We played by the rules. We offered a better product. We worked harder.
And their response was to send thugs? To plant bugs? To threaten my suppliers?
A dark, cold heat began to spread through my chest. It wasn't the explosive rage I felt during the dungeon fight. It was quieter. Deeper.
It was the arrogant, possessive anger of Lucien Ashborne.
"They think they can touch what's mine?" I murmured.
"Boss?" Lily asked, looking fearful at the change in my expression.
I stood up slowly.
"So much for being an upright businessman," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "I tried to do this the clean way. I really did. I thought, 'Let's just make good food and make money.' But apparently, these idiots don't understand how the food chain works."
I adjusted my gloves, a cold smirk twisting my lips.
They thought they were dealing with a startup owner. A common merchant they could bully with petty noble influence.
They forgot who I was.
