At noon, in the VIP ward of the Harmony Hospital.
Bang!
After hanging up the phone, Steve angrily smashed his phone, and in one breath, he threw everything in the room, leaving Cierra and the others terrified.
Over a hundred people went to kill Cesar and his gang, but Cesar survived while Samson’s group was completely wiped out.
The police not only investigated the Axe gang’s turf but also took the boss of the Crow to the police station for questioning, on charges of kidnapping and intending to kill a police officer.
Although the Axe denied any involvement and insisted that Samson had been expelled long ago, the police still continued their investigation into the Axe.
Judith not only arrested more than thirty high-ranking members of the Axe but also shut down over twenty problematic venues all at once.
The Axe suffered heavy losses overnight.
This series of actions seemed to have no direct impact on Steve. It wasn’t directly related to him. It was a fight between the Axe and Cesar’s gang.
But just now, the Crow called, demanding five times compensation from Steve.
Only by doing so could they quell the Axe’s anger.
“Shameless and despicable!”
Ignoring Cierra and the others’ gaze, Steve angrily stomped on his phone again. “The police are despicable, and the Crow is even worse.”
“They didn’t do their job well. Fine! One million dollars is not enough. Fine! I even agree to compensate them according to their demands.”
Steve clenched his fist. “But he shouldn’t be so greedy, demanding five times compensation for the Axe’s losses.”
The Axe suffered losses of over a hundred million dollars, and now the Crow wanted five billion dollars from him. Otherwise, he couldn’t guarantee Samson’s gang wouldn’t expose the Swain family to the police.
The Crow even left a threatening message, saying Samson’s men were agitated. It was possible they would come after Steve.
If both forces were to suppress Steve, he might not be able to leave Whiteville alive.
Seeing the Crow acting so arrogantly, Steve naturally became furious and wished he could shoot that scoundrel dead.
“Mr. Swain, I’ve told you before to put aside the bar incident and deal with your father’s loose ends before seeking revenge,” Cierra sighed. “But you didn’t listen. You insisted on teaching them a lesson and making a mess of things.”
“I also warned you that the Crow is greedy and ruthless, without any bottom line. Even your father sometimes gives the Crow some leeway, but you insist on playing with fire.”
“Luca and Rex are avoiding us, but the Crow took the initiative to help us. It’s clear he wants to take advantage of us.”
With losses of a billion dollars but returns of five billion dollars, the Crow made a killing in this game.
“Are you blaming me now?”
Steve suddenly stopped his anger and smiled sinisterly. “Do you think I’m wrong?”
He picked up an ashtray casually.
“I dare not!”
Cierra quickly realized what was happening. Now that Steve was in charge, there would be consequences for opposing him. She quickly whispered,
“I just thought it would be more important to deal with your father’s matters first. We can put other matters aside for now. As long as Sir Swain is released on bail, everything will be resolved.”
“So you’re questioning my ability.”
Steve’s voice turned sinister. “Tell me then, how do we solve this problem with the Crow?”
Cierra’s eyelids twitched as she bit her lip and replied,
“The Crow is a local kingpin and the most ruthless gangster in Whiteville. Money is all he cares about. Brotherhood and loyalty mean nothing to them.”
“They’re now blackmailing you by holding Samson as leverage. It’s not about brotherhood or honoring fallen comrades. As he said on the phone, it’s about money.”
She struggled to say, “If you don’t offer him enough benefits, he will definitely betray you.”
Steve reached out to touch Cierra’s forehead with a smile growing wider. “So what you’re saying is that we should give him those five billion dollars?”
“Five billion is indeed a lot, and two billion would be more acceptable.”
Cierra’s mouth twitched. “Mr. Swain, how about I talk to the Crow? Maybe we can settle with two billion?”
Bang!
Suddenly, Steve swung the ashtray fiercely and smashed it onto Cierra’s head.
With a loud crash, Cierra fell to the ground with blood streaming from her forehead, a shocking sight that made the bodyguards shudder with fear.
Amidst her cries of pain, Cierra desperately waved her hand. “Mr. Swain, I was wrong! I was wrong! Please spare me.”
“Give them two billion? Do you think my money grows on trees?”
Steve kicked Cierra again. “And who does the Crow think they are? How dare these bastards threaten me?”
“If it weren’t for my father giving them food to eat and lending them one million dollars for development in Whiteville, would they have their current arrogant attitude?”
“Now that this dog has grown up, he turns around and bites his master? If I give them two billion today, tomorrow they’ll demand twenty billion.”
“I’ll give you ten million.”
He kicked Cierra away. “You settle things with the Crow for me. If you can’t settle it, then I’ll take care of you and have someone take care of the Crow as well.”
“And also, I want Abbigail dead. I want that bastard dead! I want that bitch dead!”
“Anyone who opposes me must die. This is my order. You must obey me! Do you hear me?”
Cierra and over ten bodyguards nodded repeatedly. “Understood!”
Although they all felt that Steve had more failures than successes in his actions, he was now in control of the Swain family. They had no choice but to obey.
“Get out! Get out! All of you get out!”
After venting his anger, Steve ordered Cierra and her group to leave quickly. Several bodyguards helped Cierra out of the room in a hurry because they were afraid of getting involved in trouble themselves.
Bang!
As soon as the soundproof door closed behind them, someone quietly opened the window in the hospital room and silently entered.
“Who?”
Steve was somewhat alert as he turned around to look at the figure reflected in his glass of water.
Swoosh!
Before Steve could clearly see who it was, a white coat covered his head while two straps were tied around his neck.
Steve exclaimed in shock and anger, “Who are you?! How dare…”
Before he could finish speaking, a blanket covered his upper body while his mouth was pressed down by cotton sheets, making it difficult for him to make any sound.
Bang!
Then came a bloodied ashtray raised high above before smashing down onto Steve’s back.
Steve groaned as blood surged in his throat.
The attack didn’t stop there. The man repeatedly struck various acupoints on Steve’s body dozens of times until he fainted from being severely injured, all hidden injuries.
Before losing consciousness, Steve felt frustrated and annoyed. He had only been in Whiteville for just over a week but had been beaten twice in succession without even seeing who did it. It was truly humiliating!
As soon as Steve became motionless, Darnell threw the ashtray onto the bed before uncovering the blanket. He then took out some heroin from Samson’s stash.
He forced some into Steve’s nose and mouth while hiding the rest under the mattress. He even took Steve’s hand and made him touch the packaging, leaving behind Steve’s fingerprints.
After completing all this, Darnell picked up Steve’s phone, sent their location to the 911 Dispatch Center, and texted, “I’m using drugs. I’m hiding drugs. I’m trafficking drugs. Come and arrest me.”