Luya's voice dropped, and the surroundings fell into a heavy silence.
Oppose? Who would dare oppose him now?
Didn't they see the former boss, Matt, sprawled on the ground, dazed and defeated?
Slowly, the crowd resumed their activities. The vendors returned to their stalls, the drinkers back to their bottles, and even the robbers... well, most reconsidered their options. One young thief trembling in the corner thought better of it and dropped his loot, eyes wide with fear.
Luya turned his gaze toward Bray.
"Didn't you say your boss was here too?"
Bray's eyes flicked nervously toward the lifeless body of Matt. He gave a shaky laugh, attempting to mask his fear.
"Ah, boss, that was just a joke!" Bray's voice oozed with flattery. "I'm not the only one with bosses, you know. Hehe..."
Luya's senses had become sharp, almost superhuman. When Bray spoke, he caught the subtle glance toward the dead man. His enhanced hearing also picked up the whispers of the onlookers.
"Matt... That was Matt..."
Luya shook his head. Matt's death was no accident—it was necessary. After all, Matt had set his sights on Gwen with ill intent.
As Luya stood by the entrance of the restaurant, the moonlight illuminated him. From beneath the eaves, Gwen gazed at him, momentarily stunned by the sight.
Inside the restaurant, Luya rejoined Lu Xuan and Lu Hao. His visit to Hell's Kitchen served two purposes: to assess the chaos within and, more importantly, to make a statement.
Hell's Kitchen was ruled by strength. Taking down the former boss meant future troublemakers would think twice before acting. The Lu siblings—Lu Xuan and Lu Hao—needed this shield of fear. They couldn't leave with him, but his reputation would protect them.
"Bray."
Bray snapped to attention like a loyal henchman. "Yes, boss! What are your orders?"
Luya regarded him coolly. "When I leave, keep an eye on Lu Xuan and Lu Hao. Make sure no one messes with them. Understand?"
Bray nodded fervently. He wasn't about to cross Luya, not after seeing the devastation his two attacks had wrought. And with the possibility of Luya returning, Bray wouldn't dare try anything clever.
Lu Xuan caught the meaning behind Luya's instructions. He was looking out for her and her brother. After so long living like mice, it felt strange to experience such warmth.
She whispered hoarsely, "Thank you."
Her voice was soft, as if unused to speaking often, but Luya heard it clearly. He gave her a reassuring smile.
After leaving Hell's Kitchen, Luya walked Gwen home.
Just as they reached her door, Gwen clung to his arm and smiled. "Do you want to come in for a bit?"
Luya knew exactly what she was hinting at. Girls Gwen's age were considered mature in America. But Luya shook his head—not because he was a gentleman, but...
"I want to tell you something!" A stern voice interrupted.
A middle-aged man appeared behind Gwen, his face filled with barely concealed irritation. The anger wasn't directed at his daughter—it was aimed squarely at Luya.
It was George Stacy, Gwen's father. As police chief, George was a man of justice, much like Ben Parker, Luya's adoptive father. In every comic or movie, George's sense of duty inevitably led to his tragic demise.
Luya didn't aspire to be like him, but he respected the man.
Gwen looked startled. "Dad, you're still awake?"
George's stern expression softened into a fond look. "If you hadn't come home, I would've gone looking for you."
The idea of his daughter out late at night with an unfamiliar boy had clearly rattled him. Gwen, realizing her mistake, lowered her head. Still, she didn't regret tonight—it had shown her a side of Luya she hadn't expected. In her eyes, he wasn't just a friend; he was a hero.
"Alright, sweetheart, time for bed. You've got school in the morning." George kissed her forehead, then turned his attention back to Luya.
"So, you're Ben Parker's kid, huh?"
Luya's head throbbed. Of course, George would know his family. What were the odds? He groaned inwardly. Hopefully, this wouldn't lead to his father getting an earful.
Gwen gave Luya a playful glance before disappearing inside, leaving him to face her father alone.
George scrutinized Luya closely. He was tall, handsome, and carried an air of quiet strength—not exactly a comforting sight for a protective father.
George crossed his arms. "Ben and I go way back. I'd hate to see you take the wrong path."
Luya sighed. He knew George wasn't trying to be hostile. The man respected Ben Parker, and his interactions with Peter Parker had left a good impression. Still, when it came to his daughter, George wasn't taking any chances.
His tone softened slightly. "It's late. You should head home. Thanks for getting Gwen back safely—and say hello to your father for me."
Relieved, Luya gave a polite nod. "I will, Uncle George."
George raised an eyebrow at the casual use of "Uncle," but by then, Luya was already halfway down the street.
"That kid… He's nothing like Ben," George muttered with a sigh.
The night air was cool as Luya sprinted through the empty streets. Everything around him blurred as he raced home. In mere minutes, he reached the front door, only to find someone waiting.
"Oh, Dad... You're still up?"
Ben Parker stood in the doorway, arms crossed and an expression of fatherly disappointment etched on his face.
Luya's heart sank. "Didn't Peter cover for me? I told him to make up an excuse!"
That was Luya's last thought before Ben Parker began his lecture.