Chapter 318 Underground Fight Arena!
Edward's tone was exceptionally arrogant.
George Security's employees were fuming.
Most had been with George for ages and were fiercely loyal.
George had built quite a rep in Houston over the years.
Lately, his influence had grown so much that he was almost the top in the city.
Anyone doing business in Houston showed George respect.
It was weird that someone would dare to provoke him like this.
Normally, they'd have tossed the guy out already!
But Edward's fighting skills made them hesitate.
They were all thinking, "Who is this guy?"
They'd never heard of him before!
George stayed calm and said, "If you want a one-on-one fight, go ahead. My company runs legally. Worst case, I'll call the cops. No need to complicate things."
Edward's eyes narrowed.
Then he sneered, "Didn't think you'd be scared enough to call the cops. People in Houston say you're tough. But to me, you're nothing!"
He gave George a thumbs-down.
This made George's employees furious.
"Edward, don't get too cocky! This isn't your playground!"
"Do you know what happened to the last guy who talked to George like that? He's dead now!"
"George, don't waste time on this scum. Just give the order, and we'll take him down!"
Edward, longing for a fight, kept provoking George, "See that? Your guys are all riled up! If you don't step up, what right do you have to stay in Houston? Might as well go home and farm!"
Edward's crew started taunting George too.
This made George's people even more eager to fight!
They'd been with George for years and had never been mocked like this.
One by one, they started shouting, ready to brawl!
George quickly shouted, "Everyone, stop! No one moves without my order!"
His guys looked at him, confused.
They knew George would usually be the first to step up in these situations!
Even Edward looked a bit surprised.
Edward said, "What? Are you really going to be a coward? Don't you care about your rep?"
George smiled. "In our line of work, we've ditched our reputations long ago. This is no big deal! If you have nothing else, leave. If you want trouble, I'll call the cops. I don't think whoever's behind you wants to deal with the police, right?"
Edward's face darkened.
He took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, George. You're interesting! But I didn't come here to cause trouble. Someone asked me to give you a letter. Here."
Edward pulled a black envelope from his pocket and handed it to George.
He locked eyes with George, his gaze intense. "I said I'd challenge you one-on-one, and I will. Maybe not now, but soon. I can sense your strength, and I love taking down the strong!"
Edward licked his lips, signaled his crew, and swaggered toward the exit.
Just as he reached the door, he paused.
It was like he sensed something.
He turned around, scanning the room.
Edward shook his head and muttered, "Must be my imagination. In a small place like Houston, who could be stronger than me?"
After Edward and his crew left, the gym buzzed with chatter.
Everyone was talking about Edward, wondering who he was, why he was so strong, and what he wanted.
George didn't join in. Instead, he tore open the black envelope.
He read the letter quickly.
When he finished, his expression turned grim.
"What happened?" Ryder asked from the side.
George said respectfully, "Mr. Clark, please come with me. Let's discuss this in private."
In George's office.
Ryder and Rex sat on the sofa.
George stood opposite them, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. He asked Ryder, "Mr. Clark, ever heard of underground fight arenas?"
Ryder nodded. "Seen them in movies. Usually illegal fights with gambling."
George said, "Exactly. But it's not just in movies; it's real. There's an underground fight arena right here in Houston!"
Ryder looked surprised.
It was the first time he'd heard about an underground fight arena in Houston.
George continued, "It started over twenty years ago. Back then, public safety wasn't be guaranteed. Gangs fought daily, and people got killed.
"But these conflicts drew too much attention from the authorities. So, someone suggested gangs send their best fighters to duel, with territory or assets at stake. Winner takes all, loser accepts it.
"This led to Houston's first underground fight arena. With time, gambling and commercial activities got involved, making it more than just turf wars.
"Each fight now involves huge amounts of money in bets!"
Ryder asked, "So what does this have to do with the letter you got?"
George took a deep breath and smiled bitterly. "Someone challenged me to tomorrow night's underground fight, and I can't refuse."
"Can't you just say no?"
George shook his head. "Nope. The arena has a strict rule: once challenged, you must accept. If you don't, you'll face backlash from the arena.
"Many high-ranking officials and wealthy people collaborate with the winners of these fights.
"Plus, I have another reason I can't refuse—I used to fight in these underground arenas!"