Hellfire Club

The news of Kingpin's death initially caused a huge stir in Hell's Kitchen. The Black Emperor, who controlled countless gangs and ruled the underworld of New York, had died so inexplicably.

Whether it was the Japanese Hand, the Russian Mafia, or Mexican drug traffickers, they were all in disbelief for a time. However, the chaos they expected did not occur. James Wesley, Kingpin's personal assistant, was the first to step forward and gained the support of many. Of course, there were also those who opposed him, but after voicing their opinions, they disappeared without a trace.

Thus, the seemingly refined personal assistant became the recipient of Kingpin's vast estate. This was followed by a series of asset restructurings and the distribution of various businesses. Wesley, who had been managing these affairs for Kingpin, handled them exceptionally well, quickly separating the illegal businesses from the seemingly legitimate companies.

In other words, Mr. Wesley had laundered his way to becoming a wealthy new magnate in the shortest possible time.

As for the other gangs in Hell's Kitchen who had intended to seize the opportunity, after several negotiations with Wesley, they were given the highly profitable drug and smuggling businesses, and everything returned to its usual calm. There was no bloody conflict or gang warfare as anticipated, and Hell's Kitchen continued on its original course of life.

"Hellfire Club... a very fitting name."

Sean, wearing a hood, stood at the entrance of a nightclub. A lifelike flame blazed on the colorful sign.

"Hey, kid..."

The burly security guard at the entrance was about to stop the young boy who still looked like a student but froze when he was met with the other's icy gaze.

"Be respectful. I'm your boss's boss," Sean said earnestly, then walked past the security guard into the intensely lively nightclub.

A massive, surging wave of sound hit him, causing the four walls to vibrate faintly. Under the dazzling, bright lights, many lonely and empty men and women swayed their bodies, releasing their inner emotions. On the stage, a fashionably dressed DJ continuously ignited the crowd's passion.

The air was filled with the scent of alcohol and hormones. This was a breeding ground for sin and desire. Sean observed his surroundings. Besides the urban men and women looking for fun, there were also many private dealers selling marijuana and drugs, as well as attractive, scantily clad prostitutes. These people were the vast majority that truly constituted the lower class of Hell's Kitchen.

"This is the real world..." Sean murmured to himself, then, guided by a waiter, he arrived at a luxurious private room on the second floor. The soundproofing here was excellent, and the noise from outside could not penetrate at all.

"It's not easy to get a meeting with you, Mr. Wesley." Sean lowered his hood, revealing his young face.

"Boss, you're joking. If you hadn't insisted on hiding your identity, you would be the one sitting here now." The elegant man solicitously offered red wine and cigars. "These are the best. Would you like to try them, boss?"

Sean waved his hand, indicating he didn't need them. "You've done a good job. We don't need to rely on those illegal businesses for exorbitant profits. Those gangs entrenched in Hell's Kitchen, who think they've gotten a great deal, will eventually be found by Daredevil, Punisher, and the others. Eighty percent of Hell's Kitchen's real estate is under our name, as well as Manhattan's commercial districts. These are enough for you to maintain the company's operations."

Wesley nodded. He glanced at his new boss's young face, feeling a mix of complex emotions. Who would have thought that such a seemingly harmless and sunny young man could have personally killed Kingpin and Bullseye, elevating him to become the new magnate of Hell's Kitchen?

"Will there be any problems with Mr. Leland?" Wesley asked. Leland was also one of Kingpin's confidantes, a financial expert responsible for managing accounts and business dealings.

"Smart people know what to do, and I've always been good at solving problems."

Sean smiled faintly. Wesley couldn't help but lower his posture slightly. He was also a smart person and naturally knew what methods his new boss used to solve problems.

"I don't need you to be the boss of Hell's Kitchen right now. Let those gangs fight and scramble for now; we don't need to care... When we no longer need to keep a low profile, we can strike with one decisive blow and clear out all those gangs that are like wild dogs. By then, you will become the second Kingpin."

"The new ruler of Hell's Kitchen, the new emperor of the New York underworld!"

The young boy said it so casually, yet the bright future he painted was enough to make Wesley's heart surge with excitement. Many people would never reach that position in their lifetime.

Wesley suppressed his inner excitement and said calmly, "All of this belongs to the boss."

Sean remained noncommittal. Smart people always had ambitions. He wasn't afraid of Wesley betraying him at all because the other man saw things clearly. Even a powerful figure like Kingpin had met his end at his hands. As long as Wesley put himself in Kingpin's shoes and made a comparison, he wouldn't try to make any foolish decisions.

"I should be quite busy recently. If you encounter any unsolvable problems, you can contact me."

Sean sat in the luxurious private room, admiring the chaotic scene downstairs for a while before preparing to leave. There was still a little loli waiting for him at home.

Kingpin's funds and assets were the cornerstone of Sean's first step. He had no interest in becoming the Black Emperor of New York. Underground forces could never truly be brought to light. Compared to military giants like Stark Industries and powerful organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D., they were far too inferior.

Since he had solved Connors' experimental funding issues, it should be Osborn Industries' turn next. He believed that after such a long time, the Green Goblin and Spider-Man should be heading for their final showdown.

After all, the news said that Norman Osborn had not appeared in public for a long time. It was clear that the Human Enhancement Serum had fully ignited the negative emotions within him, and now, his body was dominated by the dark personality of the Green Goblin.

"There should be a good show to watch."

Sean thought this as he walked out of the nightclub. Glancing at the flame on the sign, he was reminded of mutants. It wasn't suitable to interact with them yet, especially before he could resist Professor X's psychic abilities. It was best for him to keep his distance.

"Kingpin, Norman Osborn, who will be next?"

Silently calculating the good cards he held in his hand, Sean couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He was gradually shedding his weakness and growing at a rapid pace. Even when the era of superheroes arrived, he would already be at the forefront of the world.

Having arrived in such a dangerous and exciting world, how could Sean be content to just stand below and look up at those superheroes? He wanted to dominate his own destiny, and by extension, others'!

"Hellfire Club... Interesting."

The young boy's eyes were deep, and his back gradually disappeared into the darkness.