Chapter 275
Dylan forced an awkward laugh and ducked his head sheepishly. “I was just kidding, Mr. Lloyd. Please don’t be angry.”
He had no doubt about Andrew’s influence. With one word, this man could actually have him performing stand–up comedy for the rest of his life.
The SUV pulled up in front of a towering building in Jayrodale’s West End district.
“Mr. Lloyd, this is Madam Vostokoff’s headquarters–the main base of West End’s underground operations,” Dylan explained while opening the door for Andrew.
“Impressive…” Andrew nodded after taking in the sight.
At that moment, an alluring woman wearing a veil and dark smoky eye makeup approached them, surrounded by several imposing bodyguards.
“Mr. Garner, you’ve finally arrived. Please come in. Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore are getting impatient,” she said with a smile, her eyes deliberately lingering on Andrew,
“Mr. Lloyd, this is Natasha Vostokoff, the leader of Jayrodale’s West End,” Dylan introduced.
Before he could introduce Andrew, Natasha cut in with a flirtatious laugh. She purred, There’s no need for introductions, Mr. Garner. I’ve heard all about this handsome young man.” She continued, “Word is that on the
day the new Weller family head took power, he held his own against their veteran enforcer in a fight. Impressive indeed, given his young age!”
She batted her eyes at Andrew seductively as she spoke.
While Natasha was indeed an attractive older woman who had maintained her allure, Andrew merely smiled politely at her advances.
He noted how well–informed she was about his encounter with the Weller family’s enforcer despite never meeting him–clearly, there was a sharp mind behind that sensual exterior.
Knowing Andrew’s usual indifference to women, Dylan cleared his throat and said, “Madam Vostokoff, since Mr. Giordano is already here, let’s get down to business.”
Natasha giggled charmingly. “Of course! Though I hear there’s some bad blood between Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Moore. Mr. Garner, are you sure it’s wise to bring him?”
Dylan snapped, “Where Mr. Lloyd goes, I go. If he leaves, I leave. If Mr. Giordano isn’t serious about negotiating, we can end this now.”
“Now, now, Mr. Garner, we all agreed that each party could bring their own backup,” Natasha quickly assured him.
He added, “Though bringing Mr. Lloyd seems a bit… inadequate? You know Mr. Moore’s got
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Hidden Dragons behind him.”
“Hidden Dragons means nothing–Mr. Moore is worthless compared to Mr. Lloyd,” Dylan scoffed.
Natasha shook her head slightly, reflecting on Dylan’s typical brashness and lack of political finesse.
With Atlas bringing someone as powerful as Finley to the meeting, she could not understand why Dylan would only bring this young man as backup, let alone dismiss Finley so brazenly.
She could already predict that South City would likely lose this negotiation–she could not fathom what Dylan was thinking by relying on Andrew.
Chapter 276
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Chapter 276
Atlas and Finley were already seated in the massive conference room. When Natasha entered with her signature sultry walk, Finley’s eyes lit up with desire, but Atlas quickly shot him a warning glance.
Atlas was well aware of Natasha’s reputation in Jayrodale’s underground circles, and he worried Finley’s wandering eye might compromise their position.
“Thank you for your patience, Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore,” Natasha said with a smile. “Mr. Garner and South City’s representative have arrived, so we can begin.”
“What capable fighter could South City possibly have besides Dylan?” Finley scoffed. “They’re all trash in my eyes.”
“Pretty big talk from you, Mr. Moore. Better be careful not to bite your tongue,” Dylan’s voice sounded from the doorway as he and Andrew entered the room.
Initially, both Finley and Atlas wore looks of contempt, feeling confident in their position against Dylan. However, when they saw Andrew beside him, their expressions quickly changed. “So this is who Dylan brought,” Atlas said through gritted teeth, his eyes narrowing. “Andrew, this meeting is between Jayrodale’s three underground powers. What business do you have here?” Finley demanded coldly.
Andrew casually took a seat and replied coolly, “Who said outsiders can’t participate in this? You’re an outsider too, so what are you doing here?”
“Don’t twist things around,” Finley snapped. “Mr. Giordano invited me, and I’m now officially Northern District’s honored guest.”
“That’s right. Mr. Moore is now considered one of us in Northern District,” Atlas added.
“Tonight, Mr. Lloyd speaks for South City,” Dylan declared firmly. “If you want to talk, let’s talk. If not, we can settle this another way.”
Atlas and Finley’s faces darkened at these words. They could have easily manipulated Dylan alone, but Andrew was a different story.
After all, they still remembered clearly how back at the Weller residence, Andrew had not only beaten up Michael but had also dared to face off against the Weller family’s top enforcers.
Despite his refined appearance, they knew he was dangerous.
“Gentlemen, let’s all calm down,” Natasha intervened smoothly. “We’ve barely started talking. This rare gathering of us three should focus on resolving our differences.”
She glanced curiously at Andrew, wondering why his mere presence had agitated Atlas and Finley so much.
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“For your sake, we’ll continue,” Atlas grunted. “But Northern District’s position remains firm.
“As long as Madam Vostokoff stays out of it, Mr. Giordano and I can easily crush South City,” Finley boasted. “Then Jayrodale’s underworld can be split between Northern District and West End. A win–win situation, wouldn’t you say?”
Natasha’s eyes flickered with interest as she considered the proposal. With the three underground powers currently at a stalemate and Northern District and South City wearing each other down, her untouched West End territory stood to gain from their conflict. “Don’t listen to their empty promises, Madam Vostokoff,” Dylan quickly interjected.
