Alex walked to the car, noticing curious, predatory eyes already lingering on him.


    People in this ce were always on the lookout, ready to exploit any weakness for their gain.


    "Morris, take me to the Golden Mansion in Beverly Hills," he said as he stepped into the car. "Yes, sir."


    Inside the car, Alex made a call.


    "Good day, Sir Alex. Julia, your personal concierge, speaking. What can I help you with today?" she greeted him. "Do you know where I am?"


    "You''re in the slum area of East Vancouver, right by the wastnd," Julia replied.


    "Great. I want to clean this ce up. Make it greener, safer for the people. Provide jobs and education for the unemployed. Let''s say, a permanent social initiative. But I want it to be controlled for at least a year before we let it run on its own."


    "Thank you for your good intentions," Julia said warmly.


    "There have been ten proposals from local experts and social workers over thest decade to transform that area."


    "One proposal, written by a Vancouver university professor seems feasible. It would cost about $10 million to implement everything, including purchasing the entire wastnd and slum area. Do you want to go ahead with this n?"


    "Great, let''s make it happen," Alex replied, ending the call


    Suddenly, a stone smashed against the car, shattering the ss with a loud crack. The car jerked to a stop.


    "No need to stop," Alex quickly instructed Morris.


    "If you stop and get out, they''ll hit you and steal the car. Better to just keep moving."


    This ce was far from safe.


    11


    "Yes, sir," Morris replied, continuing to drive as more people began throwing rocks at the car.


    Alex sighed, the noise of shattered ss may fill the air today, but tomorrow, it will be the sound of trees rustling in the wind, of childrenughing in the streets.


    After a few moments of tense silence, Morris suddenly spoke up.


    "Sir, can I stop somewhere before taking you home? It''ll be really quick." "Why?" Alex asked, curious.


    "Our Kingston cars are equipped with trouble sensors. If a Kingston vehicle is in trouble, it automatically sends a signal to the nearest Kingston driver for help," Morris exined.


    "There seems to be another Kingston car near the slum area asking for assistance. Maybe it''s facing a mechanical issue or has a t tire."


    "Okay, you can go check," Alex agreed.


    He wasn''t in a hurry, and since Alfred Kingston had been good to him, it wouldn''t hurt to let the driver investigate.


    The car made a U-turn and moved deeper into the slum.


    After a few sharp turns, they saw about four SUVS surrounding a Kingston limousine.


    "That''s Jasmine''s car," Morris said, panic creeping into his voice.


    **


    From the ck SUV vans, men covered in tattoos and wearing sleeveless shirts emerged, gripping brutal weapons


    -bats lined with nails, long hammer machetes.


    They started attacking the tires, ttening them, while others relentlessly struck the bulletproof ss.


    It was only a matter of minutes before t


    It was only a matter of minutes before the car''s defenses would finally give way.


    Alex walked calmly through the scene, weaving through the scary thugs like he was merely passing on the street.


    Hisposure caught their att


    "If I were you, I''d stop attacking the narrowing in shock as they nced at him.


    Alex warned the man hammering at the ss.


    The man stopped and stared at Alex. "What, you gonna y the hero? Save the damsel in distress?" he sneered.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "Maybe."


    The man sneered, motioning toward the crowd of scavengers lurking in the shadows, eager to swoop in once the thugs finished their dirty work and imed whatever remained.


    "Go join them," he snarled, pointing at the vultures. "Wait your turn."


    Without a word, the man lifted his hammer again, but just as he was about to


    strike, Alex''s hand shot out, grabbing the man''s arm mid-swing.


    The hammer stopped in the air, inches from its target. 1


    The thug looked at Alex, stunned, as Alex shook his head, voice calm but firm. "Not on my watch."


    "You piece of shit," the man spat, swinging the hammer with his free hand.


    But with a swift twist, Alex bent the man''s arm behind his back and forced his face


    to the ground, a painful scream escaping his lips.


    The other thugs quickly gathered around, pointing their weapons at Alex.


    One of the leaders stepped forward, eyeing Alex''s calm face "Friend, I see you''ve got a bit of strength," he said.


    "But I suggest you stop ying hero here. Walk away, and I''ll forgive this little interruption."


    Alex smiled, unbothered. "Why not?"


    "Because the man who sent us is bigger than anything your little brain could imagine," the leader sneered.


    "If he finds out you''re messing with us, he''ll burn your house down, rape your wife, and kill your whole family. Do you really want to take that risk?"


    Alex chuckled softly. "Do you know I have a big appetite? If the guy backing you isn''t big enough, he might not even fill the gap in my teeth."


    The leader''s face twisted with anger.


    "I showed you the path to heaven, but clearly, you want to dig your way to hell!"


    He shouted, "Everyone, kill him!"


    Alex smiled, they threatened him with fire, but they didn''t know he was born of me.