Chapter 478

Adrian ended the call after delivering the crucial intel. His fingers moved swiftly to disable the phone's location tracking.

The authorities wouldn't trace him easily now.

He'd deliberately left his personal items at the hotel earlier. If Cassandra got apprehended now, the evidence would be damning. A smirk played on his lips.

William finished his cigarette and slid back into the driver's seat. Adrian remained asleep in the back. William exhaled sharply.

"Poor kid."

The gas tank now full, he accelerated toward their destination.

Harbor Market transformed at night into a neon-lit underworld. Dangerous crowds prowled the streets.

Decent folk knew better than to venture here after dark.

Men risked organ harvesting. Women faced worse fates. And fair-skinned boys like Adrian? William shuddered at the possibilities.

His hands trembled on the wheel as they entered the district.

They barely made it half a mile from Crimson Emporium when disaster struck.

BANG!

A tire exploded. A one-eyed thug approached, chewing gum while twirling a machete. "Brave move, coming here at night. Lucky for you, I've got replacements."

William's grip tightened. "No thanks. I've got a spare."

"Your cheap rubber won't last here." The thug's gaze slid past William. His single eye gleamed when he spotted Adrian. "Now that's valuable cargo. I'll take the boy as payment."

"Hands off!" William barked. "He's already spoken for. Name your price."

The thug's machete flashed. "I make the rules here!" The blade smashed against the window. "Out! Now! Or lose your head!"

William slammed the locks. The engine roared as he floored the accelerator.

But the thug whistled. Another vehicle screeched into their path, blocking escape. The machete crashed against the door again. "Last chance, pretty boy!"

William's breath came fast. Harbor Market lived up to its hellish reputation. No wonder Cassandra had sent him.

"Drive, damn it!" Adrian's eyes flew open. No more pretending. He lunged forward, gripping William's seat. "Move!"