The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 469

Not only had Nolan and his family been expelled from the family registry and clan, but now, Ben was calling for punishment according to family traditions. Immediately, a group of a dozen or so young men stepped onto the stage, each wearing a sinister grin as they approached Nolan and his family.

At this moment, despite knowing that Nolan wouldn't suffer any real harm, Archie and the others couldn't hold back any longer—it was time for them to take action.

"Stop! Who dares to treat Mr. Greene with disrespect?" Archie, accompanied by a group of influential men, stormed onto the stage.

In a voice booming with anger, he said, "This must all be a joke, right? How could you expel a good man like Mr. Greene out of the village? I'm amazed by how foolish you all could be. Since we're here today, anyone who dares to lay a hand on Mr. Greene will be making an enemy of us. Understood?"

Lincoln stepped forward, his gaze cold and deadly as he glared at Ben and the others. "I'd like to see who dares lay a finger on Mr. Greene. Whoever tries, I'll have their hand chopped off!" With a wave of his hand, Lincoln barked, "Men, at the ready!"

At his command, nearly a hundred men in suits suddenly appeared, each of them glaring at the group on the stage with menacing intent.

Meanwhile, a frown appeared on both Ben and Stefan's forehead. To put it bluntly, these were people who were not to be messed with and certainly not to be provoked. Under normal circumstances, they would have shown deference to Archie and the others, but today was different.

Ben took a deep breath and spoke coldly, "Mr. Baxter, Mr. Riley, you've seen and heard everything that Nolan and his family have done, yet you still wish to shield such villains? Allow me to advise you—it's better not to go down this path, as we don't want to make an enemy out of you."

Just then, Harold slowly spoke up, "Mr. Baxter, Mr. Riley, is it? What kind of partnership do you have with Nolan that you're willing to step forward for him? But no matter the nature of your relationship, it doesn't matter.

"What matters is this—I'm about to make a major investment in the Eastern State, and when that happens, our potential collaboration will be far more advantageous for you. And let's be clear here, are you sure you want to protect Nolan and his family?

"Don't forget, this is Rio Village, with a population of over two thousand—all locals. The few people you've brought with you—will they be enough? Or are you planning to never leave this village ever again?"

After that, Harold turned to Ben and said calmly, "Since I'm here today, I'll take responsibility for whatever happens. You guys just focus on what you need to do."