Chapter 48

After Kendrick sent the message, a proud smile touched his lips. He already pictured Robert's predicament that night.

At 10:00 p.m., Robert reluctantly pulled Naomi from the casino; he still had much to attend to. As they left the Fairsaint Restaurant, more than ten men appeared, blocking their path.

"Hey punk, it's getting dark. It's not safe to go home alone. Let us escort you," sneered a young man, apparently the leader.

Naomi glared at him. "I know you," she said coldly. "You're one of Charles's men. What do you want?"

"Don't worry about her," the leader said, turning his attention to Robert. "This punk is our concern. Unless you're a coward, don't hide behind a woman. Come with us!"

"Let him go with you? Call Charles and see if he's crazy!" Naomi shoved the leader angrily.

Ignoring her, the leader grabbed Robert's collar, attempting to pull him away. As he was being pulled, Robert made a subtle hand gesture. In the darkness, a man donned a pair of white gloves.

"Let him go!" Marilyn's sharp voice cut through the night.

She strode forward, followed by four burly men. Robert quickly made another gesture. The man with the white gloves removed them and dialed a number.

Since taking over the Zabinski family, Robert knew his days of carefree movement were over. Carlos had assigned him bodyguards long ago, but they only intervened when necessary. Robert's gestures were coded signals.

Marilyn's hair was pulled back, and she wore form-fitting sportswear and a baseball cap. She looked exceptionally striking. Approaching Robert, she glared at the leader. "I said, let him go! Didn't you hear me?"

Marilyn's four men immediately surrounded the group. They were all at least six feet tall. Though only four, their imposing presence overwhelmed the dozen young men.

Under the intense stare of one of the bodyguards, the leader swallowed hard and released Robert's collar.

"Get out!" Marilyn commanded coldly.

Intimidated by the four men, the leader and his cohorts fled.

Naomi watched the unfolding events, then stretched. "Robert, handle your business. I'm leaving." She waved and departed.

Marilyn's men discreetly stepped aside, leaving only Robert and Marilyn in front of the restaurant. They exchanged an awkward gaze.

Under the night sky, Robert looked at the striking woman. No matter her attire, Marilyn always seemed perfect. It was their first time alone since their breakup.

They met eyes. Robert smiled. "Thank you."

He started to leave. As he brushed past Marilyn, she called out, "Robert! Stop!"

Chapter 49