Page 165 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

Then, I grasp the full view of the closet.

Four other men, all in black, piled behind the 6’4” muscled killer.

I initially missed it with how the closet is shadowed, but now that my eyes adjust and scan the closet interior properly, I grasp just how dire this all is.

They sent five killers to get a hold of Verena.

Why?

I have to be out of the loop regarding some key piece of information that will determine the sudden shift in Verena’s importance in this society.

“I can only allow so much to transpire before I have to interfere,” Matteo reports. “If anything did happen, it would be because I allowed it or am unable to interfere due to the rules.”

The unspoken rules and expectations change with every ascension of rank at Leighton Royals University.

“Is your desperate desire to let our society know loud and clear that your intentions of marrying Verena are real, inviting all these ambushes?” That’s the only thing that can make sense.

“There you go again,” Matteo sighs in defeat. “Undermining her potential.”

“We’re not discussing Verena’s potential,” I harshly emphasize. “The uptick of attempted ambushes and kidnappings started when you were appointed a Ruthless King.”

“If that’s your assumption, then there’s no need to discuss the hidden truth further,” Matteo concludes and snaps his fingers. The door of the classroom slides open, and there’s Hannah, his blindfolded “servant.” That’s what I’ve labeled her because there is no way she can protect this man without sight.

“Yes, sir.” She’s at his side and bowing obedience.

“Please inform Mr. Ferdinand of the new changes.”

I scrunch my face in revolt, not understanding why he’s associating himself with Theo.

“What are you suggesting?” I dare ask. “Theo put you up to this?”

Theo is a king at blackmailing, but I didn’t have any hope he’d be able to blackmail Matteo. What could he have on the mafia mastermind who seems to be collecting Empires like collector hockey cards?

“No one can put me up to anything,” he casually notes as Hannah dismisses herself. “You were safe when your loyalty was with Evangeline. Now that you’ve bluntly proven your priorities and focus, there’s no longer a need for me to add you into the bubble of protection.”

Bubble of protection…

“I have loyalties to Prince Theodore. Have for years. Now that my position as Ruthless King of Havoc is secured, I can affirm my alliances and repay him for his assistance,” Matteo concludes. “He’s dealing with some skeletons coming out of his closet, so what better way of confronting them than by hiring someone who can do his bidding.”

Wait a minute.

Hire…

I rush to the open closet until I’m standing in the pool of blood of these dead fuckers that’s growing bigger by the minute. Ripping the check taped on the forehead, I squint to see the tiny letters.

“Ferdinand Royal Corp,” I read it out loud and turn the back of it to reveal the designated client assigned to me. My eyes widen before I try to comprehend what the fuck is going on.

“Surprised?” Matteo asks when I have nothing to say.

“He can’t afford me,” I conclude and stomp back to Matteo, offering him the check. “Return it.”

“Theo is a billionaire.”

“I raise my daily fee five times,” I stress. “No. Ten fucking times. He won’t be able to afford ten million a day.”

“From a man who makes a billion a day for breathing?” Matteo offers and enjoys how I can’t hide my immense shock.“Your ten-million-dollar daily payment is approved. Actually, it fits perfectly because Theo predicted you’d want this amount to the very dollar. Guess that will give my little brother a big head to think someone would pay that much for his existence to remain intact.”

“Domino Leighton is fucking bankrupt. How the hell is he getting Prince Ferdinand to hire ME to protect him?! EXPLAIN IT!” I demand. “You’re allowing all of this to happen over loyalty suddenly? You’re not loyal to your so-called ‘little brother.’ You deliberately took his position as Ruthless King and title as the Leighton Heir. You instigated all of these events, but now you’re working with Theo to force me to protect him?” None of it makes sense. “And where does this leave V? Wide open while you play Fearsome Leader to appease a few rich folks who idolize your grand reveal in this society?!”

---