To manage a gang, one not only had to be willing but also capable.
To manage a gang, one not only had to be willing but also capable.
For a long time, Mark stayed silent.
“Mark, you really need to think through what I told you.”
“That's enough, Sophie. Stop talking about this.” Every time this topic was brought up, Mark would get annoyed.
When Sophie saw how he was escaping from reality again, she shook her head.
“Mark, let me be honest with you. It's just not for you.” It was not that Sophie was trying to discourage him; she strongly felt that he was not suitable for it.
Mark took a deep breath and replied, “I'll think about it, okay? I'll go ahead now to meet Sunny and the others.”
Although he decided to leave, he was quite reluctant deep inside.
Not long after Mark left, Quinton called and asked Sophie to meet him.
Indeed, there were many things Sophie hadn't been able to tell him since Mark suddenly showed up the last time she was with Emerald Gang. Therefore, she immediately agreed to meet in a café.
After dealing with the company matters at hand, she headed over.
Ten minutes after she arrived, Quinton showed up.
Seeing that Sophie was already waiting for him, he was very pleased.
Right after he sat down, he asked, “Sophie, does Mark like you?”
Although he had a big hunch that it was true, he still wanted to confirm it.
Caught off guard by his question, Sophie was at a loss for words for a moment.
“Why? Do you think Mark isn't good enough for you?” No matter what weaknesses Mark had, Quinton felt that he was an outstanding person.
“Mr. Wheeler, how could you say that? Mark is a great person. However, we're only friends,” Sophie explained.
Quinton couldn't help but doubt her words.
Judging from the way Mark acted, it didn't seem like he treated Sophie as just a friend.
“Do you really have no feelings for Mark?” Quinton asked. That boy has always been reserved, so he probably won't tell her how he feels.
“Mr. Wheeler, I think you've misunderstood. I already have a boyfriend.”
Her words silenced Quinton for a while.
Nevertheless, he did not give up. “Sophie, will you really not consider giving Mark a chance?” He actually believed that Sophie was more suitable for Emerald Gang than Mark, but he couldn't just hand over the gang to her for no reason.
However, it would be a different case if she were to be his daughter-in-law.
“You've been hoping that Mark would continue singing, right? If you marry him and help him manage Emerald Gang, I will give him my blessing.”
That was the only thing Quinton wanted from Sophie.
Meanwhile, Sophie was surprised to hear that request from Quinton.
Unfortunately, it was impossible for her to be with Mark.
She couldn't force herself to feel something she didn't.
Even without Tristan, she would never consider dating Mark. It just didn't feel right.
“Mr. Wheeler, I'm afraid I cannot fulfill your request. I will not marry someone I don't love.”
It was true that Sophie wanted to help Mark, but this was not the way she wanted to go by.
At that moment, Quinton's face fell.
“If that's the case, then I have nothing else to say.” As he believed that Sophie was the right candidate, he couldn't help feeling disappointed.
“Mr. Wheeler, Mark is not suitable for Emerald Gang. I hope you can think about it thoroughly and look for a new successor.”
“That's our family matter, so it's none of your business,” Quinton said. Since there is nothing between her and Mark, she has no right to tell me what to do.
“I know I shouldn't be telling you what to do, but you have to know this—if you force him to lead Emerald Gang, he may not be able to do it well. If anything bad happens to him, will you be able to bear it?”
As a father, Quinton naturally did not want to put his son in danger.
However, he had offended countless people throughout the years as a gang leader.
If he gave up the gang and lost his power, no one could guarantee the safety of his family.
“Mr. Wheeler, I know you have many enemies out there. If it's okay with you, I am willing to take responsibility for your safety.”
Hearing that, Quinton scoffed. “Take responsibility? With what? I know you're skilled at fighting, but are you aware of how cunning those people are? You don't know anything at all.”
The society isn't as simple as she thinks!
“Mr. Wheeler, I really do understand how you feel. But since I dared to make that claim, it means I am capable of protecting you and your family,” Sophie voiced.
Quinton studied Sophie with an odd look. Then, he stood up and uttered, “Forget it. I can't believe I actually felt expectant when you said that. I must be crazy.”
“I also know that things won't end up well if you force it. Since you do not want my help, then never mind.”
Mark was indeed quite rebellious before, but that did not change the fact that he was Quinton's pride.
When Mark left the house, he had nothing with him.
Now, he had succeeded and gotten everything he wanted.
Sadly, the things he possessed could not protect his family.
“Mr. Wheeler, I'm serious. I can protect you and Mark. Please consider it carefully and find a new successor.”
Quinton shook his head and insisted, “I won't feel at ease no matter who I pass on Emerald Gang to.”
Sometimes, power would make a person blind.
If Quinton let someone else take over Emerald Gang, that person might very well eliminate his entire family the next moment.
After all, the people from the underground circle were brutal and ruthless.
Unwilling to consider Sophie's suggestion, Quinton eventually left. Since she's unwilling, only Mark can do it now. No matter what, he is my son. Even if he's reluctant, I'm sure he is capable enough. He will surely protect our family.
In the meantime, Sophie continued sipping on her coffee.
She had known that it wouldn't be easy to convince Quinton.
When an idea was ingrained in someone, just a few words were not enough to change their mind.
What should I do to resolve this issue?
Just then, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.
When she picked up, Felix's anxious voice sounded from the other end of the line. “Sophie, come over quickly. Mr. Tristan is hurt.”
This was Sophie's first time hearing him sounding so panicked.
“What?” she exclaimed, her heart sinking at the news.
“Where are you? Send me the address, and I'll be there soon,” she added. What happened? How did he get hurt all of a sudden?
As Sophie grabbed her bag from the chair beside her, she received Felix's text that indicated their location.
Right away, she hailed a taxi and headed toward the hospital.
Upon arriving at the emergency room, she saw Felix standing outside by himself.
“Where's Tristan? How is he? How did he get hurt all of a sudden?”
Felix patted her shoulder and said, “Calm down, Sophie. Someone tried to assassinate Mr. Tristan. He got hurt while trying to protect me.”
It was then that Sophie noticed Felix was also covered in blood.
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