From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 147

Across Notting Hill, in group chats, online forums, and scattered lunchtime conversations, a single name kept popping up among teens:

Bloodline Merch.

It wasn't just a brand anymore. It was a thing.

"Hey, have you noticed everyone's wearing that Bloodline stuff lately?" one kid asked, spinning his phone in his palm as he leaned back on a park bench.

"Yeah, I've seen it around. Kind of a lot, actually. Must be some new drop from a streetwear brand or something."

"I heard they got a bunch of local influencers pushing it. Like real ones. From around here."

"That explains the hype. But you know how these things go. Probably another industry plant. Hype now, trash later."

"I thought the same," another kid chimed in, "but their pricing isn't insane. It's not trying to be designer or exclusive. Just… regular prices. Like Nike-tier."

"For real? Lemme check, "

Tap tap tap.

"Yo, you're right. Prices aren't bad… but it's all sold out. Damn."

"Guess if you get real influencers and don't overcharge, people actually buy. Wild concept."

"It's more than that, though. This one feels different. Like, even with influencers, most people don't care. But with Bloodline? People are actually going out of their way to find it."

"And because it's local, it feels more genuine."

"You think this could be the first big brand to actually come out of Notting Hill?"

"I heard something else too. A rumor. The merch? It's coming from those new gyms that opened up. You know, the sketchy ones down by the tracks."

"No way."

"Yeah, and apparently if you go there in person, they'll sell you some, if they've got any left."

"…I dunno if I'm ready to risk getting stabbed just for a hoodie. I'll wait until they restock online."

That was the buzz among the general teen crowd, kids across the city noticing the trend, chasing the hype.

But in the neighborhoods closest to the gyms, in the schools where the Bloodline name had taken root, conversations were different. The tone wasn't about fashion.

It was about survival.

"You get your hands on any Bloodline merch yet?" a girl asked her friend as they walked down the school hallway.

"Nope. Sold out everywhere. I even checked the resale apps."

"We might have to go straight to the source. The gyms themselves."

"You sure that'll work? What if the rumors aren't real?"

"Wait, what rumors?" someone else butted in. "I was too busy beating up my little brother, dude was trying to suck my toes again."

A beat of silence.

"You seriously need to get him checked out."

"Anyway, what rumors?" another friend snapped, ignoring the tangent.

"That the delinquents, all of them, have been steering clear of anyone wearing Bloodline gear."

"Like, completely ignoring them. Not robbing them. Not picking fights. Just letting them walk."

"Dead serious. It's like anti-bullying clothing."

"…That's kind of genius."

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