Smith forced his feet to move. Each step felt heavy as he walked closer to the man everyone feared.
Mark’s eyes lifted, locking on him. Cold. Sharp. Unmoving.
“Come closer,” Mark said. His voice was deep, calm, but it held the weight of command.
Smith swallowed and stepped forward until he stood just a few feet away. He kept his head slightly bowed, his hands stiff at his sides.
Mark studied him in silence for a long moment. Then he spoke.
“You’re Adrian’s friend?”
“Yes, sir,” Smith answered, his voice quiet but steady.
Mark’s lips curved, not quite a smile. “Sir?” He leaned back slightly, swirling the wine in his glass. “Do I look like a school teacher to you?”
Smith froze, unsure of what to say.
The air in the room grew heavier. Adrian tensed beside him, but didn’t dare interrupt.
Finally, Smith forced out, “No… Boss.”
Mark’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he gave a slow nod, as if testing him.
“Better.”
He set his glass down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His gaze never left Smith.
“Tell me. Why are you here? Do you even know what kind of place this is?”
Smith felt his throat tighten, but he forced himself to speak. “I… I need work. I’m not afraid to work hard.”
Mark tilted his head, studying him. “Work?” His voice held a hint of amusement. “This isn’t a noodle shop, boy. This is my world. Once you step in, there’s no way back. People obey me, or they end up buried in the ground. Do you understand?”
Smith’s chest tightened. He wanted to look away, but he didn’t. “I understand.”
For a moment, Mark said nothing. Then, suddenly, he stood. He was taller than Smith expected, his presence filling the space between them. He walked slowly around Smith, circling him like a predator.
“You’re not much,” Mark said softly, almost to himself. “Poor, ordinary, soft hands. You look like someone who’s never held a knife.”
Smith’s fists clenched at his sides, but he stayed silent.
Mark stopped in front of him again, eyes sharp as blades. “Then tell me, Smith. Why should I keep you alive? Why shouldn’t I tell my men to throw you out now?”
The room was silent. Every man watching was waiting to see how Smith would answer.
Smith’s heart raced. His whole body wanted to shake, but he forced himself to meet Mark’s gaze for the first time. His voice was quiet, but firm.
“Because I won’t betray you. No matter what job you give me, I’ll do it.”
For the first time, Mark’s expression shifted. Just slightly. His lips curved into something unreadable.
Silence hung heavy in the air. Then Mark gave a low chuckle, cold and sharp.
“Interesting.”
He stepped back and sat down again, picking up his glass. “We’ll see if your words mean anything.”
Smith’s knees felt weak, but he stayed standing, waiting.
Mark raised his glass, looking at him over the rim. “Welcome to my world, Smith.”
—
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