"It was him, that's him! Mr. Maroni, sir, your intelligence network and operational efficiency are truly astounding."
The man offered his usual well-timed flattery, oblivious to Maroni's thunderous expression.
What Maroni wanted most was for William to explain the whole affair, preferably clearing up the misunderstanding.
Not for someone to have spotted him somewhere else.
Because that meant one of his two sons had to be lying.
Disloyalty was taboo, especially deceiving the boss.
There were plenty of witnesses present. Maroni couldn't silence them all.
He turned his gaze to his trusted lieutenant, Pang Lai, beside him.
"Investigate everyone in the bar who saw William. I don't believe they're all accomplished liars."
Then he waved everyone away, leaving only William and Charloes.
"Tonight, one of you will be expelled from the family forever. That is the last mercy I can offer my sons."
Charloes stood up, head high and chest out, his hands in his pockets.
He had personally watched William walk into Alfred's territory. That was the source of his confidence.
But why did that lowborn bastard look just as confident?
"Your lie will be exposed soon enough. It's full of holes!"
William rubbed his aching wrists and poured himself a whiskey.
He tipped his head back, drained it, and poured another.
"Want some too?"
He extended his hand, only for Charloes to slap it away.
"What the fuck are you trying to do?!"
"I hear alcohol numbs pain. I might be breaking quite a few of your bones soon. Ribs, ulna, maybe even a shoulder blade. Are you sure you don't want something to take the edge off?"
"If Charloes really did frame you, I support righteous revenge. Of course, that works both ways," Maroni said, making his position clear.
Setting aside his role as a heartbroken father,