyes narrowed calculatingly. “Remember, we’re dealing with a billion-dollar venture here. We can’t afford any slip-ups. Pull this off, and you’ll see a handsome reward.”
Eyes alight with the promise of wealth, the scar-faced man nodded. “Understood, Boss. I’ll handle it immediately.”
He exited the office, his mind racing with plans for dealing with Linsey and Collin. But as he strategized, a convoy of cars suddenly lined up outside, their bright headlights slicing through the darkness, nearly blinding him.
His heart hammered against his chest, a chilling sense of dread enveloping him. “What in the world is happening?” he muttered, eyes wide with apprehension.
Abruptly, a convoy of cars jerked to a halt, unleashing a group of men who moved with lethal precision. They quickly formed a tight circle around the scar-faced man.
“What’s the meaning of this?” he growled, his voice echoing with a mix of fear and defiance.
The group’s unsmiling leader stepped forward, his gaze as hard as ice, and decisively commanded, “Subdue him.”
Caught off guard, the scar-faced man barely had time to process the threat. He was about to react, perhaps to flee or fight, when strong hands clamped down on him, forcing him to the cold, hard ground with brutal efficiency.
.
.
.