Chapter 48
1240 Words
The next day, Ariya went to work as usual, while Talon took Maisy to kindergarten and then found a small tavern to enjoy some wine leisurely.
Towards noon, the phone on the table suddenly rang. Talon glanced at it and saw that it was a call from Ariya.
"Talon, I..." Ariya seemed hesitant.
"What's up, my great director?" Talon teased.
"It's... well, Leo. I just heard that Leo is dead," Ariya said slowly.
"Oh?" Talon frowned.
Given that Leo was only in his forties, in the prime of life with no known health issues, it was surprising he would die.
"Yes, I was also shocked when I heard the news," Ariya replied calmly.
"Mr. Hart went abroad for business recently, but he's quite a womanizer. After going abroad, he sought out three women and took some pills. The next day, he was found dead in one of the women's beds. According to the police, it was due to excessive indulgence and myocardial ischemia."
Talon gave a detached smile. "Alright, I understand. Just focus on your work. All I need to know now is which country Leo went to."
"Italy, apparently it's Miss Christina's country," Ariya answered without hesitation.
After hanging up, Talon was silent for a long time before dialing an international number.
The phone rang for only a few seconds before a hearty voice answered.
"Haha, Talon, you couldn't escape Tina's charms after all! How was my daughter? You're quite lucky! Yet, with you as my son-in-law, it also brings honor to my William family. When will you come to Italy? I'll treat you to the best women and the finest wine!"
Talon chuckled wryly. Tina's father, William, was still as unconventional as ever, speaking so directly.
But that's also why Talon liked him.
"William, Tina came to see me. We had a brief meeting, but it didn't last more than five minutes," Talon said.
"Hmm? Given your robust physique, how could it not last five minutes?" William asked, puzzled.
"Don't worry, with today's medical advancements, it's really not a problem!" William reassured.
Talon almost spit out the wine he had just taken a sip of but didn't bother explaining. He said seriously, "Let's discuss this another time. I need you to investigate a person for me."
He added. "This person is named Leo. He died in your jurisdiction, and the police attributed it to excessive indulgence. I need you to thoroughly investigate the cause of death and send me a detailed report."
"Okay, that's manageable. I'll get you a satisfactory answer within twenty-four hours!" William promised enthusiastically, then added with a serious tone.
"Also, Talon, while you're still young, hurry up and have a child with Tina. Even if it only lasts a minute, it's enough to ensure that your offspring, combined with my William family's bloodline, will surely be noble and destined for greatness!"
"Click!" Talon hung up the phone, feeling a bit sorry for Tina. He couldn't imagine how she had managed over the years with such a father.
"Sir, let me refill your wine!" The tavern owner came over and refilled Talon's glass. "By the way, I see you've been sitting here all morning. Aren't you hungry?"
"I'll have steak for lunch, but if you don't mind, I can prepare a portion for you as well. Don't worry. I won't charge you!"
"Alright. Thanks," Talon said with a smile.
"Please wait a moment," the tavern owner responded with a smile.
Before long, he brought out a steak and some side dishes, placing them on Talon's table, then took the tray and prepared to go to a quieter spot to eat.
"Boss, since there's no one else here to keep me company, if you don't mind, stay here with me," Talon said, picking up his knife and fork.
"Well... then I'll just keep you company and chat," the tavern owner hesitated for a moment but decided to sit down since the small tavern was empty.
"What's your name, and how long have you run this tavern?" Talon asked casually.
"My surname is Lane. You can call me Ali," the owner said with a silly smile.
"This tavern was inherited from my parents. I took it over three years ago. It's been around for about thirty years now!"
"So, what did you do when you were younger?" Talon asked out of curiosity.
"Young... Haha." Ali's mouth curled into a bitter smile.
"I was reckless and ended up killing someone in a fit of anger, serving twenty years in prison. After I got out, it felt like the world had changed, so I'm just making do with this small tavern now," Ali said with a hint of sorrow.
"It's a pity, paying for youthful recklessness with two decades of your life," Talon sighed.
"Yes, if I could live again, I'd never be so impulsive," Ali said, his voice choked with emotion. "My parents both died when I was in prison, and I never got to see them again!"
Hearing this, Talon was reminded of his own background. While everyone knew who his parents were, he knew nothing about them.
At that moment, a woman with revealing clothing and a toothpick in her mouth walked over, nonchalantly saying, "Ali, you haven't paid this month's management fee. Hurry up and settle it."
"Mila, didn't I pay at the beginning of the month?" Ali hurriedly stood up when he saw her.
Though Ali could have been Mila's father age-wise, he couldn't afford to offend her as she was involved in the underworld.
"Stop talking nonsense. The payment at the beginning of the month was protection money. This is management fee, which is a separate matter! It's based on the space of the shop. Your place should be around two thousand square feet, right? Then it's eight thousand bucks for management."
Ali clearly panicked. He had already paid five thousand for protection money at the beginning of the month and was now expected to pay eight thousand for management fees. In total, that was over ten thousand. Though the building was his, paying so much would leave him with no profit.
"Uh, Mila, could you... could you lower it a bit?" Ali said with a forced smile.
"Lower it? How much?" Mila asked with a sideways glance.
"Two thousand. I'll pay you an extra two thousand each month. How does that sound?" Ali pleaded.
"Two thousand? Do you think I am a beggar?" Mila exploded in anger. "Ali, don't push your luck. Eight thousand is already generous. Otherwise, I'll charge you twelve thousand. If you don't cooperate, I'll bring dozens of my guys drop by every day.. Your tavern won't last long."
"Please, Mila, I'll pay, I'll pay now!" Ali said, trembling. If dozens of gangsters came here every day, there'd be no business left.
Ali, with his mouth nearly bleeding from biting his teeth, had no choice but to go inside the tavern to get the money.
"Sir, another bottle of wine, please. I'll need it soon." Just as he passed by Talon, Talon suddenly spoke up. Ali was startled and looked up. "Sir, please wait a moment. I'll get her out and then..."
"Wait? Why should I wait?" Talon sneered. "Just sit here and chat with me about the latest news from the tavern. I enjoy talking to you."
"I've taken over this tavern for today," Talon said calmly, pulling out around ten thousand and placing it on the table.
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