UNDER HIS RULES

The vehicle carrying the leader moved at lightning speed. Sam was flanked by two fully armed police officers, one of whom was Ferdi. He entered without much resistance, complying with what Ferdi instructed him to do. Although he had a strong urge to punch Herry in the face for ordering the arrest of all of Sam’s subordinates without hesitation.

That’s just not right!

All of Herry’s forces are looking for trouble! Sam made sure of that. He didn’t need to boast much; he simply played along with the game. Somehow, he felt confident, especially since Jimmy Lee’s unexpected arrival earlier, which disrupted their plans.

Sam remained undaunted. He was accustomed to facing multiple enemies in a single attack. His expertise in martial arts, firearm handling, not to mention his excellent physical condition, wouldn’t easily be overcome.

In fact, he felt relieved that finally, every part of his body could move at his will.

Herry and Jimmy Lee followed in separate vehicles, escorted by a special forces convoy, traveling at a high speed. It was as if they were racing against the remaining time. Sam didn’t mind. He just had to wait and see if his plan succeeded or if a sudden twist of events emerged as the winner.

He had a feeling that ahead, the vehicles and the entourage tailing Herry would be ambushed on the road, leaving only his own vehicle guarded by Gerald’s subordinates. The destination was clearly De Faux because it involved matters concerning Jimmy and Gerald.

If it turned out as he anticipated, a real battle would ensue.

However, Sam needed to have his own evidence to present to Alfred. No, Sam didn’t need that old man’s help. He just didn’t want Alfred to be replaced entirely by Jimmy Lee. Initially, Sam didn’t care, but Tony’s death made him start thinking about everything. Such cunning tactics often occurred in his world. But this time, it involved something much bigger than he had anticipated.

If only Tony hadn’t been used as a pawn, Sam wouldn’t have gotten so deeply involved. It didn’t matter what happened to Quassano. Sam suspected that Jimmy wanted complete power without Alfred’s interference. Sam was certain that even if Alfred relinquished his authority to Jimmy, he would still feel Alfred’s shadow looming over him.

“Can I smoke?” Sam asked Ferdi, who sat next to him.

“You’re handcuffed, Sam.”

Sam chuckled. “Your hands are free, aren’t they?”

“Don’t mess around!” The officer sitting on the other side sharply jabbed Sam’s stomach, startling him and causing him to grimace in surprise.

“Ah, I thought smoking would help me relax.” Sam leaned back comfortably in his seat. Through the rearview mirror, he could still see Jimmy’s and Herry’s vehicles trailing him. “Pathetic,” he complained softly.

“I’m sure your headquarters has been completely destroyed, your slimy thug!” said the officer who had jabbed Sam earlier, sounding dismissive. He glanced briefly at the figure that made him furious due to the numerous crime reports filed against him. Especially when Herry frequently berated all his subordinates for failing to handle just this one person.

The powerful figure in the Southern District, untouchable by the law, had many loyal subordinates willing to protect and die for him. His activities had further tarnished Samuel’s reputation. But that face looked surprisingly relaxed sitting there, as if he didn’t know what punishment awaited him.

Moreover, the officer was confident that none of the subordinates in that headquarters could do anything to save their boss. Ah… just thinking about it made him smile with joy. Surely, the thug sitting next to him didn’t know that his prideful headquarters had been reduced to ashes, right? Or leveled with the ground?

If laughter of joy were allowed, he would definitely be doing it right now.

Suddenly, a loud crash was heard, causing the driver of the car Sam was in to brake hard. Sam almost lurched forward but was held back by Ferdi with his free hand. “Are you okay, Boss?”

“I’m fine. Check the situation, Fer. Especially the condition of your crazy boss’s car.”

Ferdi nodded immediately, but before he could open the door to check what had actually happened, a loud explosion sounded. Flames quickly filled the air, accompanied by thick smoke rising in the midst of the darkness.

Both Ferdi and Sam exchanged glances.

“Don’t get out,” Sam ordered, and Ferdi quickly nodded in agreement. “Jimmy’s car is ahead of us, right behind Jimmy’s car, whose car, is it?”

“One of Herry’s other subordinates.”

Sam quickly thought. “Jimmy deliberately made Herry’s car stop. Jimmy’s target is me.”

The police officer beside Sam frowned. Besides the explosion and the near accident, everything felt very confusing. The interaction between Ferdi and Sam added to the confusion.

