From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 239

Chapter 239: Unspoken Signals

When Dud stepped into the venue, his eyes did what they always did first, swept across the room. Each location run by the Black Hounds was different. He never knew exactly what to expect, since he didn’t always participate in the same place. The organization owned multiple venues, and Dud had fought in more than a few of them.

But his real reason for scanning the room wasn’t to appreciate the setup, it was to identify who else from the Black Hounds was present.

Based on how Chrono had been speaking earlier, Dud figured there was a good chance someone high-ranking would be watching tonight’s event. Yet, as his gaze passed over the crowd, he saw no familiar top-level faces.

What he did see, however, made him pause.

His eyes landed immediately on a familiar figure, Chad. It wasn’t just the blond hair that gave it away. It was the wolf mask worn by the person beside him. That same distinctive wolf mask that had been worn during previous events.

That’s Max. It has to be, Dud thought.

The connection between the Rejected Corps and the Black Hounds was no secret, and Dud had dealt with Chad Stern before. It didn’t take a genius to realize that the person placing high-stake bets, the one the Corps had been asked to assist occasionally, was indeed Chad. That confirmed it.

What’s he doing back here? Didn’t he lose everything? Dud wondered. Maybe the Black Hounds gave him one more night of indulgence before they decide what to do with him for good.

His gaze shifted slightly.

Next to Chad, the red-haired young man caught his attention. He was muscular but not fully filled out, young, still growing. But it wasn’t the build that stood out.

It was the hair.

Red. Just like Max’s.

Dud had paid close attention to Max’s file and appearance, and not many kids around here shared that trait. There was something unmistakable about him.

No way... it really is him? What would Max be doing at a place like this? And why is he sitting next to Chad? Dud’s thoughts were racing. Didn’t Max take over Chad’s business? Or Dipter’s? Weren’t those separate events?

And didn’t the Black Hounds meet with Max recently... is all of this connected?

The more Dud considered it, the more curious he became. If there was even a slight chance that was Max, he needed to confirm it. So he made his way toward the VIP section, pretending his reason was to greet the manager.

If that is Max, what’s he doing here? Is he trying to ally himself with the Black Hounds? Trying to erase the Rejected Corps from the picture? But he shouldn’t have that kind of influence... right?

Across the room, Max was caught in his own spiral of worry.

Why... why of all people does it have to be Dud? he thought, recognizing the man as soon as he entered. Why is a member of the Rejected Corps at this event? If he finds out who I really am and reports back, they’ll come after me. Just like the Black Hounds, they’ll force my hand, try to strip me of everything.

As Dud reached the manager, the two exchanged brief pleasantries.

"It’s good to see you again," the manager said with a knowing smile. "Hope you’re in shape to put on another solid performance tonight."

"When have I not put on a show?" Dud replied with a half-grin. "Though I’ve noticed the matches are getting tougher. Feels like you’re making me work harder every time."

The manager chuckled. "That’s how we keep things interesting. And as you can see," he said, glancing subtly over his shoulder, "we have some returning VIPs tonight."

Dud followed his gaze.

"I never thought I’d see you in a place like this again," Dud said, opening his arms as he approached the table. "You’re not going to make the same mistake of betting against me again, are you?"

"And is that... Max?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "I never imagined you’d show up here. What exactly is going on to bring you to a place like this?"

They were talking like they knew each other.

Why would Dud know Max? Chad thought. Or vice versa?

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