Chapter 3

In the dark, the male manager said nothing. He simply raised his leather-clad foot and kicked me hard in the stomach.

The excruciating pain made me grunt instantly, my stomach churning.

“That’s for spending my woman’s money!”

“That’s for meddling in her business!”

He yelled, his voice twisted by jealousy and rage.

He looked down at me, then ordered the two burly men: “Beat him! Teach him a lesson!”

The two security guards were clearly his cronies; they didn't hesitate, a relentless flurry of punches and kicks raining down on me.

I gritted my teeth, swallowing every cry of pain.

My bones felt like they were being crushed inch by inch, my internal organs dislodged.

His taunts continued: “Who do you think you are, huh? Just a good-for-nothing leeching off his sister!”

“I told you I’m her brother! If you don’t believe me, ask Serena! Call her now, I’ll talk to her!”

I struggled to explain, but the man in front of me just ignored it. It wasn't until I started feeling dizzy that he raised a hand, signaling them to stop.

He nudged my shoulder with the tip of his leather shoe, looking at me triumphantly:

“You’d better settle the bill today and cough up another half-million.”

“That’s the consequence of you interfering in my relationship with Serena and spending her money.”

“I’m not afraid of trouble. Serena will handle any fallout for me.”

I was curled in a ball of pain, weakly trying to argue, “That’s *my* own money! I told you, if you don’t believe me, go ask her.”

His face changed. He kicked me, and the two security guards immediately understood, their punches and kicks raining down on me again.

I knew he wouldn’t listen to anything I said. If this continued, I could be seriously hurt.

After I coughed up a mouthful of blood, I used my last ounce of strength to grope for my phone on the floor.

“Stop… I’ll… I’ll pay.”

He seemed satisfied with my submission, signaling the two security guards to stop. He squatted down and patted my swollen cheek.

“See? Wouldn’t it have been easier to just do that from the start? You chose the hard way.”

“Two million. Not a cent less.”

I lay sprawled on the cold floor, gasping for breath, my lungs burning.

I ignored him and dialed my friend Leo Rodriguez’s number.

The phone was answered quickly.

“Leo, bring two million to my sister’s restaurant. I need it now.”

Leo on the other end paused, then sensed something was wrong.

“Adrian? What’s wrong, man? Your voice sounds…”

“Don’t ask. Just hurry.” I cut him off and hung up.

Brendon’s eyes instantly lit up at the mention of “two million.” A greedy glint flashed in them.

He probably thought I was beaten into submission, offering more money to beg for mercy.

The triumph on his face was now impossible to hide.

“Smart move.”