Within the Northern Martial Union, the Murphy family patriarch held a position of considerable prestige and power. The family patriarch was himself a martial emperor. He was new to the rank, sure, and not as brutal as someone like Sergio, but a martial emperor was still a force, like a rampaging bear you could not just bluff.

Yet, Andrew had just murdered Benny without hesitation. This was essentially a direct declaration that he did not view the Murphy family as worthy of respect.

Enzo trembled uncontrollably as he considered the implications.

What if it had been him instead?

What if Andrew had decided to kill him rather than Benny?

Would he even be breathing right now?

The more Enzo thought about it, the more terrified he became.

“Mr. Reyes, we have a serious problem!” Joaquin’s urgent voice cut through Enzo’s anxious spiral at that moment.

Enzo’s irritation flared immediately as he spun around. “What now? Mr. Briggs, you’re getting on in years. Can’t you deliver news without causing such a commotion?”

Joaquin’s face had turned ashen. “Mr. Reyes, this isn’t about causing a commotion. We’re facing a major crisis. Someone died in the underground private trading event.”

Enzo’s eyelid twitched violently. “What? Someone died? Who? Have you determined who it was?”

Joaquin gritted his teeth. “We’ve confirmed it. It was Dallas Rutledge, that greedy and cunning old bastard. While Dallas himself isn’t particularly significant, the problem is that he was Kirian Seaver’s junior. Given Kirian’s temperament, he’ll almost certainly come here and cause a scene.”

Enzo’s throat tightened as he muttered in despair. “It’s over. We’re done for. Why am I cursed with such rotten luck? I’ve barely started managing this auction house and haven’t even accumulated much profit before this disaster strikes. Why is the universe so determined to torment me?”

Joaquin remained relatively composed despite the crisis. “Mr. Reyes, it’s not the universe tormenting you; it’s someone else entirely. Dallas was a notable figure by any measure. His death on our premises will undoubtedly provoke Kirian’s fury. I suggest that you immediately notify the main family and let them make a decision.”

Enzo looked helpless and disoriented. “Notify the main family? Yes, that’s right… I should contact the family. But there’s a problem: we don’t even know who the murderer is. When the family finds out, they’ll definitely blame me, too. What should I do? Mr. Briggs, what should I do?”

Joaquin appeared stumped, his expression complicated. “I’m not sure what to do either. We can only take things one step at a time. Dallas was a regular customer here, so many people knew him. The fact that someone was still willing to kill him suggests this person either has tremendous confidence or deliberately wanted to cause trouble here.”

Enzo’s brow furrowed as he gestured rapidly. “Wait, hold on just a moment. Could the person who killed Dallas be Andrew?”

Joaquin’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s… unlikely, isn’t it? He was a first-time visitor here. Would someone really commit murder so brutally on their first visit?”

Enzo clenched his teeth. “It was him. It has to be him. Regardless of whether it actually was, when we report to the main family and if Kirian asks, we’ll say Andrew was responsible.”

Joaquin sighed heavily. “We can’t just make something up like that. Without evidence, Mr. Lloyd isn’t someone you can easily provoke. Even Ms. Reyes couldn’t get the better of him. So, Mr. Reyes, I’m advising you against acting rashly. Let’s notify the main family first and see what they decide.”

Enzo’s face darkened with frustration. “That idiot Dallas… Of all the places in Chetvine, he just had to die on the Reyes family’s premises. Fine, we’ll do it your way. Let’s notify the main family first.”