Chereads / TRUE CRIMINAL EMPIRE / Chapter 86 - Refusal

Chapter 86 - Refusal

In the penthouse suite of one of Miami's most exclusive hotels, Tyrone reclined in a plush leather armchair, the skyline behind him glowing with the vibrant lights of the city. The scent of Cuban cigars mingled with the faint aroma of exotic flowers from a meticulously arranged bouquet in the corner. The table before him was laden with crystal flutes of champagne and an assortment of rare delicacies, untouched save for the glass in Tyrone's hand, half-empty from deliberate sips. His tailored three-piece suit, charcoal with subtle pinstripes, exuded authority, and the glint of a custom timepiece on his wrist only reinforced his presence.

Across from him sat his Miami lieutenant, Hector "The Silver Shark" Rivera, a sharp-dressed man with a demeanor both respectful and cautious. Beside Hector stood his assistant, a stunning young woman with a clipboard in hand and a tablet balanced on her arm. She was poised and professional, but her eyes darted nervously toward Tyrone, who had built a reputation that preceded him—even in the most lavish circles. 

Hector finished a sip of his champagne and gestured for his assistant to begin. She cleared her throat, stepping forward. "Mr. King," she began, her voice steady but with a hint of trepidation, "This quarter, your Miami operations have reported a revenue increase of 18%. That brings the total—"

Tyrone raised a hand, silencing her mid-sentence. He leaned back, swirling the champagne in his glass, his eyes fixed on Hector. "You have a voice, don't you, Hector?" he asked smoothly, but his tone carried a razor-sharp edge. "I prefer to hear it from you. Unless, of course, I'm wasting my time having you here." 

Hector's assistant immediately froze, her face flushing red as she stepped back without another word. She knew better than to argue, her expression one of quiet retreat as she glanced at Hector. He gave her a subtle nod to let her know it was fine, then turned his attention fully to Tyrone. 

"Of course, boss," Hector said, sitting up straighter. "The Miami operations are running smooth. Our revenues have jumped by 18% this quarter, thanks to increased shipments coming through the new dock routes. Distribution's expanded into two more counties without any heat from the Feds or the locals. Profits are clean, and the payouts to our key players are handled." 

Tyrone gave a slight nod of approval, his gaze unreadable. "And the clubs?" 

"Pullin' strong numbers. One of 'em hit capacity four nights in a row last week. Money's flowing through 'em nice and steady. Laundering operations are ahead of schedule." Hector paused before adding, "Everything's on track to push up another tier by the next quarter." 

Tyrone took another sip of his champagne, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Good," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Now, what about the noise I've been hearing? Something about Miguel's leftovers wanting a seat at the table." 

Hector smirked and shook his head. "Yeah, boss. Some of Miguel's old lieutenants reached out. They're floundering ever since you took him off the board. They want a sit-down to 'discuss opportunities'." He leaned in slightly, his tone dripping with disdain. "They're trying to stay relevant, but they ain't got the muscle or the brains to back it up. They think you'll throw 'em a bone." 

Tyrone leaned forward, setting his glass down with a soft clink. He let out a low chuckle, one that carried no warmth. "They want a *sit-down*?" he repeated, almost to himself. His laughter deepened, filling the room like a predator toying with prey. "Tell me, Hector, do they really think they have a seat at *my* table after everything they've lost?" 

Hector grinned, shaking his head. "No clue, boss. But it's desperate, that's for sure." 

Tyrone stood, his towering presence dominating the room as he adjusted his cuffs. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, staring out over the glittering Miami skyline. "Desperation breeds stupidity," he said after a moment, his voice quiet but heavy with intent. "They're not worth my time. Let 'em rot in whatever scraps they have left. And if they try to get clever..." He turned back to Hector, his gaze like ice. "Remind them whose empire they're living under." 

Hector nodded firmly. "Consider it done." 

The assistant, who had remained silent and motionless during the exchange, glanced nervously between the two men. She had seen powerful figures before, but Tyrone's ability to command a room with a few words and a steely look was something else entirely. As Tyrone sat back down, picking up his glass once more, she excused herself quietly, retreating from the room with a sense of palpable relief. 

