"Joey, don't stoop to his level. This guy's a lunatic," Albert Monroe said in a panic, trying to defuse the situation.
Joey Navarro pointed at the betel nut shell on the ground, then turned his cold gaze on Elias Vance with a sneer. "Old man Monroe, looks like you've grown some wings, huh? Even found yourself a backer?"
"He's not a backer! Not at all!" Monroe waved his hands frantically, not even daring to meet Joey's eyes anymore.
Joey shifted his attention back to Elias. "I don't care who you are. If you want me to let you off, get on your knees right now and eat that betel nut I spat out."
Elias stood motionless, his expression unreadable as he watched Joey with the kind of stillness that made the air feel heavier.
"Elias, don't cause trouble!" Monroe's anxiety spiked, his voice tr
