Chapter 933

"Wanna go one-on-one, or do you all want a piece at once?" Herman rolled his

shoulders, eyes cold and sharp. "Let's not waste time-I've got somewhere to be."

He'd finally managed to sit down with Anastasia for a real meal—a rare treat—and

now these idiots had barged in to ruin it.

Asher picked the worst possible moment to show up. If he didn't know when to

back off, Herman was more than ready to knock him around to blow off some

steam.

Asher's crew exchanged glances, looking to him for a plan.

Trouble was, Asher had been on the receiving end of Herman's skills before—the

scar on his face was a daily reminder.

"Hand over the chip," Asher said, trying to sound tough. "Do that, and maybe I'll

let you walk away. There's six of us, but I'm not exactly looking for a fight."

Herman just gave a cold half-smile. If he'd shown up alone, it meant he wasn't

scared of anything they could do.

"Asher, we've been at each other's throats for years," Herman's voice was icy.

"Even if I gave you another ten, you wouldn't win. If I were you, I'd know when to

quit. But if you've really got nothing left to lose, I can help you with that."

Asher's jaw tightened, but he held his ground. "Don't get cocky, Herman. Tables

turn. You ruined me once, but I bounced back. Just because Rowan turned on me

doesn't mean you've won. I'm not scared of you."

"You've got some moves," Herman shot back, a chill in his smile. "But not a whole

lot going on upstairs. Rowan's your brother—whatever drama you two have, that's

on you."

Asher glared, voice sharp. "Rowan handed the chip to your wife. Don't act like

you're not in on it together."

Herman's patience was wearing thin. "Stop staring at me like I kicked your puppy.

Either throw down or get out of my way. I already gave the chip back to Rowan. I

don't need to see what's on it to know what you've been up to. If the cops get that

chip, you'll be making license plates for the rest of your life."

Asher blanched, clearly rattled. "Why didn't you hand it over to the police?" he

blurted.

That was what he'd been afraid of—why he'd sent people after Anastasia in the

first place. After she got hurt and holed up at home, he'd gone after Rowan

instead. But Rowan wouldn't budge, and Asher nearly lost it.

Herman paused, thinking. The old him would've torn Asher apart without a second

thought.

After a moment, he answered, "Sometimes, you've gotta leave people a way out.

Saves you trouble down the road."

Asher stared, thrown. This wasn't the Herman he'd known.

"Since you got married, you've

changed," Asher said, disbelief

coloring his words. "Where's the

cold-blooded bastard I used to

know?"

Herman used to be all sharp edges—no hesitation, no mercy.

Now, he still meant business, but there was something different in his eyes.

He glanced over at Anastasia. His gaze softened.

She was his weakness now. That's what had changed him.

"Ruthlessness is a double-edged

sword," Herman said quietly,

glancing back at Asher. "I don't want

anyone I care about getting hurt.

Maybe you'll get it someday when

you meet someone who matters."

Asher scoffed. "Not me. I'll never be

that guy. Women are just... extras.

You get bored, you move on. Hell,

I've even been with Julie. Just throw

them some cash—they'll do

whatever you want."

Heading out, Herman paused at the door. "For what it's worth, Rowan never

betrayed you."

"Then why'd he take the chip?" Asher snapped. "Now he's got me by the throat

and he knows it."

"He did it to save you," Herman said simply.

Asher was left speechless, not getting it at all.

After Herman left, Asher turned to Riley. "You get what he meant?"

Riley shook his head. "Not a clue, man. That guy's playing on a whole different

field."