The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 31

Leo narrowed his eyes at Eliza, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "Your daughter's coming with us to meet Dawson. Keep him happy, and your family won't have to run this diner anymore. You'll live in luxury—the finest food, the finest life."

Ava stepped forward, her voice trembling with forced politeness. "You must be joking. My daughter is clumsy and has no manners. She wouldn't know how to properly serve someone like Dawson. Please thank him for his kind offer. This place is just a small business, barely enough to get by. You already took a large sum from us just the other day. If you come again now, I'm afraid..."

Before she could finish, Leo kicked the nearest table over with a loud crash. His expression turned cold. "No money? Fine. Then the girl comes with us."

"Get out! I'd rather die than go with you!" Eliza shouted, her chest heaving with fury.

"No money, and not leaving with us? Smash the place. Wreck everything!" Leo sneered, waving a hand toward his men.

"Please, no! Spare our diner! My whole family depends on it. Please, I'm begging you!" Ava shouted, her voice breaking into a sob.

"Mom!" Eliza rushed to pull her mother up, her eyes welling with tears.

Helpless anger washed over her—not only was she being humiliated, but her mother was forced to beg in desperation.

A burp sound, that was entirely out of place, rang out.

Stefan had just finished his meal. He had to admit, Eliza wasn't exaggerating—her mother's cooking was exceptional.

After releasing a satisfied burp, Stefan turned his gaze toward Leo and his crew. A glint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

They're shaking people down this openly now? Who is backing them?

He was almost curious to meet their boss.

His untimely burp caught the thugs' attention. They turned toward the source.

Leo finally noticed the lone customer calmly sitting in the corner. He dismissed him as just some random guy eating here.

Eliza's heart jumped. Stefan is still here.

She hurried over and grabbed his arm. "Stefan, you need to leave."

"Eliza, what's going on with these people?" Stefan asked.

"Just... don't get involved. Please go. They're dangerous." Eliza bit her lip, fearing she might drag Stefan into this mess.

An ordinary person stood no chance against these brutes. The only smart move was to walk away and avoid trouble.

"Start smashing!" Leo barked.

"Like slapping people, do you? So do I."

Stefan's open palm struck Leo's face with a loud smack, sending him stumbling backward.

Blood sprayed from his mouth, teeth scattering across the floor.

"You bastard! Do you know who we are?" Leo spat, his eyes burning with rage. "Boys, get him! Break his legs!"

The other thugs stopped destroying the diner and pulled out switchblades and brass knuckles, closing in on Stefan.

Leo grabbed a dagger with his other hand and lunged.

"Stefan, watch out!" Eliza's voice shook with terror.

A few armed men surrounded Stefan. Her heart felt like it would burst—until her eyes widened in disbelief.

In what seemed like seconds, Stefan had disarmed and floored every single attacker. He moved with such ease that it looked like an adult swatting away children.

Gasping on the floor, Leo glared up, his voice venomous. "You're dead... Dawson will make sure of it. You're a dead man walking!"