Chapter 603:
âDidnât learn from the first lesson? I donât mind reinforcing it for you,â Kellanâs voice cut through the tension.
Santino stammered, âN-No, thatâs enoughâ¦â
His body was trembling all over, and even Lindy, watching from a distance, felt uneasy. She recalled unsettling rumors about Kellan and shivered. He exuded a calm exterior that concealed something deadly, like a tranquil sea hiding a violent current beneath the surface. One misstep, and youâd be pulled into a bottomless abyss, torn to pieces in an instant.
âOuch, that really hurts!â Santino grimaced, now desperate for mercy. âIâll apologize however you want, just let go of my hand!â His tormentor was ruthlessly accurate, landing blows on the most sensitive spots without causing life-threatening injuries, but enough to leave him certain that his jaw was fractured.
Watching Santino cower, Allison couldnât help a faint smirk. âHonestly, no point wasting energy on him. Besides, youâre getting those dirty,â she said, glancing down at Kellanâs shoes.
A flicker of menace crossed Kellanâs eyes. âHe crossed you, so he should face the consequences.â
Allison blinked, surprised by the protective note in his tone. She could handle herself, but his defense stirred an unexpected warmth within her.
Meanwhile, murmurs in the crowd grew louder.
âOh my God! Mr. Barker, what happened?â called a voice as a man in a uniform with a badge approached.
Whispers circulated among the bystanders. âIsnât that Lenny Todd, the manager of Sunset Hill?â
It was well-known that managers like Lenny had a direct line to the powerful figures who controlled Sunset Hill, a fact that set the crowd on edge as they remembered Santinoâs earlier boasts. Sure enough, as soon as Santino saw the newcomer, he quickly regained his arrogance. His pain faded, replaced with smug satisfaction.
âLenny! Finally, youâre here. These people are causing a scene here!â Eager for revenge, he barked, âGet them out of here, now!â
âYes, yes!â Lenny nodded, but as he took a closer look at the group, his face turned ghostly white. Just who had Santino messed with this time? Standing before him were Rebecca Green, the beloved daughter of the powerful Green family, and Ferdinand Blakely, heir to a massive advertising empire.
But it was the man with the icy stare who made Lenny break into a cold sweatâKellan Lloyd, the CEO of Charisma Company, a figure constantly in the media spotlight. These were not people he could afford to cross.
Santino, impatient with Lennyâs hesitation, slapped his head sharply. âWhat are you waiting for? Teach them a lesson!â
Lennyâs face flushed. He was at a loss for words. He really couldnât afford to pick a fight with these people. He looked around, desperately hoping to shift his target. His gaze landed on a harmless-looking woman in front of him who seemed like the perfect victim.
He pointed at her, trying to sound tough as he waved his phone. âHow dare you defy Mr. Barker? Mr. Brennan is on his way, and once heâs here, youâll be humiliated beyond belief. Nowâs your last chanceâkneel and beg Mr. Barkerâs forgiveness!â
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