"They're here for me," I said, watching Damon Slater scan the crowd with predatory eyes.
"What do you mean they're here for you?" Evelyn grabbed my arm, her voice tight with worry.
"I injured one of their people. Bruce Vance. Broke his arm when he tried to extort money from some shop owners."
"Ethan, you need to leave. Now." Evelyn's grip tightened. "These people are dangerous."
"So am I."
"This isn't a joke!" she hissed. "The Eastern Alliance doesn't negotiate. They don't forgive. They just take what they want."
I placed my hand over hers. "Relax. Everything will be fine."
"How can you be so calm right now?"
"Because panic won't help anyone."
Judge Monroe stepped closer. "Dr. Hayes, perhaps Evelyn is right. These men have a reputation for extreme violence."
"I know exactly what kind of reputation they have."
Damon's voice boomed across the ballroom, cutting through the frightened whispers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse the interruption. We're here on business."
