Bryson, standing tall and imposing, matched Charlie in height but outmatched him in presence.


    His face, void of any emotion, now disyed a clear look of disdain.


    “Didn’t you hear what my friend just said? Are you looking for trouble?”


    His presence was intimidating, filling the air with tension.


    His hands, clenched into fists, suggested that with just a bit more force, Charlie’s neck could be in serious danger.


    Feeling the deadly intent and the pain gripping his neck, Charlie quickly raised his hands in a gesture of peace.


    “Let’s not make this worse.


    It’d be unfortunate if you got in trouble for harming me and couldn’t leave Jade Paradise.


    ”N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Charlie’s plea might seem like a cry for mercy, but smart folks knew he was actually throwing down a threat.


    If Brysonid a finger on him, chances were Bryson wouldn’t leave Jade Paradise without a few bruises.


    The problem was, Bryson was thest person who would cave to such tactics.


    “Guess we’ll find out,” Bryson said, tightening his grip on Charlie’s neck like it was no big deal.


    Feeling the pressure, Charlie blurted out, “Hey! We messed up breaking in, but you don’t have to get your hands dirty over it!”


    “Bry, he’s got a point.


    No need to stir up trouble,” Kohen chimed in.


    Charlie jumped in.


    “Look, to make it right, you bosses get a free night at Jade Paradise!”


    “Are we broke? Do we now need you to take care of our expenses?”


    Kohen shot back, not amused.


    It was clear Charlie was in over his head.


    Even big shots had to y nice during inspections at Jade Paradise.


    That was why Charlie and his team were flexing their muscles and searching the third floor.


    Lorenzo and his crew walked in, trying to smooth things over with Kohen and Bryson.


    “Did our folks upset you? Sorry about earlier, bosses.


    Just making sure everything’s safe.


    Had some rowdy guests downsta


    irs, didn’t want it ruining your night.


    ”


    Kohen sparked his lighter, bringing a cigarette to life, its glowing tip held between his lips as he nced at Lorenzo with a sardonic smile.


    “You’re well aware of what goes down on the third floor of Jade Paradise.


    Now that you’ve had your nosy look around up there, who’s to say what surveince we’ll be under in the future? Will we even risking back?”


    Only the big shots got ess to the third floor, a fact not lost on Lorenzo.


    He couldn’t afford to rub them the wrong way, especially after seeing who had Charlie in a bind.


    His face drained of color, the realization hitting him like a ton of bricks.


    He scrambled to make amends with Kohen.


    “We underestimated you.


    Please, give us another chance, bosses.


    It won’t happen again!”


    Kohen tapped the ash from his cigarette, then turned to Bryson.


    “Bry, the Jade Paradise boss, he’s got some pull with me too.


    Let’s just let it slide for now.


    ”


    Feeling the pressure ease against the door, Charlie seized the chance and cautiously backed away, joining Lorenzo’s side.


    With the tension diffused, Lorenzo offered apologies and made a swift exit with Charlie’s crew.


    Outside, Lorenzo’s expression darkened as he faced Charlie.


    “Who gave you permission to bring people to the third floor? Do you even realize who they are? Some of them are so powerful that not even the boss wants to mess with them.


    Yet, here you are, barging in like you own the ce!”