Chapter 480

The one-eyed thug scoffed at Adrian's words. His patience wore thin as he grabbed the boy by his collar. "Listen here, kid. Start talking or you'll get the same treatment as him!"

William struggled to his feet, blood dripping from his split lip. "L-Let him go!" He lunged forward only to be knocked back by a brutal punch.

Adrian thrashed violently in the man's grip. "Release me now or you'll regret this!" His small fists pounded against the brute's arms.

"Shut your mouth, brat!" The thug raised his hand to strike when a black SUV came screeching around the corner. Metal crunched as it T-boned the thug's vehicle, sending it spinning across the pavement.

"What the hell—" The one-eyed man's curses died in his throat when he recognized the license plate. His knees buckled instantly, forehead pressing against the asphalt in terrified submission.

Adrian wriggled free and approached the massive armored vehicle. Standing on tiptoes, he rapped his knuckles against the tinted window with a frown.

The window lowered with an electric hum.

Dark sunglasses reflected Adrian's determined face as the driver leaned forward. "Are you the owner of Crimson Emporium?"

A cold chuckle answered him. The man's sharp jawline tensed beneath the sunglasses that hid half his face. "Are you Adrian Lockhart?" His voice was deep, measured.

"That's correct. You may call me Adrian." The boy straightened his posture. "Proper etiquette requires you to step out when speaking to someone."

Quentin Blackthorn's eyebrow arched. "And if I refuse?"

"Then we can't be friends." Adrian crossed his arms. "Mother says I shouldn't associate with rude people."

Silence stretched between them before Quentin surprised everyone by opening the door. Towering at six-foot-three in his black trench coat, his presence commanded instant obedience.

The one-eyed thug dared a glance upward before cowering again. "M-Mr. Blackthorn! Forgive me for touching what's yours! Mercy, please!"

Now he believed. Quentin Blackthorn himself had come for this child.

No one in Harbor Market crossed Quentin and lived to tell the tale. The thug knew his fate was sealed.

Ignoring the groveling man, Quentin extended a gloved hand toward Adrian. "Satisfied?"

Adrian studied the offered hand before shaking it firmly. "We'll see."