Right as the cigarette ash dropped, Zeke tried to spin around and run. However, his movement was stiff and clumsy. It was clear the guy was out of shape and had not worked out in years.

Andrew let out a cold chuckle and flicked a golden needle from his fingers.

Zeke let out a blood-curdling scream as the needle struck his heel, like his tendon had been sliced clean through. He crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain, unable to get back up.

Andrew walked over and stomped his foot onto Zeke's face. He leaned down with a chilling smile. "Big Z, huh? The great king of Verhampton Valley? Doesn't seem like you're much of anything to me."

Zeke roared in humiliation. "Get your damn foot off me, you hear me? I'm backed by the Driscoll family in Blumedale! You know who they are? They're one of the Three Titans of Gabo Creek. They could crush you without lifting a finger!"

A cracking sound echoed.

Andrew pressed down harder, grinding Zeke's head halfway into the dirt.

"Oh, the Dri