UNDER HIS RULES

No matter how much he’s had to drink, it doesn’t seem to help him momentarily forget what happened. Everything keeps changing, forcing him to think hard when there’s no way out anymore. Stuck. He can’t even retreat from this situation. Maybe it would be better if he were just killed.

Unfortunately… the executor refuses to swing the sword. Instead, he chooses to let his victim suffer. Just like himself.

“Have you finished your madness, Jimmy?” Gerald asked as he entered the workspace of Jimmy Lee. Usually, there were scattered papers and project discussions that the man worked on. Even under Alfred’s control, Jimmy truly explored himself to develop. Gerald could say that Jimmy had some contribution, albeit not much, to the progress of some projects entrusted to him.

“Can you stop the demonstration at the headquarters?” Jimmy sneered. He had been feeling dizzy for a few days. He ignored it because there was something much more important than the dizziness.

Once again, he emptied the glass that had been refilled. “Everyone is asking for an explanation about the secretly manipulated fund I did behind Alfred’s back. Damn it!” Jimmy slammed the table. “Turns out that old man knows everything.” Jimmy placed his glass somewhat roughly.

His shirt was no longer buttoned properly. Usually, a neat appearance was his trademark. But not this time. His face was disheveled and messy. His hair was all over the place. His eyes were bloodshot. He staggered slightly when he tried to stand up, making him hold onto the edge of the table for support.

“That damn old man knows what I’ve been doing, Gerald,” he said with a hoarse voice. “All this time? After all these years of being his puppet. A puppet that is not foolish, utilizing what he has. He kept silent. Completely silent!” Jimmy messed up his desk. He didn’t care if the bottles and glasses on it fell and hit the floor. The sound of the broken glass caused a commotion, but no one dared to approach.

“And now, he reveals everything!” Jimmy Lee had never been this chaotic before. Usually, he could still act immediately to tidy up whatever was messy. But now?

He thought Alfred wouldn’t go this far. Just a warning not to play with that old man again. But… oh my God! Jimmy never knew that all his actions were being monitored. Every move he made was under Alfred’s surveillance.

Gerald couldn’t say much. He himself was no different from Jimmy. Everything he had built was suddenly bombed layer by layer. Since Alfred came to his residence, he had already started preparing for the worst. Unfortunately, Alfred didn’t know the meaning of mercy.

But he couldn’t stay silent, right? There was something he had to do, and it seemed that what Bella said was true. It wouldn’t hurt to try and execute a well-planned strategy. But Gerald was much more cautious this time. He had to make thorough preparations. He couldn’t simply believe Bella’s words.

Gerald knew that Bella was a woman on Sam’s side. Gerald could also read that there was personal revenge against a girl named Beatrice. That could be used to retaliate against Sam for all his actions.

“This is all your fault, Gerald,” Jimmy muttered. His eyes stared fiercely at the figure sitting on the available sofa. Shooting Alfred Quassano should have been an easy task. Why involve witnesses and bring Sam into it?

If only Gerald had been more cautious and could read the situation, he would be the one in charge of Quassano now. He wouldn’t have experienced the daily annoyances that made him irritated. The matters in his office were complicated. The police, who had initially helped him, turned around and cornered him. No matter how much money was offered to stop the investigation, no one would accept it.

Jimmy was certain that this was all Alfred’s order. Who would dare to defy the orders of someone like Alfred? No one. Usually, Jimmy received protection easily. But now, he had to rack his brain to save himself and his interests.

It’s infuriating, isn’t it?

That’s why he was angry, very angry at Gerald. His carelessness in trying to kill just one person was unforgivable.

“I’m right,” Jimmy laughed afterwards. “This is all because of your stupidity, damn it! You slimy thug! Fool!” Jimmy cursed while walking closer to the still casually seated Gerald. In his slightly blurred vision, Jimmy felt that Gerald was mocking him. Laughing at his foolishness for believing in all of Gerald’s cunning tricks.

After everything failed, the mastermind behind the planned murder─himself─received a terrifying retribution. Everything he owned was gradually seized. News of his involvement in embezzlement spread everywhere. Alfred even apologized in public, but with words like, “I thought a grandnephew could be relied upon to continue this long-established and prosperous business. I apologize to the affected parties. I assure you; Quassano Group will clean up everything related to Jimmy Lee. We have already handed over the case to the High Court.”

Those words were like a death knell ready to lead Jimmy into the coffin. It was useless for him to try to clear his name. Quassano’s power was not easy to fight against.

And that’s not all. When he heard that his parents were in a critical condition due to all the news that had emerged, including the crimes Jimmy committed, he knew he was just waiting for the police to come and arrest him. Trying to escape was pointless because he knew Alfred wouldn’t let him go easily.

Despite his staggering steps, he was sure that he was right in front of Gerald. So, what he did was beat him. Until he was satisfied.

“You bastard!” His anger grew. Everything that pushed him seemed to give him new strength. His eyes stared at Gerald with overflowing emotions.

The punch he had thrown earlier hit Gerald’s face accurately. Then he climbed onto the sofa and continued to assault Gerald without pause. Was there resistance? Oh, there certainly was. Gerald didn’t just sit idly by.

Throughout all this time, the ruler of Eagle Wing had been waiting very patiently. He didn’t interfere much with Jimmy’s numerous demands. Gerald acted because he felt there were interests above their own. And now? After everything that happened, he’s the one being blamed?

He won’t let that happen.

They grappled, exchanging punches, kicks, making each other fall. Grabbing whatever objects were within their reach. Retaliating for each other’s actions. Ignoring the amount of pain inflicted.

