"Ethan, I'm really sorry about this. I should have discussed it with you first, but everything happened so quickly. You know I owed many favors to people during my time in Steel City, and Vito is a great friend of mine. It was also him who helped with the weapons factory issue last time. So, just let it be this time. There are many big projects coming up, and I guarantee there will be a place for you."

Over the phone, Oswaldo's tone sounded as if he was genuinely a bit apologetic.

But compared to what he did, there wasn't the slightest hint of actual apology.

Today's events were Oswaldo's way of giving Ethan a solid slap in the face.

As if he was saying in front of everyone, "Don't think you're truly the king of Wenster, no matter how capable you are, you still have to watch my mood."

Upon returning home, Ethan had already had someone preliminarily investigate Vito's information.

Vito Claus, the boss of Steel City's Steel Brotherhood.

In other words, he's an underground figure.

From the currently known information, the time of his rise coincides with Oswaldo's tenure in Steel City, implying he is indeed Oswaldo's kept dog.

As for his suspicious surname, it's uncertain whether he's truly connected to the Klaus Clan, although some rumors do suggest he has some ties with the Klaus family.

A troublesome character.

Especially since he has Oswaldo backing him.

The weight of a Governor...

Actually, Ethan should have been warned long ago, given the early rumors about Oswaldo being at odds with Ned.

However, the pressure from Sandro at the time was too much, and after Sandro's downfall, Ethan thought he had a pretty good relationship with Oswaldo.

Unexpectedly, it seems the other side has placed him in the enemy camp.

He had no choice but to dial Ned's number.

"Ethan, I've already heard about today's event. Oswaldo is coming at me. Don't worry, I won't let things be too comfortable for him."

"Hmm."

Although Ethan responded with a hmm, he knew well that he couldn't rely too much on Ned for this matter.

To deal with the issues in the underground world, one must use sufficiently underground methods.

Who knows how many people are waiting outside to watch?

This is considered Ethan's first proper battle after ascending to the throne; he can only win, not lose.

At this moment, Virel came in from outside and said, "We've found him. He's currently staying in a hotel called 'Holiday Sun.' It's not our turf, the owner seems to be the son of the City Hall's engineering chief. It doesn't look like he's brought anyone with him, do you want to..."

"Don't rush." Ethan glanced out the window and said, "It's still early, let's wait a bit."

————————

At the same time.

Inside the Holiday Sun Hotel.

The biggest suite.

Vito was lying on the balcony looking at the sea.

He had already taken off the ill-fitting formal wear he was dressed in at City Hall earlier.

Now he was wearing an outfit more suited for him—suspenders and a white T-shirt—instantly revealing his immensely muscular physique.

At the same time, other peculiar features of his body were also exposed.

His body wasn't entirely composed of muscle; sleek silver metal was densely distributed over his streamlined physique. They seemed to adhere to his body or possibly grow from within.

These metals were densely packed like tattoos all over his body, and the most noticeable part was around his heart, where the most metal was concentrated, encircled by some apparatuses resembling metallic pipes.

If listened to carefully, Vito's heart didn't seem to beat but roared like an engine.

"Boss, the person has been brought here."

Just then, the room's door was opened, and a burly man with bulging muscles and a chilling aura walked in and reported.

"Bring them in."

Vito gestured casually with his head.

Meanwhile, someone outside was already impatiently speaking.

"What's the meaning of this? Didn't you invite us? And you're not coming out to greet us?"

The person's tone was rather arrogant, clearly someone who was unaccustomed to being mistreated.

Despite his words, he still walked inside unwillingly.

This person was none other than the young master of the Evans family from the Royal Capital, Frank.

After entering the room, Frank spotted Vito on the balcony, and with some aggressiveness, he walked over and questioned, "Is this your way of hospitality?"

"Don't be hasty, young master from the Royal Capital. Have a seat, first. Would you care for a drink? The juice wine here is pretty good."

As he spoke, Vito took a sip of the juice wine placed beside him. As the wine went down, a faint white smoke rose from his body, seemingly due to his high overall body temperature.

And the engine sound from his chest appeared to grow louder.

This scene left Frank momentarily stunned, pondering for a while before sitting down, saying, "I don't seem to know you."

"Now you do, right?" Vito glanced again at the three sons of George from the Evans family behind Frank. They were too scared to speak up, awkwardly nodding with forced smiles.

"Pardon my bluntness, but I've never heard of someone like you from the Klaus family. If you're planning on taking a piece in Wenster, it might not be that simple."

Being from the Royal Capital, Frank quickly regained his composure.

"Yet today, didn't I just take it? You should have heard about it too, right?"

Indeed, Frank and the others came upon hearing about someone publicly intercepting Ethan's business at City Hall this afternoon, which prompted them to come after receiving the invitation.

Frank wasn't in Wenster merely for travel; he had his own purposes and tasks.

Thus, even when his personal bodyguards were killed before his eyes last time, he chose not to leave Wenster.

He was waiting for an opportunity.

"So, what do you want to discuss with me?"

"Don't be rushed, have a drink first. Why is a young man always in such haste?"

As Vito spoke, Frank had already stood up.

"I don't have the habit of wasting time."

In fact, George's three sons seemed eager to stay and talk; unfortunately, they had to side with Frank.

At this point, a bedroom door opened, and a man walked out.

"Frank, it's been a long time. Last time I saw you, you were only this tall. How is your father doing?"

"You are... Oswaldo?" Frank stopped in his tracks.

He seemed slightly unable to grasp the situation.

Why was the Governor here?

Although he had indeed heard that this outsider named Vito had relied on Oswaldo's connections to suppress Ethan.

But as for now, again...

"Sit down first, the sunset is about to fall, is it not? The seaside sunset of Wenster is not a sight to be missed."

Over the sea, the sun had already set.

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