Rocco trembled as cold sweat ran down his body, realizing they had severely underestimated their opponent. The other East Side thugs stood frozen, afraid that any sudden move might make Andrew hurt Juan.

"Let Mr. Madden go, and I'll put down my gun. Deal?" Rocco slowly lowered his weapon, though a murderous glint flickered in his eyes.

Andrew smiled. "That's better." However, he quickly delivered another slap to Juan's face. "Didn't he want me to try hitting him? Well, how about one, two, three…"

He asked mockingly, "How was that? Satisfied now?"

The pain was unbearable, and Juan sobbed, "Yes, yes! Please stop! No more! I'll die if you don't stop!"

"What more do you want?" Rocco shouted. "I've surrendered. But if anything happens to Mr. Madden, you're dead!"

Andrew released Juan with a warning. "Get lost, but remember our deal—you leave me alone after this."

As Juan stumbled toward him, Rocco rolled forward and snatched up his gun. "Let you go? After what you did to Mr.