UNDER HIS RULES

The report Paul provided, along with some crucial information spoken by Bella, though Gerald didn’t want to believe it, Bella’s words didn’t stray far from all the information Paul had given. Since her arrival two days ago, the woman had been under Jimmy Lee’s protection. Whatever she desired, everything was easily provided.

Gerald wasn’t too concerned. What mattered to him right now was how and what plan he could devise to trap Sam using Beatrice. For now, he didn’t want to act rashly. Both he and Jimmy were closely monitored by Alfred. He knew that.

“Sir,” Paul called, breaking Gerald’s concentration. “Mr. Alfred’s envoy has arrived.”

He quickly put away the report he was studying. Meeting Alfred’s envoy was something he could do now. He still needed Alfred’s support for many matters concerning the Eagle Wing. Meeting Alfred was just to secure his position in the eyes of the leader. Unfortunately, Alfred had been difficult to reach lately. Although some of their affairs were still going smoothly, Gerald felt that Alfred was planning something.

The betrayal he and Jimmy had committed was never discussed again. But it made Gerald shudder. Despite trying to ignore it, it made his mind wonder-could Alfred be planning revenge?

“Ask him to come in.”

Shortly after, two of Alfred’s trusted men entered Gerald’s office. One of them handed him a folder with the Quassano family emblem. Gerald furrowed his brow. “What is this?”

“You are requested to read and study it first.”

Gerald knew that. “But what is this?” he repeated.

“The cancellation of all the partnerships that have been established. Mr. Alfred has frozen many of the assets managed by Mr. Gerald. Several places you oversee have also been taken over by Mr. Alfred based on the existing agreements.”

Gerald’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“If you don’t immediately sign the new agreement, don’t blame Mr. Alfred for withdrawing all the capital from the businesses you manage.”

CRASH!!!

Gerald slammed the table forcefully. “Who dares to do this, damn it!” he cursed. He threw the black envelope from the table. The sheets inside scattered everywhere.

“It was me,” Alfred said, walking calmly into Gerald’s office. He could see the anger on the face of the ruler of the Eagle Wing. The person he had trusted all this time. Who was acting so recklessly after receiving so much?

My goodness! Alfred never expected Gerald to dare do this to him. Plan to kill him, ah… no. Help Jimmy kill him? Absolutely not!

“Why, sir?” Gerald asked, trembling. Besides having his own fear, he also had to think and act quickly to suppress Alfred.

“You ask why, Gerald?” Alfred asked in a sarcastic tone. His old eyes observed how Gerald was looking at him now. “After what you’ve done?” He scoffed. Walking towards the sofa in the middle of the room.

David and his other men stood guard at a safe distance. There was also a special forces team deployed outside to secure Alfred’s visit this time.

“I… I,” Gerald stood up from his seat. Walking quickly towards Alfred. Half-kneeling, he begged for mercy. “Forgive me, sir.”

Although his body was starting to weaken, Alfred knew best how to subdue a friend who had turned into an opponent. “Lower, you damn fool!”

Gerald obeyed. He lowered himself even further until his face was almost touching the tip of Alfred Quassano’s shoe. “Forgive me.”

Alfred scoffed. In one swift motion, he kicked Gerald. The tip of his shoe was slightly pointed and hit the corner of Gerald’s lip. That wasn’t all. The old man’s leg moved again, causing Gerald to fall to the floor. There was no cry of pain from the ruler of the Eagle Wing. He accepted it all, but could it satisfy Alfred?

Not at all.

For the old man, Gerald was nothing more than a guard dog. When he was no longer needed, he could be replaced at will. Unfortunately, Alfred felt that Gerald’s performance as a guard had always been good and deserved appreciation. He never expected that Gerald would betray him. For what?

“Tell me your reason, Gerald,” Alfred said with emphasis. He stepped on Gerald’s fingers using the back of his shoe. “Tell me!”

“Forgive me, sir.”

“Tell me!” Alfred grew more impatient. “Don’t let me give you a punishment far more painful than what I brought.”

“Forgive me, sir!” Gerald tried to rise this time. Not to avoid Alfred’s blows but to escape the threat and what Alfred could do to him, which was far more terrifying than what he was currently experiencing.

“Forgive me,” he fell to his knees again in front of Alfred’s feet.

“Tell me the reason, Gerald, before my patience runs out,” Alfred spoke as softly as possible, but for Gerald, it felt like the final song of his life.

“I… I wanted a bigger share in the trading sector,” Gerald said.

Alfred closed his eyes tightly. Once again, he kicked Gerald, causing him to fall. “Just for that?”

Gerald had no other words to deny it. During the years of working with Alfred, the old man rarely disappointed him. Always guided and dependable. But the news of Alfred forming a new partnership with Sam made him unhappy.

Did that news immediately make him agree to Jimmy’s persuasion? No. Gerald had to check the news for himself. He couldn’t be swayed by mere persuasion. When the news turned out to be true, the hurt he felt towards Alfred was significant. Unfortunately… oh my goodness, why did everything deviate from his expectations?

“You have disappointed me greatly,” Alfred said, leaning back on the sofa. “Truly disappointed me.”

“Forgive me, sir. Forgive me,” Gerald pleaded once again, kneeling. “I will redeem myself with anything as long as that agreement is not approved.”

Alfred shook his head slowly. “The price you have to pay, Gerald.”

