Chapter 8 The Quinns' Power

• The rain was coming down hard. Out in the suburbs of Streamhaven, there was this huge, impressive estate covering ten acres, right next to a mountain and by a river. Everyone in Streamhaven knew about it—it was the Quinns' place, and they were known as the big shots around here.
• Black luxury cars were driving into the estate, and black-clad security guys were stepping out of the cars and gathering in the courtyard.
• The rain was pouring down heavily, but these men stood straight and still, unaffected by the downpour. Each one was skilled and resolute.
• In less than half an hour, over fifty people had shown up in the courtyard, and more kept arriving.
• Malcolm, the head of the Quinn family, stood under the eaves with his hands clasped behind his back. His long, hooked nose made him look even more intense and fierce.
• "How dare someone attack my son in Streamhaven, break his legs, and then lock him in a dog cage? He's asking for trouble!"
• Malcolm was filled with murderous intent. He gritted his teeth and demanded, "Is everyone here yet? I'm going to go over there, tear that person apart, and destroy his entire family while I'm at it!"
• The steward said in a serious tone, "Sir, everyone from the entertainment centre, hotel, and dock is here, but a few top casino guys are still on their way."
• "Tell them to get here faster!" Malcolm snapped.
• At that moment, a man in black hurried through the rain and approached. "Sir, we've got the news that Pearce, the head of the Grace family, is bringing a big group of people to Opal Bay."
• Opal Bay was where Victor's villa was.
• "Pearce Grace? What's he doing there?" Malcolm asked, his voice icy.
• The man in black clasped his hands and said, "According to the information, the person who captured Mr. Victor has a wife who is a close friend of Pearce's daughter. Recently, Pearce's daughter, Lila, was also seen at Mr. Victor's villa at Opal Bay."
• "So, Pearce is probably trying to get involved?" Malcolm sneered, asking, "How many people did Pearce bring?"
• "Nearly a hundred," the man in black replied.
• "Great. It looks like Pearce is ready to go head-to-head with the Quinns," Malcolm said with a scowl.
• While the Quinns were considered the local old power in Streamhaven, the Graces were a rising new force. The Graces only arrived in Streamhaven a little over a decade ago, but they had rapidly expanded in that time. By the time the Quinns noticed, the Graces had already established a strong presence.
• Over the years, the Quinns, the old power, had been constantly plotting to wipe out the Graces but never found the right opportunity.
• The man in black suddenly added, "Sir, Pearce has mobilised his entire force this time, and it seems he also contacted the Inspection Division before setting out."
• "Pearce even contacted the Inspection Division? That's going to complicate things. It seems like we'll need to call the old man in," Malcolm said.
• "No need to call him. I'm already here."
• Suddenly, an elderly man dressed in traditional attire, supported by two bodyguards, walked out from the inner courtyard.
• The elderly man, leaning on a dragon-head cane, said in a deep voice, "Don't worry about the Inspection Division. At this point, Noah from the Inspection Division won't be able to interfere, and he wouldn't dare to."
• Malcolm asked, "Dad, are you planning to go after the Graces now?"
• Alstair Quinn, the Old Mr. Quinn, slammed his dragon-head cane down and said firmly, "We should have stopped the Graces from setting up shop in Streamhaven ten years ago. They've gotten too big. If we don't take them out now, the Quinns won't stay on top. This is our big chance!"
• Then, he smirked and added, "We've been laying low for years and it's time to use our ace. I'm going to show everyone in Streamhaven what the Quinns are really made of!"
• Malcolm was surprised. "Dad, are you thinking of bringing Sher back from Eastwater Pavilion?"
• "That's right," Alstair confirmed with a satisfied smile. "Sher has been at Eastwater Pavilion for five years and has learned a lot. I've already contacted him. It's time to show everyone the true strength of the Quinns."
• While Eastwater Pavilion might be unknown to ordinary people in Streamhaven, it's well-known in Lumoria, especially among the upper class, where it is feared and respected.
• To put it another way, if the Quinns were the local ruler of Streamhaven, then Eastwater Pavilion was the absolute dominant force in Lumoria.
• "Great! With Sher returning from Eastwater Pavilion, the Quinns will be stronger than ever. Not only will we be able to crush the Graces and take over Streamhaven, but we'll also be ready to make our mark on Lumoria province soon!" Malcolm said, brimming with excitement.
• While they were talking, more cars kept arriving, and the black-clad bodyguards got out and lined up in the courtyard. Before long, there were over a hundred of them.
• Then, someone at the gate called out, "Mr. Sher's here! And he's brought two big shots with him!"
• "Let's go out and welcome them!" Alstair couldn't hide his excitement.