Chapter 173 Let Jessica Go
"Yancy, what brings you here?" Cynthia called out with a smile as she walked to the bar entrance.
"Cynthia, your bar's looking good!" A young guy in a Versace shirt and Rolex walked in, grinning.
He looked just over thirty, handsome but with a long scar on his face that made him look tough.
"Thanks to your help!" Cynthia said, leading him to a private room.
After they left, James turned to Zoe. "Who's Yancy? Cynthia seems scared of him."
"Seriously? You don't know Yancy?" Zoe looked shocked.
"Nope," James shook his head.
"Yancy's not just someone Cynthia is afraid of; every bar owner in the South District is terrified of him!" Zoe said with a frown, continuing, "Yancy is the notorious kingpin of our Southern New District, and Xavier is his brother!"
"Got it," James nodded. He was starting to piece things together. Though Cynthia owned the bar, she had to give Xavier a 10% stake to keep things under control, as disturbances were common in such establishments. Xavier, taking advantage of his brother Yancy's reputation, was using this leverage to bully everyone at the bar.
"That Yancy is no saint either. He's always bothering Ms. Phillips, and both he and his brother Xavier are nothing but troublemakers!" Zoe added, her voice tinged with disdain.
James frowned, thinking he might help Cynthia. If he asked, Terry could protect the bar, and Cynthia wouldn't need to give shares to Xavier and Yancy.
Just then, a scream came from a corner of the bar. "Xavier, what are you doing? Let go of me!"
James and Zoe turned to see Xavier and Jessica in a struggle.
"Xavier's harassing Jessica again!" Zoe shouted angrily but didn't move to help. The staff around Jessica ignored her screams and kept working.
James hesitated, then stood up to check it out.
Zoe quickly grabbed his arm. "James, where are you going?"
"To see what's happening," James replied calmly.
"Are you nuts? Didn't you see how everyone reacted? If you get involved, Xavier won't let you off easy!" Zoe shouted at James.
"Jessica's always nice to everyone. Why's everyone pretending not to see? Why won't you help her?" James asked, clearly upset.
"Why wouldn’t they be scared? When Xavier harassed Jessica, someone tried to step in and stop him, but Xavier ended up firing him on the spot. Later, we heard that the guy was beaten so badly he's now paralyzed and still lying in the hospital. After that, everyone kept their heads down to stay out of trouble," Zoe explained to James, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation.
"Doesn't Cynthia do anything about this?" James frowned.
"Cynthia's hands are tied. If she crosses Xavier, she'll be in trouble too. She tries to compensate Jessica but can't stop Xavier," Zoe sighed. "James, don't get involved. If you go over there, Xavier will definitely..."
Before Zoe could finish, James was already heading towards Xavier and Jessica.
Zoe stomped her foot in frustration. "James, are you crazy?"
James ignored her and kept walking.
In the corner, Xavier had Jessica's hand, his eyes gleaming. "Jessica, I'm having you today. I'm tired of your teasing."
"Mr. Murphy, I know I was wrong. I won't wear revealing clothes anymore. Please let me go!" Jessica pleaded, tears in her eyes.
"No way, you're coming with me today. I've asked you out so many times, and you always refuse. Stop pretending to be pure. You're coming with me to a hotel!" Xavier, reeking of alcohol, was clearly drunk.
"Xavier, don't push it! I've told you, I don't like you. If you keep this up, I'll call the police!" Jessica shouted, losing control.
"Go ahead and call the cops. I'd like to see anyone try to handle my brother Xavier. Everyone knows Yancy runs the South New District. Even the cops wouldn't dare step in!” Xavier slurred, clearly inebriated and not thinking straight.
"Xavier, I'm begging you, please let me go!" Jessica's face was filled with despair. She could tell Xavier was different today.
She could sense that tonight, Xavier was different—his behavior was far more aggressive than usual. While he had always been a nuisance before, he'd never forced himself on her.
"No matter who comes, I'm having you. You're coming with me!" Xavier shouted, dragging Jessica towards the exit.
Just then, a slightly frail figure stood up and shouted coldly, "Let go of Jessica!"