“I’ll fix it, sir. I’ll fix it.”

“How?” Alfred suddenly approached, whispering with a sharp glare. “The trust you have shattered has destroyed everything, Gerald. How will you fix it?”

“I’ll make sure you won’t be disturbed by Jimmy’s presence anymore.”

Alfred chuckled. “Is that so?” He stood up. “I have already warned Jimmy. It’s you whom I cherished the most. This betrayal hurts me, Gerald.”

The ruler didn’t know what else to say.

“If you don’t want to sign, it’s your business. Everything I have supported will slowly be withdrawn. Not a single thing will remain, including influential people. Everything is in my control, Gerald.”

Gerald bowed his head even further.

“Destroying someone who wants my life goes beyond simply reciprocating with their life, Gerald. It’s about their entire existence.” Alfred rose from his seat, paying no attention to Gerald who was starting to crawl towards him. “I’m not someone who can be easily played, Gerald,” Alfred warned before completely leaving the office.

“I’m still giving you a chance to live,” he muttered softly. “Use it wisely, Gerald. If I find out you misbehave again, I won’t hesitate to eliminate you.”

***

Equally terrifying was the warning Alfred gave. Jimmy Lee was left sitting weakly in the living room. No one around him dared to approach.

“You are my true beloved nephew, Jimmy. But why are you in such a hurry?” Alfred asked, whispering in a horrifying manner. “You know that hasty movements can harm the body. Including this time.”

Jimmy suddenly stiffened. His body began to tremble.

“I still forgive everything you’ve done because within your body…” Alfred deliberately hit Jimmy’s arm with the tip of his cane, pressing it as hard as possible until he heard a whimper of pain from his nephew. “Within your body, Quassano blood flows, albeit in small amounts. Even if you purify your blood, it can fade because it’s my desire to erase your name from Quassano.”

“Don’t, Uncle,” he pleaded. “Don’t do that to me.”

“You gained everything because of my support, Jimmy.” Alfred didn’t want to show too much mercy. Forgiving two lives close to him, but choking them tighter was what he was doing now. “Have you forgotten?”

“No, Uncle!” Jimmy fell to his knees, begging just like a defeated warrior pleading for his life. “I could never forget everything you’ve done for my life.”

“Or do you want them dead?” Alfred showed a photo that made Jimmy’s eyes almost pop out of their sockets.

“No! Please, Uncle! Not both of them! I… I’m guilty! I beg for forgiveness, Uncle!”

The two people Jimmy cherished the most were in Alfred’s hands. There was a pistol held to their heads, and with one pull, their lives would be gone just like that. Fear was evident in their eyes, making Jimmy more unsettled.

“Please, don’t let anything happen to both of them, Uncle. I’m the one at fault. I should be punished.”

Alfred returned his phone to his pocket. “What do I gain from you, Jimmy?” He chuckled. “Here, I am the one in power. After my death, do you think you’ll have power?” He stood up from his seat. “This time, I forgive everything you’ve done, but don’t expect me to be kind again. I will take back everything you’ve gained.”

Jimmy’s eyes widened in disbelief. “B-but, Uncle, there’s my effort there.”

“Effort?” Alfred scoffed. “If it weren’t for the help and support of the people around me, your efforts would be worthless, Jimmy.” He gently patted his nephew’s shoulder. “The Quassano octopus exists because of me, not you.”

Jimmy slumped weakly.

“Obey everything I say from now on, and I will spare your lives.”

He could only bow his head in resignation. He didn’t move from his spot until the old man and his henchmen left. He pondered and contemplated what he could do after Alfred left him crippled. He had nothing left after the old man claimed ‘retracting’ everything he owned. He became like the old Jimmy. Powerless and incapable.

Regardless of the passing time, Jimmy remained in his position. Thinking, even though he didn’t know what was going through his mind.

Until Bella approached. Since Alfred’s arrival, the young woman had been intentionally eavesdropping. She couldn’t let Gerald and Jimmy weaken because of that threat. Although Bella had no knowledge of the business Alfred was involved in, if it was related to the dark underworld, it surely had something to do with Sam.

“And you can only sit still like this, sir?” Bella asked with a mocking tone. She casually sat beside Jimmy, showing no fear, as she could possibly become the outlet for Jimmy Lee’s frustration today.

“Don’t!” Jimmy snapped. “Get out, you bitch!”

“Be careful using the word ‘bitch,’ you fool! You were born stupid!” Bella couldn’t stand the insults. She had had enough of the word ‘bitch.’ “Find out why that person forgave your life. I should be seeing your corpse here now. But what?” Bella gripped Jimmy’s face, forcing him to look at her. “I’m sure this is related to Sam.”

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“You can contact Gerald. I’m sure that Old Bangka met with Gerald. Giving the same threat.” Bella sneered sarcastically. “If my assumption is correct, Old Bangka has already determined who will stand behind him. And that is… Samuel. The leader of Twin Dragons.”

Jimmy clenched his jaw.

“What do you gain in the end?” Bella shrugged. Leaning comfortably on the sofa. “Nothing but humiliation. And you will live like that forever, respected Mr. Jimmy Lee.”

“You bastard!”

Bella laughed loudly. Satisfied indeed.

“Unless you follow what I say.”

Jimmy stared at Bella sharply.

“Kill Sam by targeting Beatrice.”