Chapter 4
“You can’t do that,” Mr. Nathan protested.
“Mr. Nathan, I believe you understand very well that if you want to sell this smuggled shipment, you must go through my gate,” Mr. Red replied.
“What do you want?” The middle-aged man’s face, already unattractive, now showed signs of anger. Mr. Red was indeed as treacherous and ruthless as the rumors suggested.
But Mr. Red’s words were entirely accurate. Whoever controlled this port would naturally have the “trading” delivered right into their hands. The Vincent Corporation conspired with the authorities and held the reins of port trading, even over the most prominent companies.
Furthermore, the Vincent Corporation was a powerful force in the illicit market, whether it was international smuggling organizations or domestic criminal syndicates. To enter and carry out the process of “laundering” goods in the port, one needed their permission.
Currently, Frederick Vincent was the head of the Vincent family and corporation, leading them into a golden age of development. Their influence did not fear the government; they had enough assets to buy a powerful country. Due to these circumstances, he earned himself a nickname — Mr. Red.
Mr. Red adjusted his collar, his indifferent tone leaving no room for escape for the person in front of him. “Add 10% to the cost, and I’ll consider it as if nothing happened. As for future matters, I’ll handle them myself.”
Mr. Nathan calculated momentarily, widening his eyes as he looked up. “10%! That’s over twenty million dollars! Mr. Red, you’re being too greedy.”
“A flattering remark.”
“No, I won’t accept it.”
Both groups immediately drew their swords, and Mr. Red’s bodyguards quickly unsheathed their weapons. The other party realized something was amiss, especially since Mr. Red had their merchandise in his possession. Now, they could only remain silent and comply.
“Fine, I… I agree,” Mr. Nathan reluctantly spoke, knowing everything was now in Mr. Red’s hands. He had no choice but to agree. Suddenly, Mr. Nathan turned to look at a figure on the ground and swiftly pulled out his gun. “If Mr. Red objects, I will immediately kill the fool who vandalized these cars on his territory!”
Carolina followed his gaze and discovered that the person lying on the ground was… Ryan! Two bodyguards were standing beside him, obstructing her view of her younger brother.
“No! Stop!” Regardless of everything, Carolina rushed forward, shielding her younger brother.
Everyone drew their guns, aiming them at Carolina and Ryan.
“Ryan! Ryan!”
She held Ryan tightly in her arms, realizing he was burning up with a high fever, his body in delirium. Gently placing her younger brother down, she raised her hands instantly, and raindrops fell on her stubborn and determined face. Her gaze showed no signs of fear.
In an instant, Mr. Red caught sight of Carolina, and a glimmer of astonishment flickered in his deep eyes.
“You shall not harm my younger brother. Whatever mistakes he has made, I will take full responsibility. Ryan is a foolish child who doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
Mr. Nathan, as if hearing the funniest joke in the world, chuckled, “You will take responsibility? Little girl, what about over twenty million dollars?”
Mr. Red stood by silently, not uttering a word. Observing her standing in the pouring rain and fierce wind, with an expression of immense strength and resilience, he suddenly felt intrigued. Like a delicate and fragile flower, she still raised her head with unwavering determination when facing adversity and stormy weather. This woman was not weak. Thus, this game would become even more thrilling and stimulating.
Unnoticed by anyone, the corners of Mr. Red’s icy mouth curved upward, and a delighted smile appeared.
“You may kill me, but you must not touch my younger brother,” she raised her head, facing the middle-aged man.
He laughed coldly, “If you already know everything, then you cannot survive either.” Finishing his words, he raised his hand, the dark gun pointing directly at Carolina. Preparing to take a life.
Carolina turned her body, holding her younger brother tightly in her arms, her head pressed against Ryan’s. Her expression and demeanor were not that of fear but of deep sorrow, unwilling to part with her loved one.
“Mr. Nathan,” Mr. Red’s low voice echoed. “If this were to happen within my jurisdiction, let me handle it. I will personally take care of these two. For safety, I suggest you leave here a little earlier.”
Just as the smooth transaction seemed to be going well, it was disrupted right before their eyes. Angered, he left in a hurry.
Mr. Red glanced at the two individuals on the ground, his voice cold, “Take them away.” Then, he bent down and sat inside a luxurious car.
Carolina raised her head, catching a glimpse of the man sitting in the car. Straight nose, angular and resolute face, cold and bloodthirsty eyes.
“I beg you, spare my younger brother. He’s a foolish child who doesn’t know what he’s doing. He will never speak of what happened today. You can kill me, but please spare my younger brother…” Carolina pleaded, her voice weak, quickly swept away by the strong wind.
Despite facing abandonment from her biological father and humiliation from her stepmother, she had never bowed her head or begged anyone before.
Mr. Red remained silent as the car window slowly closed, and the vehicle departed arrogantly.
‘You have shown love for your younger brother, so I will make you taste the pain of losing a loved one…’ he thought.
Carolina held her brother tightly as she was forcefully pulled into a car. The future held unknown and unpredictable outcomes. Carolina didn’t know what she would face. She could only sense the chilling presence and the scent of death slowly creeping toward her.