Chapter 71: A Show of Force

Three hours later.

The plane landed at Miami International Airport.

The boarding stairs were lowered.

Leo was the first to walk out of the cabin.

Miami's sunlight was blinding, and a wave of heat rolled over him.

The air carried the salty tang of the sea, with a faint sourness underneath.

This was Miami: a vacation paradise on the surface, a city of sin underneath.

On the tarmac sat three black Cadillac SUVs.

The car doors opened.

Seven or eight men in floral shirts and sunglasses got out.

Leading them was a burly Latino man in his thirties, with a thick gold chain around his neck and a fierce skull tattoo on his arm.

"You're the... Leo that Serafina mentioned?"

The man pushed up his sunglasses and looked Leo up and down, his tone dripping with contempt.

"I'm Carlos. Lone Wolf sent me to pick you up."

As he spoke, his gaze slid past Leo to Serafina, who had just come down the stairs.

When he saw her figure, Carlos's eyes lit up.

"Serafina, long time no see."

He licked his lips, hunger in his eyes.

"Still so... tempting."

Serafina frowned, a flash of disgust in her eyes.

But she still kept a professional smile.

"Carlos, Lone Wolf sent you to pick us up?"

"Of course."

Carlos walked up to her, reaching out a hand as if to touch her face.

"Lone Wolf said you're an important guest, told me to take good 'care' of..."

He never finished.

Leo suddenly stepped between them.

He moved so fast that Carlos didn't even see him coming.

"Back off."

Leo's voice was ice-cold, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Carlos froze for a moment, then his expression twisted.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?"

He pushed up his sunglasses again, a vicious glint in his eyes.

"This is Miami! Lone Wolf's turf!"

"You're just an outsider, and you dare act tough in front of me?"

His men immediately spread out, a few lifting their shirts to show the guns at their waists.

"Kid, if you know what's good for you, walk away."

Carlos jabbed a finger at Leo's face.

"Don't ruin my fun."

"Serafina, how about having a drink with me tonight?"

He glanced back at Serafina, eyes full of crude desire.

"I promise, I'll make you feel really good."

The atmosphere instantly froze.

The Shadow squad members had quietly fanned out, hands resting on their holsters.

Olivia stood three steps behind Leo, staring coldly at Carlos.

The moment the boss gave the word, she would shoot.

Serafina looked at Leo's back, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

She wanted to see how this Reaper would handle it.

"Carlos."

Leo suddenly spoke, his voice quiet.

"I'm giving you a chance."

"A chance?"

Carlos sneered.

"What chance?"

"Apologize."

Leo turned his head, his eyes like a bottomless pit.

"Now. Immediately. Apologize to her."

"Hahahaha!"

Carlos threw his head back laughing, his men joining in.

"Apologize? Are you joking?"

Carlos laughed until there were tears in his eyes.

"Do you know who you're talking to?"

"I'm Lone Wolf's right-hand man!"

"In Miami, I can sleep with whoever I want!"

"Who the fuck do you think you..."

He never finished.

Bang.

Leo moved.

A heavy punch smashed into Carlos's abdomen.

Carlos doubled over, spitting up a bitter mouthful.

His sunglasses hit the ground and shattered.

"You..."

Before he could react, Leo's hand was already around his throat, hauling him up.

"I'll say this one last time."

Leo's voice was dead cold.

"Apologize."

Carlos's face turned red as he clawed at Leo's wrist.

But Leo's grip was like an iron clamp, unshakable.

"Boss!"

Several men instantly drew their guns and aimed at Leo.

But—

Click.

Click.

Click.

Several crisp metallic sounds rang out.

The Shadow squad had already drawn their weapons, dark barrels locked on everyone's heads.

Olivia held an HK45, the muzzle pressed against the temple of the man closest to her.

"Drop your weapons."

Her voice held no emotion.

"Three seconds."

The men looked at one another, cold sweat running down their faces.

They were street thugs who had seen plenty of tough guys.

But people like these...

That cold, practiced killing air around them—they'd never felt anything like it.

These weren't street punks.

These were real killers who had seen real combat.

"Drop... them..."

Carlos choked out.

The men immediately lowered their guns and raised their hands.

"Good."

Leo let go.

Carlos collapsed to the ground, sucking in air.

"Now..."

Leo looked down at him.

"Apologize."

Carlos gritted his teeth, hatred burning in his eyes.

But he knew that if he didn't apologize today, he might really die here.

"...Sorry..."

He forced the word out.

"Louder."

Leo said flatly.

"Sorry!"

Carlos shouted.

"Apologize to who?"

"To... to Serafina!"

"Good."

Leo turned and walked toward the SUV.

"Now, take us to see Lone Wolf."

Carlos got up from the ground, one hand at his neck, hatred still smoldering in his eyes.

But he didn't say a word.

He just shot Leo a vicious glare, then turned and got in the car.

Serafina walked up beside Leo, amusement in her eyes.

"Tsk tsk tsk... Reaper, you really are domineering."

She licked her red lips.

"That punch just now was so cool."

"Get in the car."

Leo ignored her teasing and got straight into the second SUV.

Serafina smiled and followed in her high heels.

The convoy started up and left the airport.

Inside the car.

Carlos sat in the passenger seat, rubbing his neck, his eyes full of resentment.

He pulled out his phone and sent a text message.

[Boss, that Leo is really arrogant. He hit me in front of everyone.]

Soon, the phone vibrated.

[Bear with it. Once he gets here, I'll make him understand the consequences of being arrogant in Miami.]

A sinister smile crept across Carlos's face.

Good.

Just wait.

I'll make you pay back that punch tenfold.

In the back seat.

Leo leaned against the backrest, eyes closed.

Olivia sat beside him and said quietly, "Boss, something's off about this Carlos. He just sent a text in secret."

"I know."

Leo said evenly.

"Then should we..."

"It's fine."

Leo opened his eyes and looked at the streets flashing by outside the window.

"We were going to see Lone Wolf sooner or later anyway."

"If he wants to play games..."

A cold smile tugged at Leo's lips.

"I'll play along."

The convoy drove through the busy downtown and into the South Beach district.

Luxury hotels, nightclubs, and casinos were everywhere... but behind the glitter lay endless sin.

The convoy stopped in front of a white apartment building by the sea.

"We're here."

Carlos pushed open the car door and got out.

"Our boss Lone Wolf is waiting for you upstairs."