The underworld has always had its own system.

But thanks to the influence of martial arts novels, the term 'underworld' sounds full of loyalty and heroism at first.

The reality is quite the opposite.

The so-called 'underworld' is actually the criminal world.

When you hear 'criminal world', it conjures images of turbulent storms and clashes of blades.

Pull back the cover, and all you will see is shady dealings and unspeakable truths.

Ardmore City isn't too big or too small, and those who can be called bosses of their territories are all prominent figures, working secretly against each other while maintaining a facade of harmony.

Compared to Caleb Ford, Declan Newhart is nothing noteworthy.

And compared to Declan Newhart, the youngster in front of us is even less significant.

Does the power of a crime boss lie in the number of people he commands?

Of course not.

It lies in the amount of money, and how powerful the protection from higher-ups is.

People like Declan Newhart and Declan Newhart are at best at a county level.

But Caleb Ford is different; he owns real estate and construction companies, and his protection is rumored to be strong, not even Dirk Carter knows who it is.

He can decide the fate of a county leader with just one sentence.

Such a feat can only be achieved by Caleb Ford.

News of Declan Newhart causing trouble in Stillwater County has already spread in the underworld. Originally, Declan Newhart was going to be jailed, but unfortunately, after a few blows from Dirk Carter, he was almost disabled.

Not only did he lose all his subordinates.

But his properties and territories were taken over by people sent by Caleb Ford.

Hearing that the situation Declan Newhart is in was caused by the young man in front of him, how could Declan Newhart not feel a chill down his spine?

"Oh, right, I forgot to tell you, June Bates also fell at the hands of my brother."

Caleb Ford added this sentence.

Making Declan Newhart shiver a bit.

It seems they've encountered the Living King of Hell today.

"Cal... Caleb, um... regarding our brother here... I..."

For a moment.

Declan Newhart didn't know what to say.

Caleb Ford understood his meaning.

He smiled and said, "My brother here always believes in one motto, which is: 'If people don't offend me, I don't offend them. If people offend me, I repay them tenfold.' I suggest whatever he wants, you give it to him. Otherwise, if my brother gets unhappy, you either come to me or I'll come to you, but the result is the same. Weigh your options."

"Yes, yes, Caleb, I will do as you say."

Declan Newhart nodded and bowed as he spoke.

Caleb Ford acknowledged him with a grunt and said, "Old Declan, your little tricks might work on others, but not on my brother, don't end up outsmarting yourself. You should understand that even if someone in Kenton County protects you, if I, Caleb Ford, want to take you down, you won't even see the sun tomorrow."

"Yes, yes, Caleb, I understand, I understand."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Caleb Ford hung up the phone.

The domineering look in Declan Newhart's eyes was gone.

Replaced by fear, a deep-seated fear.

He, someone in the service industry.

His business was only so big.

Even if he had good relations up top.

If Caleb Ford wanted to settle things the underworld way, he wouldn't be able to stay in Kenton County for a day.

Moreover, would he be willing to see all his assets vanish overnight?

"Dirk... Dirk, earlier I wasn't aware of your significance, um... we're all family, let's call it a day, let's call it a day..."

After chuckling.

Declan Newhart quickly gestured for his men to withdraw.

First, he didn't want to annoy Dirk Carter, and second, he wanted to maintain his image as the boss. If his subordinates saw him being so submissive, how could he command respect in the future?

The confused subordinates.

But since the boss ordered the retreat, they had no choice but to comply.

Declan Newhart's men retreated.

Dirk Carter wasn't a show-off either.

After clearing his throat.

His people also exited The Tonight Club lobby and returned to their vehicles.

After the farce.

The lobby was left with Dirk Carter, Declan Newhart, and Rosie.

Seeing Dirk Carter with his arms crossed sitting on the sofa, looking somewhat displeased.

Declan Newhart didn't know how to begin.

Suddenly, he waved at Rosie, saying, "Rosie, come over."

