Chapter 272 Sabotage X Heroics (Part 3)
After the heated exchange with Viktor, Ash clicked her tongue in irritation as she turned to face the gathered gang members.
**Crunch** **Crunch**
Her footsteps echoed as she walked along the edge of the circle they had formed, her voice spreading across the gathering. "If this plan works and we do find out who's fucking with us and take care of them, we're going to hold a vote for new leaders."
She paused after saying this, letting her words sink in before she continued. "Part of the reason we're in this fucking mess is because we're so disorganized, and that needs to change."
Coming to a stop, she swept her piercing gaze across the assembled bikers, her hard frown making several of them shift uncomfortably. The leather of her jacket tightened as she turned and walked to the rear of one of the trucks.
**Bang**
The hollow sound of her fist against the truck's metal panel drew attention to her next words. "But we're low on time so I won't waste anymore. You've all been run through the plan, so I don't expect anyone here to want us to repeat shit." Her voice hardened. "Carriers! Each of you get a bundle of the product and stay low until your time to move."
She moved from the rear of the truck and began pacing again. "And in the meantime, those assigned as rats should start leaking information about the route the products will be taking, and where it will be stored." She stopped, planting her feet firmly. "If the fuckers messing with us take the bait, we'll be one step closer to solving this." Her eyes narrowed. "Any questions?"
At the back of the crowd, a hand rose above the many leather-clad figures. The bikers parted like a dark ocean, revealing a stocky man.
His full gray beard and long, messy hair caught the bright morning light, while his sunglasses concealed his eyes.
A slight softening crossed Ash's features as she acknowledged this man. "Glad you could join us, Uncle Stan."
The old man gave a slight nod, his voice rumbling as he posed his question. "What happens if the plan fails?"
Ash crossed her arms as she shifted her weight. "Depends on the reason." She met his hidden gaze directly. "But if we can't manage to deal with this, better we find out now before losing out on too much product. If it comes to that, I'll let you all know what comes next."
Uncle Stan's beard twitched as he nodded. "Well alright then."
Ash turned back to address the crowd one final time, her voice full of authority. "If no one else has questions… time to ride."
Back at SHU, Don was making his way down one of SHU's bustling campus streets.
The thoroughfare was full of activity, lined with an appropriate mix of food stands, cafes, and restaurants that competed for space and attention. The air carried many mingled aromas, those of grilled meat, coffee, and street food. Discover more content at empire
Behind him, a growing crowd of students and onlookers trailed like a swarm of persistent flies. 'They're like vultures', Don thought, maintaining his steady pace.
"Hey, what was your real evaluation score?" A young man shoved a phone in Don's face, the camera lens glinting in the sunlight as he hurriedly posed the question.
**Click** **Click** **Click**
Camera shutters and phone notifications created an irritating collection of sounds around him. Along with this, someone tugged at his shirt sleeve, and Don felt his jaw clench.
The muscles in his neck tightened, but his expression remained neutral behind his aviator sunglasses.
"Can I get an autograph?"
"Just one picture, please!"
"Are you really as strong as the rumors say?"
The voices blended together into an annoying buzz.
Don recognized this behavior - he'd seen it before when celebrities or star athletes enrolled at his previous school. The desperate scramble for attention, the shameless attempts to get close to someone trending. 'How the tables have turned,' he thought, keeping his hands firmly in his pockets.
Up ahead, a Mcburger restaurant sat wedged between a trendy bubble tea shop and a mobile taco trailer.
The fast-food joint's faded sign and generic storefront almost disappeared among the more vibrant food stands and trailers that dotted the street. The smell of grilled patties and french fries wafted through its doors.
Don came to a stop just before the entrance, his movement so sudden that several people nearly crashed into his back. With a calm slowness, he removed his aviators and tucked them into his pocket. Then he turned to face the crowd, his expression cold and detached.
"I'd like to eat without you guys hounding me, alright?" He asked in a low tone. "If you want to sit down and enjoy a meal in this place too? Fine." His eyes narrowed slightly. "But try to come and harass me at my table, and we'll have a problem."
The threat in his tone was subtle but unmistakable. Several people in the crowd took involuntary steps backward, their phones lowering slightly.
**Ding**
The door chimed as Don pushed it open, the cool air-conditioned breeze a welcome relief from the outside humidity. The smell of grease and salt intensified as he stepped inside, leaving behind a murmuring crowd that seemed unsure whether to follow.
'This is the way it has to be,' Don thought to himself as he looked around the place. 'Better to be the guy they love to hate than the guy they expect to love.'
He'd chosen his path - the unlikable celebrity. It meant no forced smiles, no pretending to care about every fan's story, no maintaining some squeaky-clean image like some of his fellow upstart heroes.
His eyes swept across the empty tables until they landed on Tori, hunched over in a corner at a three-seater table. She raised her hand in a tentative wave, her shoulders slightly tensed.
Don's showed a gentle smile as he made his way over. Sliding into the seat across from her, he ran a hand through his hair.
"Hey, sorry I'm late. Got held up with something," he said, his attention drifting toward the entrance.
**thump** **thump** **thump**
The sound of multiple footsteps approaching made Tori follow his gaze. Her eyes widened as what seemed like dozens of people suddenly flooded into the place, all scrambling for the tables nearest to Don.
The quiet atmosphere shattered as chairs scraped against the floor and excited chatter filled the air.
Don let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders slumping. "Sorry about this. They're really persistent."
Tori's fingers tightened around her slushie as she noticed the many pairs of eyes fixed on their table. Despite how she really felt she tried to force a smile, thought it came out more like a nervous hiccup. "It's... it's alright. You are a celebrity after all." Her voice wavered slightly as she spoke.
**BANG**
Before Don could respond, the doors flew open with enough force to make several patrons jump. A lean figure burst through, scanning the room with excited hazel eyes.
Don's superhuman senses picked up the movement instantly, his head snapping toward the entrance before anyone else. Don was surprised to quickly recognize the figure face as Hector, the same guy he'd encountered during his first campus visit.
Hector paused as he also spotted Don, his smirk widening into a broad grin. He rushed toward their table with the confidence of someone who owned the place, his chain necklace glinting under the lights.
"¡Oye, amigo! Don, my good friend!" Hector's voice boomed across the room, catching the attention of everyone. "Been looking everywhere for you, hermano!"
Tori's eyes narrowed at the familiar voice, her posture stiffening as she turned to look. Upon seeing Hector, her eyes grew wide, mouth falling open slightly. "Hector?"
Hector, who had been fully focused on Don, whipped his head toward Tori. His smooth demeanor cracked for a moment as surprise flickered across his features. "¿Qué? Little sis?"