Chapter 450

The man in question, Vicenzo Batson, was the Little Knife Society’s rudder in those troubled waters. His name was a byword for

cunning, his connections a web that spanned from the city’s elite to its humble street sweepers. Even the fishmongers served as

his eyes and ears, his network was as deep as it was wide.

Ever since the Xanthos family challenged the New Chesire Group, he had been eyeing that shortcut, corralling a crew to hijack

New Chesire’s cargo ships, all to get in with the influential Xanthos family.

“Mister Batson!”

On the freighter next to the wharf, a businessman was bound hand and foot, his neck rigid, his expression defiant. “You planning

to off us?!

“It's easy to take us out, but you better think about what comes next! Our boss Miss Chesire’s husband is Mister Kane, the

kingpin of Ol‘ Mare without a crown! If you kill us, Mister Kane will come after you, and your whole Little Knife crew will go down

with us!”

Vicenzo, belly bulging, chomped on his cigar and blasted a plume of smoke right in the businessman’s face.

He knew exactly who that suit was.

Atop dog at New Chesire Group, the guy in charge of logistics, Afred Sabine.

“Do you have a death wish threatening me like that, Mr. Sabine?” Vicenzo plucked the cigar from his lips, standing tall on the

dock’s edge.

He loomed over Afred, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “I gave New Chesire Group a three -day ultimatum, and it’s been

two with no peep from them. Their goods are still up north in the

market.

“You get what that means?”

The New Chesire Group had written them off long ago, never planning to leave the north,

completely indifferent to their fate.

“Is it really worth risking your necks for them?”

Afred stood there, his neck rigid, not uttering a word.

Behind him, the entire crew and staff from the three freighters stood in solidarity-the captain, the first mate, the cook, the

cleaners, and the ship’s doctor... Over 120 souls, all under the New

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Chesire banner.

Abandoned or not, they would not turn their backs on New Chesire and Mister Kane.

Loyalty-that was the virtue they held dear.

“You folks are stubborn, aren’t you? Won't admit it until you're in deep trouble!”

Vicenzo, with a cigar clamped back between his lips, gave the employees a chilling once—over before gesturing dismissively.

“Enough talk, boys, let’s get down to business!

“Break their hands and toss ‘em to the fish! And the cargo on these ships? It’s going straight to the Xanthos family—a little

welcome present from us!”

In a flurry of motion, more than 50 of Vicenzo’s goons, each gripping a shiny alloy dagger, sprang onto the deck, ready to pounce

on Afred and his crew.

Just then...

“Vicenzo, Mister Batson.”

Ayoung man’s voice cut through the harsh sea breeze, crystal clear and unexpected. “I hear you're quite the social butterfly,

Vicenzo. I'm curious—will your so-called friends be there to save you today?”

Vicenzo’s bulky frame shuddered, and he spun around on instinct.

Alexander!

The guy in front of them was rocking a laid—back suit with some snazzy sneakers. Trailing him

was a tough-looking dude with skin tanned to a deep brown. Word on the street was that he was

the infamous King of Ol Mare, Alexander.

The burly guy bringing up the rear had to be Ray.

Just the two of them...”

Vicenzo squinted, his eyes darting over Alexander and Ray before scanning the area to confirm

they were alone. He could not help but wonder.

Could Alexander and his buddy Ray really think they would pull off a rescue with just the two of

them? Were they that cocky, or did they have an ace up their sleeve?

“Guys, fall back!”

He held off on making a move, instead gesturing for his crew of over 50 to regroup at the dock. Then, he turned back to

Alexander with a wicked grin. “I've heard the tales of Ol‘ Mare Alexander’s

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prowess. However, those words you just dropped, I must've missed them!”

“Looking to take me down? Say it again, I dare you!”

Alexander just shook his head.

He had said his piece. Whether Vicenzo caught it was his own problem. They had found the ship and the crew, so there was no

point in more chit-chat. Anyone who messed with the New Chesire Group was in for a world of hurt.