Rosie, unsure of what was happening, walked over.

Declan Newhart grabbed Rosie's arm, brought her over to Dirk Carter, and pressed her to sit beside him, saying solemnly, "Rosie, Dirk has taken a liking to you, it's your good fortune. Make sure to keep him company tonight and ensure his satisfaction."

Rosie was dumbfounded.

Looking at Declan Newhart incredulously, she said, "Declan, I'm your woman."

"Whose woman doesn't matter, if my brother likes you, then you're my brother's."

Declan Newhart reprimanded.

Rosie paused for a moment.

Pointing at Declan Newhart's nose, she yelled, "Declan, are you a man or not? Just handing over your woman like this?"

This accusation.

Aroused Declan Newhart's anger.

Retaliating by pointing at Rosie and shouting, "You bitch, what are you fussing about? You're my woman, you'll do what I say. Believe me or not, I'll beat you to death!"

"Beat me to death? You're not treating me like a person, believe it or not, I'll ruin you too?"

Rosie retorted sharply.

She was indeed a formidable woman.

After saying this.

Rosie stormed over to the bar, grabbing an ashtray, and charged at Declan Newhart.

Seeing this.

Declan Newhart lifted his leg.

And kicked Rosie in the stomach.

Rosie was no match.

She fell to the ground with a thud.

Yet she didn't cry.

Instead, she tried to get up again...

"Enough, stop fighting."

Dirk Carter couldn't bear to watch any longer.

But Rosie ignored him, still wanting to make a charge.

Dirk Carter stepped in, grabbed her shoulder, took the ashtray from her, smashed it on the ground into pieces, and said, "Don't worry, I won't sleep with you. I have serious matters to discuss."

Faced with Dirk Carter's fierce gaze, Rosie unexpectedly hesitated and stopped, daring not to move.

"Dirk, sorry for the scene, sorry."

Declan Newhart apologized fearfully.

Dirk Carter sat down, took out a cigarette.

Declan Newhart quickly found a lighter at the bar, fawningly lit it for Dirk Carter.

Dirk Carter took a puff.

And said, "Please forgive this disturbance. It was unavoidable. I apologize. I came to ask for a favor."

"Dirk, you're joking. Whatever you need, just say the word. I'm at your service."

Declan Newhart said.

Dirk Carter waved his hand, saying, "Boss Newhart, don't rush to agree. Let me finish, then consider whether to tell me the truth."

Seeing Dirk Carter's seriousness.

Declan Newhart stopped smiling.

And said, "Alright, Dirk, please continue."

Dirk Carter paused, then said, "About the woman who fell from the House Grand Hotel, Boss Newhart, you are aware of this matter, right?"

Declan Newhart had expected it to be about something else.

Upon hearing this.

He shivered.

And froze on the spot.

"Dirk... Dirk... this... that..."

Sweat formed instantly on his forehead.

He wiped it with his hand.

Seeing Declan Newhart's hesitation.

Dirk sighed and said, "Boss Newhart, I'm asking for the truth, you understand what I mean, right?"

"Understand, I understand!"

Declan Newhart nodded.

And said, "Dirk, about this matter... may I ask, Dirk, why are you interested in it?"

Dirk Carter reached into his pocket.

Took out an ID, and handed it to Declan Newhart.

Declan Newhart opened it, stunned, and stammered, "You... you're the Director of the Education Bureau?"

Upon hearing this.

Even Rosie, who was in a daze, was taken aback.

A Director of the Education Bureau, a government official, yet so adept with underworld dealings, with a presence that even many from the underworld find intimidating.

Declan Newhart took a deep breath.

He realized the purpose of Dirk Carter's visit.

To speak or not to speak?

Declan Newhart hesitated.

If he spoke, all the connections he'd built in Kenton County would be destroyed.

If he didn't speak, he couldn't afford to offend this Living King of Hell.

In his moment of indecision.

Dirk Carter asked, "Boss Newhart, what's the annual revenue of this establishment?"

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