“What the hell, Ferdi?!” His eyes nearly popped out due to his confusion about his colleague’s actions. He shouted for a reason. Ferdi had unilaterally removed Sam’s handcuffs and set him free.

Sam grinned with satisfaction, flexing his slightly reddened wrists from the handcuffs. “Crazy, it’s only been a few hours, and I already have these marks.”

“Excessive,” Ferdi said. He immediately took out his phone to contact someone, but Sam stopped his movement.

“Assess the situation first.”

Ferdi chose to comply, which further infuriated the officer next to Sam.

“What the hell, Ferdi? Setting him free?!”

“Shut up!” Without waiting for permission from anyone, Sam delivered a powerful punch to the officer’s face, knocking him unconscious instantly. “Pathetic police,” Sam sneered.

“Jimmy Lee’s car is approaching. Stay put, Sam.”

Sam leaned back comfortably, and soon the car window was tapped. Ferdi quickly lowered it, and one of Jimmy’s subordinates approached them. “The boss wants you to come with us. There’s an explosive device under this car. If you want to stay alive, follow us. Bring this person safely.”

Ferdi didn’t nod or agree.

This expression annoyed Jimmy’s subordinate. “You saw what just happened, right? Don’t worry, Herry is fine. If you follow us, you’ll be safe.” He emphasized his words with a firm tap on the front hood of Sam’s car, causing the driver to look frightened and bewildered by what had just happened.

“De Faux,” Ferdi and Sam said simultaneously.

“You have to be careful, Sam. It’s not the same place as when you caused a commotion there.”

“You don’t have to worry,” Sam chuckled. Using his hand, he leaned back comfortably. “Just follow them, Fer. When Jimmy threatens, he means business. You still value your life, right? The car is nice too. I’ll take it.”

“Don’t you have enough luxury cars?”

Sam laughed. “Need one, kind-hearted Officer Ferdi?”

“Damn you!” Ferdi cursed, then instructed the driver to immediately follow the car ahead.

“But what about Commander Herry?” he asked loudly. “I won’t leave my commander. And you should be ashamed of what you’re doing, Fer!”

“Oh yeah?” Ferdi pulled out one of the pistols from his pocket. “Does it, or do you want to die now? Jimmy Lee holds the detonator, and you’ve seen it yourself, right? My colleague is

there too, though, well… Herry is not my boss. I have already planted loyalty with someone else.” He slowly spun the chamber of the small pistol on the right side, with his finger already in position to fire a single shot.

Frustrated, the driver continued the journey, following the car that had already raced far ahead.

“Contact headquarters,” Sam casually ordered, taking out a cigar from his pocket. “Ah, too bad I can’t roll down the window.” Sam deliberately gave Ferdi another cigar. “Let’s ruin our lungs together.”

“Crazy!” But Ferdi burst into laughter afterward. “I’ve contacted Hugo. Eland isn’t responding.”

“Playing is Eland’s hobby if there’s an opponent.”

“But they won’t go as far as killing, right, Sam?” Ferdi turned and fixed Sam with a stern look.

“It depends on the situation. If they feel threatened, they won’t hold back, Fer.” A puff of smoke escaped from Sam’s cigar. “Besides, most of Herry’s forces are on my side. They’ll be easily defeated.”

Ferdi sighed. Following Sam’s lead, he chose to enjoy the winding and darkening streets on various sides.

“Too quiet, Sam,” Ferdi remarked, assessing the situation.

A vibration from Sam’s phone prompted him to quickly retrieve it from his pocket. Beatrice’s name appeared on the screen. He hesitated for a moment, but a sudden longing overcame him. Even though he was contemplating what would happen and what to do next, he intentionally used a phone that could only be tracked by Anne. One of the transmitters Anne planted to provide the latest information about Sam’s situation.

“Yeah,” Sam calmly replied.

“Where are you, Sam?”

“In the car.”

“You know what I mean by my question.” Beatrice sounded a bit sulky. “I’ll wait for you to come back safely, alright? For some reason, everyone at home looks tense. Anne hasn’t returned with Ute either. I’m worried, you know?”

“Just relax. They can take care of themselves.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s better if you go to sleep. I still have some business to attend to.”

Ferdi, who had been listening to their interaction all this time, chuckled. “Samuel Aaric Cyril can fall in love too, it seems.”

“Shut up!” Sam once again savored his cigar. But suddenly, he straightened his back. A signal in the form of lights from behind and the side of the forest could be seen reflecting in the side mirror. “Hugo and Eland are behind us,” Sam grinned. “My troops are ready in case the unexpected happens.”

