Chapter 205

It was no secret in the Eastern District-Morix Sable ran the streets. Everyone knew better than to cross him. And if Morix was the iron fist, then Moni was the brass knuckles—his most trusted enforcer, known for his cold eyes and colder methods. Williams Verrick stood stiff in front of Miracle Avenue, his jaw clenched, eyes narrowed past the line of suited guards. Inside, through the tinted glass, he could clearly make out Vane sitting at a large round table with Jaden and the rest of the family, laughing over plates of expensive seafood like they didn't have a care in the world.

The timing couldn't be worse. The place was locked down, and Williams wasn't suicidal enough to pick a fight in Morix's territory.

Still, he tried to keep his composure.

"Moni," Williams said, forcing a strained smile. "You and I both know I'm not here to make trouble. The guy I'm after is right inside. Just need five minutes. Quick talk. No noise. I'll be in and out before dessert."

Moni didn't even blink. His broad frame stood like a stone wall, arms folded, eyes unreadable beneath his low-browed glare.

“Still no,” Moni said flatly. “Mr. Sable's orders—this place is off-limits while our guests are inside. You step one foot through that door and I'll make sure your next meal is served in a hospital bed."

Williams's lips twitched. The rage was bubbling in his gut, but he kept it corked. No good blowing up here. Not with a dozen of Moni's goons standing around like statues, all packing heat and dying for a reason to use it.

"Come on, man," he tried again, his voice quieter, leaning in slightly. "You know who I am. My old man's knocking on death's door. All I need is a goddamn pill. That punk inside's holding it. You really gonna block me over dinner reservations?"

Moni cocked his head, then smiled-but it wasn't friendly. It was the kind of smile that let you know pain was one breath away.

"I don't give a rat's ass if your old man's growing mushrooms in his lungs," Moni said coldly. "You think this is a negotiation? Get your ass off my sidewalk. Last warning."

Behind him, the guards didn't flinch. Their silence was a message-one wrong move and the sidewalk would be painted red.

Daniel leaned closer to Williams. "What's the plan now, boss?” he whispered, his fingers twitching near the edge of his jacket, where a blade was likely tucked.

Williams let out a sharp breath, his mind racing. He could almost taste the humiliation. Vane was right

there, laughing like a little penet

behin@glass, completely

unaware or maybe just

bothered-by the chaos unfolding outside.

But Williams wasn't stupid.

"Alright," he muttered. "We back off for now."

Daniel blinked. "You sure?"

"Yeah. We're not dying over this

sidewalk,

S growled, el

Sidewalk Willy's

leave one of our guys

behind. Twant

eyes on that table. The second Vane

steps outside, we move."

He spun on his heel, signaling his crew to fall back. The frustration was raw on their faces, but none of them questioned him. Not here. Not under Morix Sable's nose.

As they retreated to their cars, Williams threw one last glare over his shoulder at Moni.

Moni stood firm, unmoved.

"Smart

move, Moni muttered under his breath. He didn't care about the lone watchman Williams left behind. Let the rat lurk in the shadows. As

long as no one laid a finger on Sable's turf Mont wouldnt ta hand.