Tyrone raised his glass again, this time to Hector. "Keep the wheels turning, Hector. I built this machine to last, and I won't have amateurs throwing sand in the gears." 

Hector clinked his glass to Tyrone's, the unspoken understanding between them clear. Miami was under Tyrone's control, and no one—not even the remnants of a fallen kingpin's empire—would dare challenge that.

In the dimly lit warehouse on the outskirts of the city, tension hung as thick as the lingering scent of old oil and dust. A group of men sat around a makeshift table made from a repurposed wooden pallet, their faces etched with frustration and desperation. They were the remnants of Miguel's once-dominant empire—lieutenants who had ruled with authority in their heyday, now reduced to scrapping for survival in a criminal world that had no patience for weakness. 

At the head of the table sat Luis "El Toro" Martinez, Miguel's former right-hand man. His broad shoulders and scarred face gave him the appearance of a man who had been through hell and lived to tell about it, but tonight, his usual air of confidence had been replaced by a simmering rage. Around him, his crew murmured anxiously, their voices low but full of uncertainty about their future. 

The conversation ceased when the metallic screech of the warehouse door being slid open echoed through the space. All eyes turned to the entrance as a lone figure stepped in, his silhouette cutting a sharp outline against the moonlight spilling through the gap. The figure stepped forward into the light, revealing a man dressed impeccably in dark slacks and a leather jacket, his face partially obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. 

It was Raul, one of Hector's trusted operators—a man known for delivering messages with a sense of finality that left no room for negotiation. His mere presence made the air in the room feel heavier, and the murmurs ceased altogether. 

"El Toro," Raul said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge of danger. He walked slowly toward the table, his footsteps deliberate. "I come bearing news from the man upstairs." 

Luis's jaw tightened, his fists clenching on the table. "And?" he asked gruffly, though his tone betrayed the anxiety beneath the surface. 

Raul stopped just short of the table, looking at each man seated there before finally resting his gaze on Luis. "The answer is no. There will be no sit-down. No deals. No discussions." He delivered the words with the precision of a blade cutting through silence. 

The room erupted into chaos. Men stood from their seats, chairs scraping against the concrete floor as their voices rose in anger. One slammed his fist on the table, another cursed under his breath. Luis remained seated, though his knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the table. 

"This is bullshit!" one of the lieutenants yelled. "We were loyal to Miguel, and this is how we're treated? He built this empire, and now we're being thrown to the wolves?" 

Raul raised a hand, silencing the outbursts. "Loyalty to Miguel means nothing now. He's out of the game. The man upstairs has no interest in dealing with leftovers." His gaze sharpened, cutting through their anger. "You've been given your answer. What you do with it is up to you—but don't make the mistake of thinking you can operate without consequences." 

Luis finally spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "What about Miguel? He wouldn't let this happen to us. He wouldn't let us starve." 

Raul smirked, a humorless expression that sent a chill through the room. "Miguel is retired. He doesn't care. You're on your own." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "But if you think for one second that stepping out of line will go unnoticed, let me remind you—Hector doesn't tolerate loose ends. And Tyrone? He buries them." 

With that, Raul straightened, his message delivered. He adjusted his hat, turned on his heel, and walked out of the warehouse without a backward glance. The sound of the door slamming shut echoed like a gunshot, leaving the room in tense silence. 

Luis's crew looked to him for guidance, their faces pale with uncertainty. One of the men, younger and more hotheaded, spoke up. "What now, boss? We just sit here and starve? Let them run us into the ground?" 

Luis's eyes burned with fury, but he kept his composure. "We don't starve," he growled. "Not yet. But we don't go to war either. Not without a plan." 

As the men murmured in agreement, Luis's mind raced. He knew Raul's words were a death sentence for their operations, but he wasn't ready to accept defeat. Not yet. Tyrone may have refused the sit-down, but Luis was determined to find another way to survive—even if it meant defying the unspoken rules of the game.