Chapter 74
Chapter 74:
Isaac was one of Ashton’s few close friends in Inewood. Ashton eventually agreed to go over and help.
Following the directions Isaac had texted, Ashton quickly drove to the location, a serpentine mountain road on the outskirts of Inewood. Upon arriving, Ashton immediately noticed Isaac standing by the roadside.
At that moment, Isaac was confronting a group of imposing men. The men, clad in tank tops, sported a variety of intimidating tattoos on their arms, clearly not the welcoming sort. At the forefront of the group was a tall, lanky young man with a cigarette hanging from his lips and several hefty gold chains around his neck.
Ashton identified him as Liam Walker, the infamous second son of the leader of the local gang, Black Dragon Gang. It was no surprise Isaac had called for backup; he was indeed in a precarious situation.
Ashton quickly parked his car, exited, and approached Isaac. As Isaac heard the approaching footsteps, he turned, and seeing Ashton, his grave expression gave way to a grin. He immediately abandoned the standoff and greeted Ashton with a warm embrace.
Isaac laughed and exclaimed, “Ashton, you made it! Maybe this mess will turn out to be a blessing after all!”
Liam eyed Ashton with evident disdain and scoffed, “So this is the reinforcement you had us waiting for? He doesn’t look like much and seems quite out of place.”
Ashton shot Liam a serene glance and chose not to reply. He shifted his attention to Isaac, questioning him directly, “What’s the trouble this time, Isaac? Why entangle yourself with that crowd?”
Isaac slung an arm around Ashton’s shoulders, saying, “I was at a bar when I noticed Liam and his crew bothering a young lady. I couldn’t just watch it happen, so I intervened. Naturally, we clashed. You’re familiar with Black Dragon Gang; they don’t easily forgive and forget. That’s why I set up a race here to resolve everything.”
Ashton nodded, fully grasping the situation.
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Despite his privileged upbringing, Isaac was far from entitled or haughty. His courage to defend the downtrodden was exactly why Ashton valued their friendship.
Ashton chuckled. “Here I was thinking you were just stirring up trouble again. I was all set to watch you embarrass yourself. But if you’re in this predicament for a good cause, count me in to back you up.”
Ashton’s air of nonchalance, as if Liam was hardly worth his concern, visibly angered Liam. He shot Ashton a venomous look, teeth clenched.
“What a joke! Who do you think you are, showing up here thinking you can sort this out? My guys are seasoned racers. What can you possibly bring to the table against us? Your pretty face? This is a race, not a beauty contest!” Liam’s taunts elicited jeers from his gang, who eyed Ashton with sheer disdain.
To them, the race was already over before it had even started.
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