Page 9 of Billionaire’s Cruelty

That didn’t surprise me. I’d already suspected Mack wasn’t clean—but Mario’s tone told me there was more to the story.

“So?”

“Not just local. Hong Kong, Taiwan and parts in China. That means he’s in bed with some really powerful triads.”

I shook my head, unimpressed. “What’s the big deal? You know people who push product right? Hell, I’ve seen you dabble.”

Mario snorted. “Yeah, but that’s an occasional treat. This guy? He’s bad news. And working across multiple territories? That’s a death wish.”

That got my attention. “What do you mean?”

“He’s working for everyone—double-crossing the biggest players in the game. And when they find out? They won’t be happy.” He let out a long breath. “You know that code, right? You pick a side and stick to it until you’re six feet under. This guy broke every rule.”

“So, every triad wants him dead?”

“Pretty much.”

I leaned back, digesting the information. It made sense—sort of. Mack’s life being in danger explained why he fled to the United States. But there was a missing piece.

“If he’s that screwed, how the hell did he get out of the jail there?”

“I’ll see what I can find out.”

What I really wanted to know was—how did June know Mack?

Maybe they crossed paths during one of her business trips.

Or maybe there was something darker. Was it possible she had a drug problem no one knew about? But even if she had bought drugs from Mack before, it didn’t explain why he would follow her or attack her like that.

I pushed the thought aside as Chen’s property came into view.

Jenny and Chen owned multiple properties in Shanghai, but I knew he wouldn’t risk taking her to one of their sleek penthouses downtown—that would draw too much attention. No, he’d take her somewhere private. Somewhere isolated.

The mansion on the outskirts of Shanghai.

It was a sprawling estate, surrounded by acres of land and high walls. Out here, neighbors weren’t just distant—they were indifferent. Whatever happened behind those gates would stay hidden. If Chen wanted to hurt her, no one would hear a thing.

As we rolled up to the entrance, there was no warm welcome. No staff waiting by the gate. They weren’t expecting us. They sure as hell didn’t want us there.

I tried the polite approach first, buzzing the intercom.

A bored voice crackled through the speaker. “No one’s home.”

Frankly, I didn’t buy it.

“Boss, what’s the play?” Mario’s voice cut through the tense silence. His eyes gleamed with anticipation—finally, some action.

He’d come to Shanghai chasing a fantasy—the city ruled by triads and gangsters, like in the old movies. But modern Shanghai wasn’t the blood-soaked battleground he’d imagined. Truth was, he would’ve found more action if he’d stayed in New York. Still, something about the city—maybe the culture, maybe the formidable Shanghai women—had kept him here.

And now, after years of waiting, he had a chance to cause the kind of chaos he craved.

I met his gaze, feeling an eerie sense of calm. Under normal circumstances, the word kidnapping alone would’ve sent my pulse racing. But right now? I felt in control.

“What do you have in mind?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

Mario grinned, his teeth flashing like a wolf about to tear into prey.

“Run down the gate…” He trailed off with a low, psychotic laugh, and I had no doubt he had far more violent ideas he wasn’t voicing.