Template placeholder with Chapter 404

Chapter 404:

Snatching a bottle from a nearby table, Barlow swung it toward Shepard’s head. Shepard shifted out of the way, and the bottle smashed against the floor, sending shards skittering.

The crash cut through the music, and every head in the bar turned toward the scene.

Shepard’s gaze lingered on the shattered glass at his feet, a dangerous chill flickering in his eyes. “Barlow Castro, is it? Tell me, what’s your connection to Leroy Castro from NewWorld Company p>

The swagger in Barlow’s posture faltered, and his expression shifted. “You… You know my father p>

“So, you are Leroy’s son p>

Retrieving a phone from his pocket, Shepard dialed a number.

“Mr. Chadwick, what a surprise. Have you decided to move forward with our partnership p>

𝗜𝗇𝘵𝗲ոѕ𝗲 r𝘰ma𝘯c𝗲 оn ѕ.𝘤о𝗆

“I’m calling to let you know the deal is off,” Shepard said.

The words left Leroy stunned.

Their agreement had been ironed out, the contract practically ready for signatures. This abrupt change made no sense.

“Mr. Chadwick, why? We already agreed on the terms. If something isn’t to your liking, I’m willing to renegotiate. Whatever you p>

“You should probably ask your son about his evening before you consider talking to me about the deal p>

Without giving Leroy a chance to respond, Shepard ended the call.

Barlow had no doubt about whose voice he’d just heard on the other end of the line. The familiar and respectful tone belonged to his father, and that realization made his stomach sink. He realized how much trouble he had just caused.

“Mr. Chadwick, I didn’t realize—” Barlow began, but the sound of his phone ringing cut him off. Leroy was calling him.

“Dad p>

“You useless brat! What have you done this time p>

Leroy’s furious voice instantly cut through Barlow’s drunken haze, leaving him stone sober.

“I’ll leave the rest in your hands,” Shepard said to Weldon.

He then turned to Kelsey, who was slumped over the table. Scooping Kelsey up, he carried her out of the bar.

Kretol’s night carried a faint chill, the breeze brushing against them. The cool air seemed to pull Kelsey back toward consciousness.

Her gaze wandered up to Shepard’s face, and she gave a small hiccup before mumbling, “Why’d you come to Kretol p>

“I—don’t you dare throw up on me p>

Shepard noticed the telltale motion and quickly put Kelsey down, but it was already too late.

Weldon stepped outside just in time to witness the scene. His usually composed older brother now stood there, splattered by a drunk woman’s stomach contents.

Weldon tried to hold back his laughter — he really did — but in vain.