“Is that all, Gerald?” Jimmy asked, wiping the corner of his lips that felt both sore and salty. The palm of his hand touched the injured area, and a thick liquid stuck to the back of his hand. He winced and clenched his fist again. His head was hit with a severe dizziness, but it didn’t matter. Maybe it was also because of Gerald’s earlier blow that made him a little unsteady.

“Do you think I can’t fight back, Jimmy?” Gerald retorted dismissively. He tried to get up from his seat. Jimmy’s kick made him fall and became the target of a powerful punch. But he immediately fought back fiercely. Just like now, where he ruthlessly rushed towards the unsteady Jimmy.

Gerald knew the effects of the alcohol Jimmy had been drinking had taken its toll. He just had to wait for Jimmy to fall and inflict numerous bruises. “You’ve picked the wrong opponent, Jimmy!”

He landed a punch to Jimmy’s stomach.

Ignoring the groans of pain coming from the owner of the room. His face was battered. There were many scratches on his hands and legs. The once tidy office was now in complete disarray. Broken glass and scattered files were everywhere.

“Damn it!” Jimmy shouted in disbelief. His stomach was in excruciating pain. He even coughed from the pain caused by the previous punch. But he wasn’t ready to give up. The pain he was experiencing now was nothing compared to what he would face tomorrow. Even if necessary, he would rather die.

Alfred’s torment was far crueler than a single strike that would end his life.

Gerald tried to avoid Jimmy’s punches. Several punches missed their mark, indicating that Jimmy had lost focus. And Gerald took advantage of this to retaliate with equal intensity. He would make Jimmy suffer even more. If necessary, he would break Jimmy’s legs or arms. Or inflict paralysis altogether.

Yes, Gerald would do that now.

Unfortunately… their brawl was interrupted by the arrival of Paul.

“Mr. Jimmy and Mr. Gerald,” Paul sighed deeply. “You should have controlled yourselves. Instead, you’re escalating the situation,” he said. He walked closer, asking one of Jimmy’s men to help him break them up.

Both of them looked displeased, but Paul didn’t pay much attention. He needed a more conducive atmosphere now. Although he occasionally heard grunts from both of them, he didn’t expect them to act so childish. In Paul’s opinion, they were both trapped in their own game and had become too arrogant despite being far from successful.

“Are you two ready to talk now?” Paul asked afterwards. There had been about an hour where he had been following the recent news developments. He thought they were both in the same room discussing what was happening.

“What is it?” Gerald asked, grunting. “If it’s not important and useless news, I wouldn’t have let you out alive, Paul,” Gerald warned with a fierce glare. He had suppressed his anger to a certain extent. Somehow, every word that came out of Jimmy’s mouth earlier disgusted him.

If only he hadn’t been tempted by Jimmy’s offer, he would still be by Alfred’s side. Carrying out his duties as usual and not losing his biggest source of income.

Paul sighed softly. He took the TV remote and quickly searched for the channel where the news was still being aired. Where David, the person Alfred trusted the most, made an official announcement.

“In regards to the ongoing investigation, as the spokesperson for Quassano, I confirm that Mr. Alfred has no involvement in any matters related to Jimmy Lee. Mr. Alfred desires a transparent judicial process.”Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Jimmy stared in disbelief. His downfall was now inevitable. Indeed, he would choose to die by Alfred’s hand at that moment rather than experience a slow death like this. Jimmy didn’t know what else to do. He slumped helplessly on the sofa.

Meanwhile, Gerald continued to watch the news attentively, his eyes widening in disbelief. Alfred walked out of his office building. With… Sam.

“Damn it!” One of the medicine bottles that was used to clean his wounds was thrown at the flat-screen TV that had been displaying the recent news. The screen shattered. The images of both Sam and Alfred turned black in an instant.

His chest rumbled loudly.

If Alfred had chosen who would stand by his side, there were no more options.

“Is there anything we should do?” Jimmy asked in a whisper. His eyes were unfocused, scanning the surroundings before he suddenly shouted like a madman.

Gerald still had a shred of sanity left; he had to think fast. The woman who had been wandering around Jimmy’s house in recent days. Where was she now? “Where is Bella?” Gerald asked Paul.

“I haven’t seen her since earlier, sir.” Paul himself wondered about the blonde woman. Not to mention, he had strong suspicions because her arrival seemed very suspicious.

“Find her, Paul! Find her!”

Jimmy chuckled. He even slapped Gerald’s shoulder with force, unable to believe what Gerald had just asked. “In this situation, you’re thinking about a woman?”

Gerald grimaced in displeasure. He quickly brushed off Jimmy’s hand, ignoring the sudden repulsive laughter from Jimmy. “Listen,” Gerald said without hesitation, gripping Jimmy’s cheek. It was because of this man that he was cast aside so easily by Alfred. The damn replacement, Sam, was his biggest rival.

“Bella’s words hold some truth. We have to find Sam’s weakness. We must utilize that woman effectively. The opportunity to destroy Alfred and Sam at the same time is within reach.”

Jimmy still looked at Gerald with a skeptical gaze.

“I don’t care if you want to act on your own, but I ensure that you never hinder me from causing chaos!” Gerald hissed; his expression filled with displeasure.

“What guarantee of success do you have, Gerald? You’ve been sidelined. Alfred won’t stay silent about your actions.” Jimmy released Gerald’s grip immediately.

“At least I can get out of this environment. But what about you?” Gerald grinned cunningly. “There’s nothing you can do except follow my plan.”