Catherine hadn't been in contact with Edward for years, but over the past couple of days, she felt he had changed completely.
She couldn't pinpoint exactly how, but something about him was undeniably strange.
Now, Edward was driving her car like he was about to take off, leaving Catherine pale with fright.
"Edward! What are you doing? Slow down! Slow down!"
Edward was visibly annoyed. "Shut up! I'm in a hurry—your brother's life is on the line!"
Catherine froze. "Henry? What are you talking about?"
"Just stay quiet!" Edward snapped.
Seeing him so tense, Catherine grew suspicious but dared not ask more. She simply closed her eyes, bracing for whatever was coming.
Edward couldn't help but lament how his cautious behavior had thrown the storyline completely off track.
Henry White was about to meet the same fate as in the original plot—getting set up by Davis and killed at the Neon Babe nightclub.
And right now, Henry White was at Neon Babe.
When Edward got the call, his mind worked like lightning. I have to save him!
First of all, Henry White was one of the few friends Edward had. Secondly, though Henry wasn't exactly a good person, he didn't deserve to die.
He was just another rich heir, a little arrogant but not malicious. For the most part, he treated people decently. His faults were indulgence in luxury and laziness—hardly crimes worthy of death.
In the original plot, Henry's death was simply a stepping stone for Davis to acquire the White family's assets. But Edward couldn't stand by and let his friend die like that.
When they reached Neon Babe, Edward jumped out of the car and rushed inside.
This wasn't the kind of place just anyone could afford, and Henry White wouldn't normally visit run-of-the-mill clubs.
A few thuggish bouncers blocked Edward at the door. "Hey, buddy, do you even know where you are? You can't just barge in—"
Jon stepped forward angrily. "Get out of the way! Do you know who you're messing with? This is Edward Astor from Snow City! Are you looking to die?"
The lead bouncer's expression immediately shifted. "Oh, Boss Edward! Welcome, welcome! What brings you here?"
Edward slapped a hand onto his face. "Out of my way."
Grabbing another guy by the collar, he demanded, "Where's Henry White, that fat idiot?"
The young man stammered nervously, "Mr. White is on the fifth floor."
"Take me there!" Edward barked.
As they made their way inside, the lead bouncer hastily spoke into his radio. "Boss Edward from the Astor family is heading upstairs. Prepare to receive him!"
"Which Boss Edward?"
"Which other Boss Edward? The one with billions in family assets, who just called Henry White a fat idiot!"
Edward marched into the club with Jon and Catherine trailing behind him.
The club's name, Neon Babe, was suggestive enough, and the interior décor was no different—vibrant, flashy, and full of ambiguous undertones.
As they climbed the stairs, rows of beautifully dressed women in stockings and sparkling dresses lined both sides, their high heels clicking as they greeted sweetly, "Welcome, Boss Edward, to Neon Babe!"
A woman in her early thirties approached with a smile. "Boss Edward! What an honor! It's rare to see you here."
"Where's that fat idiot?" Edward demanded.
"He's upstairs. Why don't you sit down first? I'll get a few girls to keep you company—"
"No need. Take me to him right now."
Edward's appearance sent shock waves through the nightclub. He hadn't been to places like this since his college days. After breaking up with Catherine, he'd had a rough patch but quickly focused his attention on pursuing Victoria, never returning to such venues.
But Henry White had thoroughly embraced the "family tradition."
Seeing Edward so anxious and frantic, Catherine began to believe him.
"My brother… is he really in danger?"
Edward glanced at her and thought to himself, I'll have to see for myself. I know he's supposed to die, but I'm not sure exactly how it'll happen this time.
The door to a large suite swung open, revealing a massive room with a folding screen partially blocking the view inside.
From the entrance, they could hear Henry White's voice shouting, "I'm dying here!"
Catherine's knees almost buckled in fear, and Edward quickly steadied her as they rounded the screen.
What greeted them was a scene so absurd it was almost comical.
Henry White lay sprawled on a massage chair, with one girl massaging his head, two working on his feet, and two more kneading his arms.
His face was covered with a colorful facial mask, and he groaned in pure bliss.
Catherine's face turned ashen with fury. "This is your idea of an emergency?"
Edward ignored her and called out, "Henry White!"
"Huh?" Henry didn't even bother to look. "Oh, Edward! Come grab a few girls and relax—it's amazing!"
Edward walked up and waved the women away. "Leave. All of you."
The staff, sensing Edward's irritation, quickly complied.
"You too," Edward told one remaining attendant.
"Yes, sir. Call if you need anything."
Henry White sat up, peeling off his face mask. "What's the deal? I was having a great time… Oh, sis? Sis, let me explain—this is my first time at a place like this, I swear!"
Catherine glared at him. "Shut up, both of you! Edward, what's going on?"
Edward asked, "Where's Joseph Smith?"
Henry's face darkened with anger. "I beat him up and sent him running for backup."
