The overweight man glared contemptuously at the man with the scar. "You're completely useless. That Alexander is just a cripple. And Evelyn? She's not even worth our time. If she's so determined to die, why not help her along?"

The scarred man's eyes widened in shock, his face paling. "Boss, are you saying we should..." His words faded as he made a slashing motion across his throat. "Go that far?"

He added, his voice tight with worry, "But what about the Blackwood family? What if they seek revenge?"

The portly man waved a dismissive hand. "Why would the Blackwoods care? For all we know, we'd be doing them a favor. They might even thank me!"

His eyes narrowed into cunning slits. "Don't forget, we're talking about a billion-dollar project here. There's no room for error. Succeed, and your reward will be substantial."

The scarred man's eyes gleamed with greed. "Understood, Boss. I'll take care of it right away."

He left the office, his mind already plotting how to deal with Evelyn and Alexander. But as he strategized, a line of cars suddenly pulled up outside, their high beams cutting through the night, temporarily blinding him.

His heart pounded violently, a cold dread washing over him. "What the hell is this?" he muttered, his eyes wide with fear.

Suddenly, the car doors flew open. A group of men moved with deadly efficiency, swiftly surrounding him.

"What's the meaning of this?" he snarled, his voice a mixture of fear and defiance.

The leader of the group stepped forward, his expression grim. His gaze was icy cold. "Restrain him," he commanded.

The scarred man was caught completely off guard. Before he could react—whether to fight or flee—strong hands seized him, forcing him brutally to the cold, hard ground.

"Do you know who I am? Touching me is a death wish!" he roared, his voice laced with desperate fury.

The commotion quickly drew the portly boss outside.

Seeing his subordinate pinned down, his face darkened instantly. "Who do you think you are? Do you have any idea where you are?" he growled.

At that moment, another figure emerged from one of the cars.

Both the portly man and the scarred man tensed, their anger momentarily checked as they recognized Sebastian Hayes approaching. A cold, knowing smirk played on his lips.

"Well, well. It's been a while. Have you forgotten me already?" Sebastian's voice was sharp, cutting through the tense air.

The portly man froze. His eyes widened for a second before he quickly composed himself, forcing an obsequious smile onto his face. "Mr. Hayes! What brings you here tonight?"

Acting as if he hadn't noticed the struggle with his man, he scurried over to Sebastian, bowing deeply. "Mr. Hayes, it's quite cold out. Perhaps we could continue our discussion inside?"

Sebastian casually slid his hands into his coat pockets, his posture radiating pure arrogance. "I'm here about the orphanage on that suburban land."

The portly man's face fell as the troublesome issue resurfaced. Sebastian was clearly here for answers.

He shot a furious glare at his restrained subordinate, then hurriedly assured Sebastian, "Mr. Hayes, please don't worry. We will handle that situation promptly. You won't need to bother with it any further."

Sebastian's gaze turned icy, his scrutiny intense. "And how, exactly, do you plan to 'handle' it?"

The portly man laughed nervously, leaning in conspiratorially. "Well, naturally, we might have to use... some less than conventional methods."

Sebastian's smirk hardened, his eyes sharp. "Let me guess. Your next move is against Alexander and Evelyn, correct?"

A chill ran down the portly man's spine.

Sebastian already knew about the recent events at the orphanage.

He quickly tried to reassure him. "Mr. Hayes, please, set your mind at ease. I'll deal with Alexander and Evelyn immediately. Nothing will threaten your billion-dollar venture!"