“But, Sam, you know De Faux is definitely supported by Gerald, right?”

Sam nodded confidently.

“Plus, you know who Jimmy Lee is. Surely Alfred’s people will follow suit.”

“Maybe that’s the case,” Sam shrugged. “Maybe Quassano is on my side too.”

“What do you mean?” Ferdi furrowed his brow.

“Never mind.” Sam gently patted Ferdi’s shoulder. “Just relax. Before we tangle with the enemy.”

***[]***

Gerald waited with a glass of freshly poured wine from one of the women in Jimmy’s mansion. The man was known to collect many entertainers, regardless of where they came from. Almost every day, a Jimmy Lee held a party, splurging a lot of money, and his enjoyment never diminished even after the commotion caused by Sam.

Only tonight seemed quiet, but many heavily armed people stood guard around the mansion.

He wouldn’t stay still because of Sam’s antics. He felt belittled by Jimmy just like that. Yet, Gerald had devoted a lot of time and effort to searching for Sam in almost every corner of the Southern Division. Who would have thought that the man was hiding in his own headquarters?Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Damn it!

He placed the glass down somewhat roughly, disregarding the sound that broke the silence. Suddenly, Gerald became the center of attention in the room where he was waiting for Jimmy’s arrival.

“Boss,” called Paul, causing Gerald to turn. “Mr. Jimmy’s car has entered the mansion area.”

Gerald rose from his seat, preparing to greet-ah, he didn’t want to welcome Jimmy’s arrival. His business here clearly sought more than anything Alfred had ever offered. That included multiplying the profits from the business they had been working on for the past few years. A part that Alfred didn’t want to be the main financial supporter of.

Yet, Gerald had been so loyal to him.

He said, “You should focus on what you already have, Gerald. Instead of adding more complications. Besides, your business is intertwined with the Southern Division. Can’t you separate what’s personal from what’s business?”

Those words had a deep impact on Gerald. Despite everything he had done to assist the old man, including the biggest support from the Eagle Wing Clan. Complete protection every time Alfred planted his business in the Northern Division. Wholeheartedly supporting what the old man wanted.

Every time he remembered the night Alfred rejected his help; a burning sensation spread through him. Disappointment and frustration never seemed to disappear from Gerald’s mind. It wasn’t without reason that he felt this way. If that rejection had been accompanied by Alfred’s impartiality, Gerald would never have considered it merely a disappointment.

But Alfred went ahead and made a business deal with Sam?

It was outrageous! Although the two of them rarely saw eye to eye, for this business, they found common ground. It made Gerald feel insignificant.

So, when the offer to betray came, promising a much more advantageous position for him, he agreed. As long as it taught Alfred a lesson and showed the old man that Gerald still held power here. Also… getting rid of the only rival who always provoked his emotions.

Samuel.

And tonight, Gerald made sure Sam wouldn’t easily leave De Faux Mansion.

However, his steps halted as he heard a loud explosion. All the guarding personnel rushed towards the source of the sound, including Gerald, who quickly received a rifle from Paul, who was always by his side.

“How are our troops, Paul?”

“They’re in position, Boss.”

“Any news about Sam’s headquarters?” Gerald knew Herry wanted to destroy the headquarters where the person he wanted in jail resided, and receive the harshest punishment possible. Unfortunately, there hadn’t been any recent reports for Paul to share with him.

“Not yet, sir.”

Gerald sighed as he quickened his pace. “Prepare to face resistance from Sam’s side.”

“But as far as I know, Sam’s car was rigged with explosives triggered by Jimmy. If the car explodes, it means…”

The sentence was cut short as Gerald and Paul reached the entrance gate. From there, they saw flames raging. Consuming every part of the car and starting to reach out to the surrounding trees. It could trigger a much larger fire, but unfortunately, Gerald didn’t care.

His eyes focused on one point; Sam, who had Jimmy in a tight grip, causing the man to tremble in fear.

“Long time no see,” Sam said with a thin smirk. He immediately pushed Jimmy towards a group of armed soldiers pointing their guns at Sam. “Old enemy,” he added.

One by one, Sam’s men emerged, each holding a weapon ready to fight. There was no doubt there. They were not afraid to die. Their dignity was at stake. And soon enough, two loyal guards took their positions by Sam’s side. While Ferdi stood by Eland’s side. Then there were Sam’s elite forces.

“Don’t start if you don’t want us to destroy you,” Sam said casually.

“Attack!!!” Gerald commanded without hesitation.