The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 33

Stefan knew the thugs from the Celestial Wyrm Society wouldn't simply let this go. Sooner or later, they'd come back to bother Ava and Eliza.

The cleanest solution, of course, was to remove the threat for good.

But this was a busy district, and with Eliza and her mother watching, he couldn't exactly finish them off here.

"Stefan, thank you so much! I never realized you were this capable!" Eliza approached, gratitude clear in her eyes, which shone with something warmer than mere thanks.

"No need to thank me—we're old classmates, after all," Stefan replied with an easy smile.

Ava joined them, adding, "Young man, we really owe you one. So you and Eliza went to school together?"

"Mom, this is Stefan Bryant. We were close friends in high school." Eliza's tone carried a hint of pride.

"It's not a big deal. I was enjoying my meal when they showed up. I wasn't about to let them ruin it," Stefan said warmly.

Ava suddenly remembered something. "Stefan, I can't accept that money. Let me transfer it back to you."

"No, keep it. From what those guys said, this wasn't their first time shaking you down. Honestly, 100 thousand dollars doesn't feel like enough," Stefan insisted, waving a hand.

Seeing his firm stance, Ava reluctantly agreed. Still, worry crept into her voice. "Stefan, those men have backing from one of the major River City factions. Crossing them could bring serious trouble. I'd hate to drag you into this."

Eliza's expression shifted as the reality sank in. "Stefan, I'm so sorry. You just came for a meal, and now you're caught up in all this..."

"Don't worry about me. A few local bullies don't scare me," Stefan reassured them confidently.

After chatting a while longer and exchanging contact details, Stefan prepared to leave.

Stefan waved goodbye to Eliza. "Remember what I said, Eliza—if they come back, call me right away."

"I will. Next time, dinner's on me," she said with a sweet smile.

Stefan hailed a cab, intending to head to his next debt-collection stop.

Just as he settled into the seat, his phone rang. The name on the screen made him pause—his fiancée, Sara.

"Well, well... The ice-cold fiancée is calling me?"

He answered, unable to resist a teasing tone, "Hey there, honey. Miss me already?"

A chilly silence hung on the line for a moment before Sara's crisp, cool voice came through. "That name isn't funny, Stefan. I just heard you went to collect a debt from the Tiger Head Society."

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