From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 271

Chapter 271: Testing the Limits

Sweat slid down the side of Wolf’s face, clinging to his skin like ice.

It wasn’t often that he got nervous. In fact, he prided himself on staying calm, no matter the situation. But this? This was different.

Because this time, his life was actually on the line.

A loaded gun pointed at your head by a military-trained killer, that kind of thing had a way of rattling even the toughest people.

Should I have told him the truth? Wolf wondered. That Max is in the hospital, recovering? What’s the worst they could’ve done with that information?

But Aron had made it clear.

Do not tell them about Max’s condition.

Wolf didn’t know why that mattered so much, why keeping that secret was more important than diffusing a dangerous situation, but he’d listened. And now here he was, staring down the barrel of a loaded threat, trying not to choke on the pressure.

Still... how could Chrono possibly know if he was lying?

That thought kept him grounded. There was no way for Chrono to tell for sure, unless Max’s own people betrayed him.

Finally, after what felt like a full minute of tension so thick it was hard to breathe, Chrono lowered the gun.

He placed it back into the drawer with a slow, deliberate motion. The click of the metal sliding into place was the only sound in the room.

"Keep trying to get in contact with him," Chrono said as he stepped forward. "And if you hear anything... anything at all, you let me know immediately."

Wolf gave a subtle nod, trying not to show how close he’d been to losing control.

But then Chrono stopped right in front of him.

And without warning, without even a shift in his expression, he swung his fist.

CRACK!

The punch connected squarely with the side of Wolf’s face, full force, body weight and all. It knocked him clean off his feet, sending him crashing down onto his backside.

Pain exploded through his cheek and jaw. A warm, metallic taste filled his mouth.

Iron.

He spat to the side, wiping his lip with the back of his hand.

That was a hard hit, Wolf thought, blinking stars from his vision. I thought Chrono just hid behind his two A+ rank fighters... but he’s not bad himself.

What frustrated him more than the pain, though, was the way Chrono had handled it.

He’d pulled a gun like a coward, then proved he didn’t even need it.

Why act like a weakling when you’re that strong? Wolf thought bitterly. What kind of leader hides behind a weapon when he can fight?

Chrono turned without saying another word and walked away, leaving Wolf on the ground.

The hit wasn’t just physical.

It was a message.

And Wolf understood it loud and clear.

There was nothing Wolf could do to retaliate, not in a place like this, and certainly not in his current situation.

He stayed down, biting back the pain.

"That was for not listening to me the first time," Chrono said flatly as he stepped back behind the desk, straightening his coat. "If both you and Max really consider yourselves members of the Rejected Corps, then that means you both listen to me, not the other way around."

His eyes narrowed coldly.

"So that was your punishment."

Wolf didn’t respond. He just slowly stood back up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.

Chrono returned to his seat, his voice firm and unshaken. "We’ve got a valuable prisoner right now. I told you that on the phone."

He looked Wolf dead in the eyes.

"And now it’s your job to look after her. Make sure she doesn’t escape, doesn’t cause any trouble. If anything happens to her... it’s going to fall squarely on you."

Only now, being held directly by him, did Wolf truly feel Na’s strength. It wasn’t just visual anymore, it was crushingly real. His grip alone was enough to make it clear: Na wasn’t someone to take lightly.

At least I’m being taken to where Abby is, Wolf thought, letting that sliver of silver lining keep him grounded.

Feels more like I’m the prisoner than the guard, Wolf thought as he looked around the dimly lit space.

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