Nathan had agreed to help Zack by sending men to kill Henry, but he didn't know or recognize Henry.
Today, Bryan called him to bring some tough guys to guard the café's main hall. He didn't realize that Bryan and Zack were targeting the same person.
As Henry entered the café, Nathan, sitting on the central sofa, put his phone on the coffee table.
"Sir," a waiter approached and asked, "how many in your party?"
Hearing Henry say room 2188, Nathan glanced at Henry and said, "Do all people getting out of police cars think they're tough? For some reason, I can't stand these tough guys!"
Jonathan and Daniel had been unsure if Nathan was there for Henry. Hearing Henry mention Bryan's room, they saw Nathan start provoking him, and Henry realized Nathan was sent by Bryan.
Behind Nathan's sofa stood four men, and another dozen or so sat in the surrounding booths.
Most people would recognize this as a setup and avoid trouble, but Henry stopped, slowly turning to face Nathan.
As their eyes met, Nathan casually said, "Still daring to look at me? Go, cut his tendons!"
Before he finished speaking, the four men behind Nathan pulled out machetes and rushed at Henry from both sides of the sofa.
Simultaneously, seven or eight men from the booths blocked the door.
The waitstaff and cashier, recognizing Nathan, quickly hid, knowing better than to intervene.
Nathan was one of the top enforcers for Samuel, one of Harbor Springs' three gang leaders. At thirty, he had saved Samuel's life in a brawl twelve years ago, leaving him with a crippled leg.
Though not fully disabled, one leg was shorter than the other from severe injury.
A former martial artist, Nathan had built himself into a muscle-bound fighter, earning a fearsome reputation in Harbor Springs.
For years, he, Xavier from Wyatt's crew, and Gavin from Tristan's crew were known as the top enforcers until Charles rose to prominence, making them the four top gang enforcers.
Seeing Nathan's ruthless order to cut Henry's tendons without hesitation, Jonathan and Daniel gripped their guns, ready for action.
Though better than their ambush at the brick factory, both were still slightly nervous, their hands trembling.
As the four thugs closed in, Henry calmly drew his Desert Eagle.
The sight of the gun made the thugs halt, looking back at Nathan.
The Desert Eagle's intimidation was significant, and they couldn't be sure if Henry was a cop.
Nathan was also taken aback, suspecting Henry might be a cop.
But considering Bryan's status and the potential support from Cole, one of Harbor Springs' wealthiest, Nathan felt confident Cole could handle any fallout.
"So what," Nathan sneered, regaining his composure, "having a gun makes you tough?"
Before he finished, Henry was already in front of him, pressing the Desert Eagle to his forehead.
If Nathan were a civilian, he might fear for his life. But suspecting Henry was a cop, Nathan believed he wouldn't shoot.
"What's the big deal? Go ahead, shoot. If you don't, you're my grandson!"
Henry pulled the trigger, and a bullet hit Nathan's left shoulder.
The twenty-plus men with Nathan were stunned.
Nathan himself was shocked, the pain and fear draining the color from his face.
Henry pressed the gun to Nathan's forehead again, and this time, Nathan was terrified.
"Officer, I... I was just joking."
Henry asked, "Who?"
Nathan didn't understand, "What?"
"Who sent you?"
"No one sent me..."
Another shot rang out, hitting Nathan's good leg.
Nathan's men shuddered.
Though they could only see Henry's back, the murderous aura radiating from him was chilling.
Nathan screamed and collapsed onto the sofa, "It was Bryan from The Davis Family Group!"
Henry holstered his gun and silently walked upstairs.
Nathan was dumbfounded.
This guy was ruthless, shooting without hesitation, then walking away after getting the information he wanted.
His men rushed to help him.
Nathan wanted to order them to attack, but Henry's intimidating presence made him reconsider.
After a moment, he said, "Take me to the hospital!"
Nathan was carried out by one of his men, the rest following dejectedly, while Henry disappeared up the stairs.
Daniel whispered to Jonathan, "Henry is testing our courage! I was nervous at first, but now I feel pumped. How about you?"
Jonathan nodded, "Same here!"
Henry reached room 2188 and walked in.
Seeing him, Isabelle stood up awkwardly, "You're here?"
Bryan glanced at Henry, surprised.
Seeing Henry unharmed, Bryan realized Nathan and his men had been dealt with.
Bryan couldn't fathom how Henry had managed it.
Henry was also surprised.
He had imagined Bryan, someone who married Victoria—a woman his father had kept and who was available to anyone—would be sleazy, cowardly, or a small, weak man.
Or perhaps a delicate, effeminate type.
But Bryan was tall, handsome, and exuded a subtle aura of strength.
Honestly, in terms of looks and presence, Henry felt Bryan was superior.
Of course, this was just the surface. The real Bryan would reveal himself once he spoke.
"You must be Henry," Bryan's lips curled into a smile, "I didn't expect you to make it here safely."