4 Chapter 4

"what!" Choi's voice echoed. 

Tension of unspoken secrets and concealed alliances, the ambiance abruptly shifted as a tone and a name of 'Him" cut through the thick air. The room, filled with the melodies of instrumental karaoke, suddenly fell into a stunned silence.

Choi, seated at a corner table, snapped his wide eyes open at the unexpected words. His expression morphed from casual indifference to one of alarm, sensing the gravity of what had just been uttered. The mysterious name lingered in the air, a potent force that echoed through the silent void. The patrons, ranging from high-stakes gamblers to enigmatic figures with their own agendas, exchanged cautious glances.

In the secretive world of Sin City, when someone said something unexpected, it made the calm crowd uneasy. The hall, which was lively just moments ago, became a scene of uncertainty in the sudden silence. Choi, an experienced player in this complex game, carefully looked at the situation. The tense quiet felt heavy, hinting at possible consequences. And that is Collin Kinley 

Ruler with an iron fist. His reputation as a tyrant preceded him, and the mere mention of his name sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to challenge him. The city thrived on its vices, and Collin capitalized on the chaos, carving his empire from the desperation and despair of the gamblers who flocked to his domain.

Collin Kinley was a man with a taste for power, relishing in the misery of others. Cunning and cruel to the bone, he navigated the intricate web of Sin City's underbelly with ruthless efficiency. Two things, however, softened the edges of this formidable tyrant: his daughter, Rachel, and the sprawling business empire he had built.

Rachel was Collin's pride and joy, a glimmer of warmth in his otherwise cold and calculating heart. She was the only one who could soften his gaze, the only person for whom he harboured genuine affection. Despite his tyranny, he shielded her from the darker aspects of his world, creating a stark contrast between the ruthless leader of Sin City and the doting father within the walls of their opulent home.

His second love was his business—his kingdom of chance and risk. The sprawling casinos, clandestine backrooms, and shadowy deals made Sin City the ultimate playground for those who sought fortune, and Collin revelled in the control he wielded over it all. His infamous quote echoed through the narrow alleys and smoky corridors, a warning to those who dared cross his path: "You either owe him money or death." Choi understood this well.

Alden's hands trembled involuntarily, and honestly, who could blame him? Collin Kinley was a name that sent shivers down even the bravest spines in Sin City.

[When did this place become Collin's territory? Didn't my father mention that there's new management here?] Choi mind raced.

Observing Choi's sudden fear, Sweat Face couldn't believe his luck – it was the reaction he had been waiting for, like a predator sensing vulnerability in its prey.

"Certainly, Mr. Choi, I'm confident a person of your influence is well-acquainted with Boss Collin's formidable reputation in the Sin City district."

"In fact, Mr. Collin is currently in Sin City, visiting his daughter Rachel, and..."

Choi shot up from his chair with a sense of urgency, the alcohol forgotten. How could he indulge in a sip when dealing with someone like Collin.

"Go on, don't keep me waiting."

"Spill it!" Choi bellowed.

Regaining a hint of composure, Sweat Face added, "Furthermore, his daughter is right here in this building."

Choi's anger intensified upon hearing this revelation. It wasn't surprising; after all, he was on the brink of getting married. The last thing anyone would desire is to end up dead or held captive for some form of ransom. Mr. Collin wasn't exactly known for his political finesse; he was more of a brute with influential connections, someone with a penchant for exploiting any chance to deplete you of your assets. Choi's agitation only deepened.

[Curse it! Out of all the places I could've chosen to be, why did it have to be in the same vicinity as that monster. Blast it, Choi, think, think.] 

Choi's mind shifted into overdrive, thoughts racing like a well-oiled machine. Pacing back and forth, his steps echoed the ticking of a clock. Abruptly, he came to a standstill, a tension-laden pause, as if the gears in his mind had locked onto a decisive cog in the machinery of his thoughts. Turning sharply, he addressed the man known as Sweat Face.

"Didn't you say Collins is visiting his daughter, and she is here inside the building?"

"Yes," Sweat Face replied, maintaining a posture that seemed to suggest he was the one wronged.

While they continued talking, Alden noticed a subtle smile on Sweat Face's face, but before he could figure out its meaning, it disappeared. Initially thinking the man might be losing it, Alden then considered the possibility that there might be more to Sweat Face than meets the eye. 

Alden then smiled and shrugged to it with indifference. After tonight, what happens has nothing to do with him. feeling a sense of relief, Alden decided to add more fuel to the kneeling man.

"Mr. Sweat Face, could it be that you've been keeping valuable information from us? Why wasn't it disclosed that Mr. Collin's daughter was present earlier?"

Alden spoke, and without hesitation, he pressed on.

"If I didn't know any better, it seems like you're attempting to set up Choi and have Miss Collin witness Choi and his friend enjoying themselves," Alden remarked, a tone of suspicion in his words.

"If there's a misunderstanding, and Miss Collin believes we're causing harm to her father's property, I can't fathom how Choi would ever settle the debt with Mr. Collins," Alden expressed, his concern evident in the words.

Choi's gaze sharpening on the men who were kneeling. An unmistakable aura of intent to kill began to pervade the room, causing even the most boisterous members of the group to fall silent. This was the point of no return when Choi took on this demeanour. Since childhood, he had been the kind to lose his composure when he sensed manipulation. It was common knowledge among them—crossing paths with Choi Thornfield often led to dire consequences. The air was thick with the unspoken understanding that meddling with the Thornfield family's heir was a perilous game.