A few days later, inside an exclusive club in Dentora City.
Mia—stunning in a red evening gown—entered the glittering, gold‑lit hall on the arm of a gentleman and took a seat in the very front row.
Once the pair appeared, people nearby kept coming over to chat or flatter them.
None of it, of course, was directed at her.
It was all for the man at her side—Brunson.
A trusted lieutenant of the Ten Dons, and one of the core figures in the Republic of Padokea's underworld.
Practically the entire western region of the republic lay under the Brunson family's control, with businesses spread across a dozen cities.
That power, naturally, was conferred by the Ten Dons.
Except for Brunson, no mid‑rank‑and‑below Mafia family knew anything concrete—appearance, files, or even real names—about the Ten Dons.
None had ever seen them in person.
Everyone was here for an auction—not an ordinary auction, but one that sold people: women, breathtaking beauties hand‑picked from around the world.
Brunson intended to buy a few top‑tier specimens at high prices—not for himself, but as tribute to the Ten Dons.
Such "offerings" were standard Mafia practice: every year the underworld staged similar auctions so families could outbid each other, both to flaunt wealth and, more importantly, to funnel money to the Dons in exchange for protection.
The real organizer behind these events was the Ten Dons themselves.
Those crowding around Brunson now were hoping he would mention their names to the Dons. For certain Mafia bosses, simply being remembered by a Don was the highest honor—and possibly a ticket into the inner circle.
Brunson, however, treated these "flies" with complete disdain, never once granting them a proper glance. Follow current novels on N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
As the low hum of chatter faded, the hall fell silent.
Spotlights came up and, one by one, exquisitely featured, long‑legged women stepped from the shadows of the backstage curtain. Their outfits were so revealing they were little more than scraps of cloth; every inch of skin and every curve was on display.
Brunson, cigar between his teeth, asked dryly, "What do you want this time?"
His tone toward Mia carried no warmth—only chill.
Mia blinked. She knew that for a messenger of the Ten Dons, every novelty had an expiration date. She had become his lover by selling her body, but Brunson was clearly growing tired of her.
The Zatobi family's hold over Zerta City owed not only to Xiang Nan's help but also to Brunson's blessing, which kept other syndicates from challenging Mia's position. And Brunson, as a big shot, was famously cautious. This visit, though Mia brought a few people, Brunson had waved them all off—allowing her to keep only a single "bodyguard."
Mia (softly): "Our family wants to expand a bit—co‑operate with Mafia groups in other regions. I'm hoping you can make introductions. If you speak for me, they'll oblige. You know Zerta's economy is poor. We rely on phantasm grass to stay afloat, but its output and market are limited. Without other ventures we'll struggle, and if a bad harvest comes, the Zatobi family could crumble."
Brunson (snorts): "Still not satisfied after swallowing the Vick and Yeschi families? Weren't they dabbling in contraband? Now you've eaten them too—what next?"
Brunson never looked at her; his gaze stayed on a beauty onstage as he raised his paddle. The instant he bid, everyone else tactfully fell silent.
Mia (leaning closer, coaxing): "My contacts only work inside Zerta. Potions from phantasm grass mostly sell to local cults. Outside, there's no market. If you don't speak up, other families will see phantasm grass on their turf and think we're poaching business."
Brunson (cold): "I'll think about it. All territories were carved up long ago; no one crosses the lines. The Ten Dons dislike anyone who breaks the rules first."
Mia (trying again): "Darling—"
Mia held her stinging cheek but smiled sweetly, unruffled.
Hours later the auction ended. Mia rode with Brunson's motorcade to a private estate in Dentora. The only person she was allowed to bring was that "bodyguard"—Xiang Nan, currently disguised as a Zatobi member.
At the villa, Mia quickly changed into provocative lingerie and arranged an elegant candlelight dinner, as though the earlier slap had never happened. Brunson appeared in a white bathrobe, unsurprised; clearly the woman was trying to placate him.
He liked Mia not just for her looks but because she was clever and knew how to coax. Though he was tired of her, since she offered herself, he did not mind some pre‑bedtime enjoyment.
He sat, reaching out—
—and suddenly footsteps approached.
A man walked up, sat grandly opposite Brunson, and began eating.
Brunson's eyes chilled.
It was Mia's "bodyguard."
The woman who a second ago was flirting with him now backed away, standing demurely behind the guard like a servant.
Xiang Nan (smiling warmly): "Not hungry? No appetite?"
Brunson (glancing at Mia, then at Xiang Nan, voice dark):
Xiang Nan cut another bite of steak, chewed leisurely.
Xiang Nan: "Who I am is irrelevant. What matters is this: from now on, your family, your businesses—everything you own—has been taken over by the Zatobi family."
Brunson stared, then burst into incredulous laughter.
Brunson: "What is this, a joke?"
He glanced again at Mia. This was his estate, crawling with his men. If she wanted revenge, surely she would do it properly?
— Currently You can Read 120 Chapters Ahead of Others!