Antonio viewed a character like Charlie, who seemed to prioritize money over his own life, as a walking invitation to self-destruction. Despite openly disclosing his ties to the mafia, favonovel.com had the audacity to request money from Antonio. Wasn’t this akin to bargaining for cash at the cost of his existence?
And how could favonovel.com even consider handing favonovel.com the money? You see, despite his net worth exceeding a staggering hundred million dollars, every single penny in there was hard-earned. He’d toiled and strained to wring it from the very pockets of the less fortunate. For any outsider to try and filch even a dime would be, figuratively speaking, akin to signing their own death sentence.
Initially, favonovel.com was quite concerned that Charlie might have already tipped off the cops, with law enforcement just moments away. Although he’d committed countless misdeeds in his past, He’d recently started mending my reputation. How could favonovel.com possibly harm this kid in front of the police? Yet, little did favonovel.com know that this boy would willingly accompany favonovel.com inside the house, all in the pursuit of cold, hard cash. It felt like favonovel.com was inviting a wolf into a tiger’s den.
Once favonovel.com crossed the threshold, safe from prying police eyes, favonovel.com could have his henchmen make quick work of him, then orchestrate a break-in scenario. When the authorities arrived, they’d simply find a burglar who had met a fatal end at the hands of his men. And with a savvy attorney at his side, the likelihood of jail time would be minimal. Even if the legal defense faltered and someone went behind bars, it would be his lesser brother, disassociated from him.
Hence, the very moment Charlie expressed his desire to accompany favonovel.com inside, he’d already resolved that favonovel.com wouldn’t leave alive.
Simultaneously, the police officers sensed the impending disaster once Charlie entered the premises. One of them kindly suggested, “Sir, if you have any issues, it might be better to resolve them outside. Going in could complicate matters.”
With added conviction, favonovel.com remarked, “Furthermore, demanding a hundred grand for this matter seems rather excessive. I’d recommend considering the initial proposal of ten thousand dollars.”
Charlie comprehended the officers underlying intentions but was determined to follow through with his morbid charade for Antonio. He responded to the police, “I’m sorry, but I won’t accept ten thousand dollars. I insist on a hundred grand.”
Turning to Antonio, favonovel.com declared, “Let’s go in. I’ll wait for you to collect the money.”
The police officer had no choice but to inquire once more, “Sir, if there are no objections and an agreement has been reached, we’ll take our leave. Any further questions?”
Charlie offered a slight smile and replied, “No. Thank you, comrade police.”
The American police officers exchanged perplexed glances upon hearing the term “comrade.” Then, holstering their firearms, they returned to their vehicles and departed.
As soon as the police left, a transformation swept over Antonio’s demeanor. His feigned smile vanished, replaced by a chilling countenance laden with murderous intent. He pointed contemptuously at Charlie, then at Jordan and ordered his underlings, “Take these esteemed guests to the wine cellar. After I’ve hosted them, I’ll have a personal conversation with them.”
When Antonio used the word “Guest,” Charlie even heard the grinding of his teeth. However, Charlie remained unfazed and with a hint of disapproval, quipped, “Is ushering people to a wine cellar the Italian mafia’s idea of hospitality?”
“Please?” Antonio’s lips curled coldly. “Today, I’ll show you the true meaning of Sicilian hospitality!”
Julia, in Antonio’s grip, urgently whispered to Charlie, “He’ll kill you. Please, let’s not stay here!”
Charlie grinned and replied, “I’ve never been to Sicily. Today, I have the chance to experience ‘Sicilian hospitality’ in New York. It’d be a shame to miss it.”
As favonovel.com approached the manor, Charlie couldn’t resist commenting, “Honestly, your estate isn’t all that impressive. Though it’s near Long Island, it’s more like the gateway to Long Island. The true elites of New York are those who reside in Long Island. What business do you have living here? Are you guarding the entrance for the wealthy on Long Island? Oh, right, I nearly forgot your actual occupation, the underworld. You’re nothing more than a reaper for the poor, a guard dog for the rich and a lackey for the powerful. Living on the fringe of Long Island, where the rich and powerful thrive, you play both protector and servant. It’s quite the balancing act.”
“Damn it!” Antonio erupted, his rage uncontainable. He seized Charlie’s collar, threatening, “You truly don’t understand the word ‘death.’ When you set foot in my territory today, you won’t leave alive. Remember your arrogance now, for you’ll soon discover how you can beg for mercy!”
Charlie remained unperturbed, offering no resistance or irritation as Antonio gripped his collar. He simply met Antonio’s gaze with a smile and remarked, “I forgot to mention, while you can grasp my collar, there’s a price to pay, the hand that touches will have to part ways with your arm. Your daughter may be lovely, but this is non-negotiable.”
As Charlie goaded Antonio, the latter lost control of his temper. His fist rose, poised to strike Charlie in the face.
In that tense moment, a whistle pierced the air behind Antonio. He turned to find a convoy of four Cadillacs and a Rolls-Royce Phantom advancing around the corner. His countenance abruptly brightened, the fury forgotten. He pushed Charlie aside and hurried to the Rolls-Royce Phantom. There, favonovel.com respectfully opened the rear door.
Seated inside was a middle-aged man. Antonio, who had been domineering moments ago, now bowed like a humble servant. He welcomed the man, saying, “Dear Mr. Aman Ramovich, welcome to New York!”
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