Chapter 451 William's Identity Is Terrifying!
Ronan rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Yosef, I've said it before, these folks are idiots, including the Gonzales family. Talking to them is pointless. Let's just go in and get him out. They just didn't know what's good for them. If I were you, I'd let them deal with the fallout."
"Ronan, enough! Yosef's got a plan. We still need to wait for Ms. Ashford," Jimmy said, a guy in a jacket. "But seriously, these people are clueless. I can't stand it. They're just asking for trouble."
Jimmy and Ronan didn't know William that well. They were just worried Scarlett would show up and things would spiral out of control.
Santino's face darkened hearing them talk so openly, even insulting the Gonzales family and himself. As one of the top gambling experts in Lindwood City, he was used to respect. But today, these two dared to talk like this. And they had trespassed into the Gonzales family's private estate, which was a reckless move!
"Who the hell are you? Are you William's buddies? If you keep talking trash or causing trouble, I'll have you arrested right now!" Santino gave his subordinate a look, signaling him to call for backup.
Ronan crossed his arms and leaned against the business car, saying, "Look at these people, facing danger and still acting tough, even wanting to arrest us? What a joke! Let's see if they're still laughing when they're taken down!"
Santino's face was grim, and he was about to make a move.
Yosef stepped forward, smiling. "Santino, my guys don't know the rules and spoke a bit rudely. But they weren't wrong. The person you captured tonight will bring you big trouble. Release him immediately. Also, let me remind you, this is a private matter of the Gonzales family. If you get involved, it won't do you any good."
Yosef wasn't ready to completely break off negotiations yet. Maybe he was giving Santino a way out.
"Release him?" Santino sneered. "Ridiculous! Who are you guys? Do you think I'll listen to you? This is the Gonzales family's private residence. If you don't leave, I'll have you arrested too!"
Yosef's face darkened, his earlier negotiating tone gone, replaced by a forceful demeanor. "Santino! Release him immediately! Otherwise, you, the people behind you, and the Gonzales family will face the consequences!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ronan and Jimmy both stood up straight, ready for a fight. They were elite members handpicked by the Ashford family for Scarlett's safety. The people Santino brought, and even the martial artists from the Gonzales family, were no match for them!
However, given Yosef's character, he wouldn't reveal his identity unless absolutely necessary.
Santino's face turned livid, and he shouted loudly, "Arrest them!"
In an instant, seven or eight thugs appeared from all directions, surrounding Yosef and his men, their hands on their waists, making the scene extremely tense!
Ronan said, "Yosef, let's just fight our way in. These people are unreasonable! Their brains are all messed up! I really don't know how Thelonious manages his subordinates!"
Yosef, with an angry look on his face, said, "Shut up!"
Then, he coldly looked at Santino, who was standing on the steps, and said, "Santino, think carefully. This is my last warning: release William."
Santino felt a surge of panic because Ronan, who was only in his twenties, had mentioned Thelonious's name with such disdain. Could it be that they had some powerful backing?
"Arrest them!" Santino barked, deciding to cut the crap. He figured he'd nab them first, squeeze a confession out of William, and then ship him out of Lindwood City overnight to tie up loose ends.
The goons immediately whipped out their guns, aiming them at Yosef and his crew, yelling, "Hands on your heads, squat down!"
But Yosef and his buddies didn't even flinch. Instead, they just smirked. Ronan even cracked his knuckles and said, "Been a while since I had some fun. Looks like tonight's the night."
"Hold up!" Yosef finally decided to play his trump card. He pulled out a small booklet from his pocket and, with an air of authority, said to Santino, "I'm Yosef, a top-level field bodyguard from the Ashford family in Imperial City!"
Santino and his men were stunned. Santino's face went through a rapid series of changes as he quickly stepped forward to check the booklet. Once he saw it clearly, sweat started to bead on his forehead. Why was this happening? They were actually top-level field bodyguards from the Ashford family!
Yosef sneered, "Santino, I didn't want to reveal my identity, but you guys are just too dumb."
Ronan laughed too, his mockery clear.
Santino's brow furrowed deeply; he had never guessed they would have such a high status. What about William? Could he be the same?
But at this point, Santino had no other choice. He said in a deep voice, "Even if you're from the Ashford family, you're completely disrespecting the Gonzales family by barging into their private residence! If this gets reported, the Gonzales family will definitely hold you accountable!"
"You're asking for it!" Ronan chimed in.
Yosef glared at Santino and said, "Santino, I don't have time to argue with you. Even if you report this, can the Gonzales family go up against the Ashford family? Just tell me, will you release William or not?"
Santino had already made up his mind. He signaled his men to put away their guns and said, "We work for the Gonzales family and have captured many people. I honestly don't know who this William you're talking about is. How about I help you ask around?"
Yosef's face instantly darkened, and Ronan and Jimmy also stared daggers at Santino. This guy was really playing games!
But Santino seemed completely unfazed by their glares, sneering as he said, "It's the middle of the night, and as you can see, checking this will take some time. How about you wait?"
Yosef stared coldly at Santino, took a deep breath, and glanced at his watch. He said, "Fine, this is serious. I'll give you half an hour. I hope you hurry up!"
Santino's mind wasn't on Yosef at all. He was entirely focused on William, William's identity, and how to handle the fallout. He had already captured William, which meant he had thoroughly pissed him off. Although they hadn't met face-to-face yet, if he wanted to get out of this mess, there was only one way.
Damn it! He should never have taken on this task from Jeffery! His actions this time were completely hidden from Savannah! If this got exposed later and Savannah asked about it, he would be finished!
"Then please wait here for a while." With that, Santino turned and left.
Yosef's eyes were filled with a fierce look, and he said, "Santino, hurry up. If I don't see William in half an hour, you'll regret it!"