The host stood frozen for several seconds, unsure how to interpret Evon’s sudden decision to make a phone call. It struck him as strange. Evon had already demonstrated overwhelming strength, more than enough to subdue every guard in the room if he wanted. If intimidation had been his goal, he would not have needed a phone call. So why contact someone now? Why risk drawing more attention when he already had the upper hand?
As Evon lowered the phone, silent and composed, the host began to feel a sense of smug confidence returning to him. A theory formed in his mind, one that he clung to immediately because it made sense to his ego.
He must have realized who he’s dealing with.
He’s scared of the Black Hounds.
A grin spread beneath the host’s mask as he straightened his posture.
"It’s because you’ve realized you’re messing with the Black Hounds!" the host declared triumphantly. "One of the biggest gangs in Notting Hill, far bigger than anything you could possibly comprehend!"
Evon didn’t respond. He simply watched him, expression unreadable.
"This isn’t our only location," the host continued, puffing out his chest. "We have sites all over the city, and if you think hurting a few guards in a back room will intimidate us, you’re delusional. Just wait until Jett gets his hands on you, he could deal with you in seconds!"
He burst into laughter, a loud and uncontrolled cackle that echoed off the storage-room walls. For a moment, he felt invincible again. He was about to take a bold step closer to Evon when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
The host glanced down.
The number flashing on the screen made his entire body stiffen. His stomach twisted violently, and his throat tightened. He immediately answered the call.
Before he could speak a single word, furious shouting blasted through the speaker.
"You idiot! You complete fool!" a voice bellowed. "How can you be stupid enough to do this? If you want to stay alive in this business, you need to understand it properly, inside and out! There are certain people you never, under any circumstances, mess with! Evon is one of those people!"
The host blinked rapidly, overwhelmed. He had followed the same procedures he always followed. Everything he had done tonight was standard. So what was different this time?
"You absolute moron!" the voice continued. "You’re messing with a member of the Gilt Rats!"
Everything inside the host stopped. His breath. His thoughts. Even his heartbeat seemed to freeze for a moment.
The message was loud and unmistakably clear.
There was one rule in the Black Hounds, one rule hammered into every member repeatedly from the day they joined.
Do not antagonize the Gilt Rats. Ever.
Obey them. Assist them. Treat their orders as law.

Looks like they really didn’t know who they were dealing with, Na thought. And now they definitely know.

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