"Do you dare to take it?"
Big Jack rarely hesitated when faced with a challenge. But this time, his silence was deafening. A smirk tugged at his lips, masking his disbelief. "Wait right there!" he barked into the phone before abruptly hanging up.
Inside the barbecue shop, the air grew tense. Everyone froze, their expressions ranging from incredulous to horrified.
"That guy… he's insane!" murmured one of the staff.
Even Ethan Howard was taken aback by Mike Carter's audacity. He glanced at Mike and, for the first time, felt an unshakable shift in the young man's demeanor. Facing off against Big Jack—the overlord of Maplewood Avenue—Mike showed not a hint of fear.
Outside, the commotion was palpable. A wave of footsteps, voices, and shouts echoed as a mob began forming. Big Jack's men were gathering, and their target was clear: Mike Carter.
The shop owner, visibly panicked, leaned closer to Mike. "You've stirred up a storm, young man. Big Jack isn't someone you mess with."
Ethan's expression mirrored the shop owner's concern. "Young Master, this might not be the wisest course."
Mike's calm gaze met Ethan's. "You think I made the wrong move?"
Ethan hesitated before answering. "Not necessarily, but there's a saying… 'A dragon from afar should not cross the local tiger.'"
Mike's eyes narrowed. "Maybe those dragons weren't strong enough."
Soon, the narrow streets of Maplewood Avenue were packed. People spilled out from alleyways and shops, their attention drawn to the brewing confrontation.
Then came Big Jack.
The man lived up to his reputation. Though in his fifties, his towering figure and streaked gray beard exuded an intimidating presence. His very walk commanded respect. He stopped abruptly, his sharp gaze locking onto Mike.
"You're the one causing all this trouble?" Big Jack growled. "You better have my three million, or you'll disappear from this city."
Mike met his glare without flinching. "Three million? Transfer him three billion," Mike said flatly, turning to Ethan.
The crowd gasped. Even Big Jack's hardened men exchanged bewildered looks.
"Three billion?" Big Jack's voice cracked slightly, caught off guard.
"Did I stutter?" Mike's voice remained calm.
Ethan, unfazed, nodded. "Young Master, transferring three billion will require a trip to the bank."
An hour later, Big Jack stood outside the bank, staring at the confirmation slip in disbelief. Three billion. Not three million. The figure felt surreal.
"You… you're not from around here, are you?" Big Jack's tone softened, tinged with genuine curiosity.
Mike's response was curt. "I've paid you. That's all you need to know."
Big Jack's shoulders sagged slightly. In his decades of running Maplewood's underworld, he'd never encountered someone like this. The three billion wasn't a payment; it was a statement.
Big Jack swallowed hard, weighing his options. Finally, he spoke. "Mr. Carter, I… I can't take this money."
The crowd stirred as whispers rippled through the air.
Big Jack continued, his voice earnest. "Someone like you… I'd rather have an ally than money. Let me return this, and if there's anything you need in the future, you can count on me."
Mike smirked slightly. "You're sure?"
"Absolutely," Big Jack replied. "In fact, if there's any issue you need handled, let me know. Consider it my way of apologizing for this… misunderstanding."
Back at the barbecue shop, the mood shifted dramatically when Big Jack and his entourage returned. Iron Claw, Big Jack's subordinate, was visibly shaken.
"Boss, it's this kid! He's the one who insulted you!" Iron Claw pointed an accusing finger at Mike.
Without warning, Big Jack slapped Iron Claw so hard that a tooth flew out. "You idiot!" Big Jack roared. "Do you have any idea who you're talking about?"
Iron Claw reeled from the blow, stunned.
"Get on your knees and apologize to Mr. Carter!" Big Jack ordered, his voice like thunder.
Iron Claw hesitated, but another glare from Big Jack made him drop to his knees. "I'm sorry… I… I was wrong," he stammered.
Mike didn't even glance at him. "Are we done here?" he asked Big Jack.
"Yes, Mr. Carter. I'll make sure nothing like this ever happens again," Big Jack assured him.
As Mike and Ethan walked out of the shop with Amelia, Ethan spoke quietly. "Young Master, I see your plan to subdue Big Jack. But won't this leave him unsatisfied?"
Mike's smirk returned. "Let him be. It doesn't matter whether he's satisfied or not."
Turning his attention to Amelia, Mike's tone softened. "Does it hurt? You've been working here for so long… why didn't you tell me?"
Amelia shook her head, avoiding his gaze. She gestured to indicate she was fine.
Mike sighed. "From now on, no more working at places like this."
Amelia hesitated but finally nodded.
"Ethan," Mike said suddenly, "find me a teacher."
"A teacher? For what?" Ethan asked, confused.
"Sign language," Mike replied firmly. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "And see if we can find a doctor for her condition."
Ethan's face lit up. "I know just the people."
Back at River Valley College, Mike received a call from an unknown number. He answered to hear a familiar yet strained voice.
"Mike, it's Veronica Rivers," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What happened?" Mike's tone turned serious.
"It's Sophia… she's threatening to… jump into the river," Veronica said, her voice breaking. "I… I don't know what to do."
Mike's grip tightened on his phone. "Tell me everything."
Veronica explained the unbearable pressure Sophia was under. "It's all my fault. I used the Californium you gave her to secure investments. Now the media is calling it fake. Ethan Bear's leveraging this to destroy our family. He's demanding… he's demanding we… spend the night with him to make this go away."
Mike's jaw clenched. "And you're considering it?"
Veronica hesitated, then admitted, "I have no choice. But I just want you to stop Sophia from doing something reckless. Please, I'll give you five million… just take her away from here."
Mike's voice turned icy. "Tell her to count down from 3,600."
"What? Why?"
"By the time she finishes, the Bear family will be finished," Mike said confidently.