Edward nodded. "Don't come back to this place again. It's dangerous for you."
Henry laughed. "It sure is! I just survived an attack from five young girls—nearly died of happiness."
Edward was about to reply when the door was suddenly kicked open.
Joseph shouted angrily, "Henry, get out here!"
Henry White lazily grabbed a bathrobe and draped it over himself. "What do you want from me now?"
By now, the doorway was crowded with people, shoving and jostling. It was obvious that Henry White's lackeys and Joseph Smith's reinforcements were about to come to blows.
Joseph snarled, "You snatched the girl I called over—today I'm gonna wreck you!"
Edward turned to Joseph, his expression cold. "Joseph, we still have unresolved issues. You'd better back off while you can."
The moment Joseph saw Edward, he laughed mockingly. "Oh, so you two are teaming up again? Fine! Today, I'm not afraid of either of you. I've got a new friend—let's see if you're as tough as you think you are. Fight him instead!"
From the crowd emerged a figure—Davis.
Edward was stunned. Not because Davis was here—according to the original storyline, Henry White was always destined to encounter Davis at this nightclub.
What shocked him was seeing Davis and Joseph together.
What the hell?!
You're supposed to be the protagonist, the hero! What are you doing siding with a minor antagonist?!
Edward's mind raced. How do I even deal with this?
Henry White, though usually cheerful and chubby, wasn't someone to underestimate in a fight. Back in the day, he had been a fierce brawler, never backing down.
His face now darkened with anger. "Damn it! Do you think I care how many guys you brought? Joseph, you messed with my sister a few days ago—today I'm settling the score! Edward, let's take him down together. This bastard's not walking out of here!"
The club's madam was terrified—none of the men in this room were people she could afford to offend.
"Oh, young masters, please! It's not worth it. Let's calm down. I'll cover everyone's tab tonight—Joseph, do me a favor, won't you?"
Henry White pointed at her. "I'll pay for anything we smash today. Now step aside! Joseph isn't leaving here in one piece. Number Three!"
"Yes, sir!" One of Henry's lackeys barked back.
"Block all the exits! If anyone gets away, I'll deal with you myself!"
"Don't worry, Mr. White! None of these scumbags are going anywhere!"
Jon pointed at Joseph. "Joseph, I'm not here for anyone else—I'm cutting you down today!"
Edward glanced at Jon, already clutching a knife wrapped in a towel, clearly ready for action.
Edward grabbed Jon by the collar. "Knock it off."
Jon blinked in confusion. "Mr. White's in trouble, and we're not stepping in?"
Edward looked at Joseph. "Joseph, what's got you so riled up? If you want to fight, at least explain what's going on. I'm still in the dark here."
Joseph sneered. "That fat idiot snatched the girl I called over. He's openly disrespecting me!"
Edward chuckled. "This is all over a girl?"
"What of it? I'm Joseph Smith! Have I ever taken a loss in Snow City? And you, Edward—we still have unfinished business. Why did you hit me the other day?"
Davis laughed heartily. "Edward, you're quite the busy man. You seem to be involved in everything, huh?"
Edward turned to Davis, his wariness dissipating. He had been in brawls since high school, always leaning on his wealth and sheer audacity. He never backed down and always fought ruthlessly.
Both Edward and Henry White weren't bullies; they'd been cornered and extorted in their early days, and while they initially paid up to avoid trouble, they eventually fought back when their tormentors pushed too far.
They gained notoriety mid-way through their brawling days. With money, loyal followers, and their own bravery leading the charge, they earned respect. By the end, no one dared cross them.
Their fights became almost heroic—protecting the weak, chasing off harassers, and keeping the university relatively peaceful. Their unique brand of justice, though crude, had left a mark.
Now, facing a scene straight out of their glory days, Edward felt calm, while Henry was both enraged and exhilarated.
Henry burned with indignation at Joseph's audacity. This punk I beat up years ago dares to challenge me? And he messed with my sister?!
But at the same time, he was thrilled. Finally, a chance to prove myself!
The whole family, the whole city, thinks I'm useless. But they're wrong! Sure, I smoke, drink, party, and gamble—but I'm still a good guy!
And I'm great at fighting! If my family hadn't held me back, I'd have joined the army by now, shooting guns and firing cannons—how awesome would that be?
Today's perfect. Just perfect.
Joseph had dug his own grave, and Henry relished the opportunity to bury him.
"Edward!" Henry shouted, kicking a chair to splinters and tossing Edward a chair leg. Edward caught it without hesitation.
Henry kicked aside another chair blocking his path, wielding his own chair leg like a weapon.
"Edward, I'm treating tonight! This bastard Joseph is mine. That Davis guy? He's yours. Mark,Jon—you hold the line and keep things under control. Don't let anyone interfere."
Edward glanced at the chair leg in his hand, then looked at Davis.
Davis stood there smiling, his eyes fixed on Edward.