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Novel Catalog
Carlisle’s thoughts swirled as Heath spoke, the implications of his words weighing heavily on him. He knew who Heath Walton was now—the name clicked in his mind, drawing upon memories from his previous life. The Walton family’s history was well-known in Riverland, particularly in the underworld. Heath’s rise had been swift and ruthless, with the Prince Hotel as his crown jewel. Carlisle wasn’t sure whether this was a coincidence or if fate had put him in the path of someone so influential—and dangerous.
Carlisle’s mind shifted back to the present as he observed the trio in the taxi. Heath’s casual boasting about his connections and power wasn’t lost on him, but it was also a red flag. He knew how easy it was for people like Heath to become corrupted by the promise of power. But Carlisle was no stranger to this game. He had seen it all before, and he had learned how to use dangerous people to his advantage.
Benjamin, sitting in the back, wasn’t as composed as his older brother. He seemed more erratic, a loose cannon in a world that valued control. Benjamin’s earlier behavior, demanding cigarettes and asking for money, only furthered Carlisle’s concerns. However, Owen’s trust in them—and the bond of friendship—kept Carlisle from completely dismissing the opportunity they represented.
“Fifty people, huh?” Carlisle said nonchalantly, trying to keep the conversation light while calculating his next moves. “I suppose that could come in handy in certain situations.”
Heath smirked. “If you’ve got the right cause, the right amount of cash… you’d be surprised what can be done.”
Carlisle nodded slowly, a plan beginning to form. Heath and Benjamin were dangerous, but they also had potential. They weren’t just a pair of random players in the game of life—they were resources. He could use their connections, their knowledge, and the fear they commanded to solidify his position in Riverland.
Still, there was a part of Carlisle that felt wary. Could he really trust them? Or was he walking a tightrope, balancing between using them for his own gain and becoming a pawn in their larger scheme?
His thoughts were interrupted when the taxi pulled into the parking lot of A1 Seafood Restaurant. The dim lighting and refined atmosphere of the place gave off an air of exclusivity that made it one of the top spots in Southdale.
As they entered the restaurant, Carlisle’s mind was already working through the possibilities. If he played his cards right, he could gain control of this situation. But he would have to tread carefully. Heath and Benjamin weren’t just players in the business world—they were also deeply entrenched in Riverland’s underground network. If things went wrong, they could make life very difficult.
As they took their seats at a private booth, Carlisle smiled at Owen, who was still buzzing with excitement. “Enjoy the meal, but remember what I said earlier—if you want to make this work, you need to prove your worth.”
Heath leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t worry, Carl. We’ll show you what we’re capable of.”
Carlisle’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he lifted his glass. The game was in motion. He just had to make sure he didn’t get caught in the crossfire.
