Chapter 275
Dylan forced an awkward laugh and ducked his head sheepishly. "I was just kidding, Mr. Lloyd. Please don't be angry." He had no doubt about Andrew's influence; this man could, with a single word, make him perform stand-up comedy for the rest of his life.
The SUV pulled up before a towering building in Jayrodale's West End district. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Madam Vostokoff's headquarters—the main base of West End's underground operations," Dylan explained, opening the door for Andrew.
"Impressive…" Andrew nodded, taking in the sight.
An alluring woman, veiled and with dark smoky eye makeup, approached, surrounded by imposing bodyguards. "Mr. Garner, you've finally arrived. Please come in. Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore are getting impatient," she said with a smile, her eyes lingering deliberately on Andrew.
"Mr. Lloyd, this is Natasha Vostokoff, the leader of Jayrodale's West End," Dylan introduced.
Before he could introduce Andrew, Natasha cut in with a flirtatious laugh. "There's no need for introductions, Mr. Garner. I've heard all about this handsome young man," she purred. "Word is, on the day the new Weller family head took power, he held his own against their veteran enforcer. Impressive indeed, given his young age!" She batted her eyes at Andrew seductively.
While Natasha was an attractive older woman who had maintained her allure, Andrew merely smiled politely. He noted her well-informed knowledge of his encounter with the Weller family's enforcer—clearly, a sharp mind lay behind that sensual exterior.
Knowing Andrew's usual indifference to women, Dylan cleared his throat. "Madam Vostokoff, since Mr. Giordano is already here, let's get down to business."
Natasha giggled charmingly. "Of course! Though I hear there's some bad blood between Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Moore. Mr. Garner, are you sure it's wise to bring him?"
Dylan snapped, "Where Mr. Lloyd goes, I go. If he leaves, I leave. If Mr. Giordano isn't serious about negotiating, we can end this now."
"Now, now, Mr. Garner, we all agreed each party could bring their own backup," Natasha quickly assured him. "Though bringing Mr. Lloyd seems a bit…inadequate? You know Mr. Moore has Hidden Dragons behind him."
"Hidden Dragons means nothing—Mr. Moore is worthless compared to Mr. Lloyd," Dylan scoffed.
Natasha shook her head slightly, reflecting on Dylan's typical brashness and lack of political finesse. With Atlas bringing someone as powerful as Finley to the meeting, she couldn't understand why Dylan would bring only this young man as backup, let alone dismiss Finley so brazenly. She predicted South City would likely lose this negotiation; she couldn't fathom Dylan's reasoning in relying on Andrew.
Chapter 276
Atlas and Finley were already seated in the massive conference room. When Natasha entered with her signature sultry walk, Finley's eyes lit up with desire, but Atlas quickly shot him a warning glance. Atlas was well aware of Natasha's reputation in Jayrodale's underground circles and worried Finley's wandering eye might compromise their position.
"Thank you for your patience, Mr. Giordano and Mr. Moore," Natasha said with a smile. "Mr. Garner and South City's representative have arrived, so we can begin."
"What capable fighter could South City possibly have besides Dylan?" Finley scoffed. "They're all trash in my eyes."
"Pretty big talk from you, Mr. Moore. Better be careful not to bite your tongue," Dylan's voice sounded from the doorway as he and Andrew entered the room.
Initially, Finley and Atlas wore looks of contempt, confident in their position against Dylan. However, upon seeing Andrew, their expressions changed. "So this is who Dylan brought," Atlas said through gritted teeth, his eyes narrowing. "Andrew, this meeting is between Jayrodale's three underground powers. What business do you have here?" Finley demanded coldly.
Andrew casually took a seat and replied coolly, "Who said outsiders can't participate? You're an outsider too, so what are you doing here?"
"Don't twist things around," Finley snapped. "Mr. Giordano invited me, and I'm now officially Northern District's honored guest."
"That's right. Mr. Moore is now considered one of us in Northern District," Atlas added.
"Tonight, Mr. Lloyd speaks for South City," Dylan declared firmly. "If you want to talk, let's talk. If not, we can settle this another way."
Atlas and Finley's faces darkened. They could easily manipulate Dylan alone, but Andrew was a different story. They remembered clearly how, back at the Weller residence, Andrew had not only beaten Michael but had also dared to face the Weller family's top enforcers. Despite his refined appearance, they knew he was dangerous.
"Gentlemen, let's all calm down," Natasha intervened smoothly. "We've barely started talking. This rare gathering of the three of us should focus on resolving our differences." She glanced curiously at Andrew, wondering why his presence agitated Atlas and Finley so much.
"For your sake, we'll continue," Atlas grunted. "But Northern District's position remains firm."
"As long as Madam Vostokoff stays out of it, Mr. Giordano and I can easily crush South City," Finley boasted. "Then Jayrodale's underworld can be split between Northern District and West End. A win-win situation, wouldn't you say?"
Natasha's eyes flickered with interest at the proposal. With the three underground powers at a stalemate and Northern District and South City wearing each other down, her untouched West End territory stood to gain. "Don't listen to their empty promises, Madam Vostokoff," Dylan quickly interjected.