Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

"Don't worry, aren't you guys here with me?" Odie said with a carefree shrug. "If I do get the boot, I'll just use my savings to open a little shop. With you all backing me, nothing bad's gonna happen."

Griffin gave Odie a playful smack on the head. "You're dreaming. Do you have any idea what happens to folks who try to leave the White family or get kicked out?"

The three of them went quiet for a moment.

Griffin continued, "Think about the guys we used to run jobs with. Look where they are now. As long as we're useful, Mr. Elwood won't let us go. If you want to end up with broken limbs, go ahead and leave. When you're out on the street begging, I'll toss you some coins."

Odie fell silent. He knew he was just talking big. Once you step into this mess, it's tough to get out. They might be stuck with the White family for life. Forever a bodyguard, always ready to take a hit.

"Colby, what's your take?" Odie asked, turning to Colby.

The three of them had been together since they first met seven years ago. Seven years had built a silent understanding among them. Colby had always been their leader. In times of danger, they leaned on each other, and they trusted Colby completely.

"I'm not leaving," Colby said calmly.

Odie frowned. "You never thought about leaving?"

Honestly, someone like Colby could have done well anywhere, even without joining the White family. He didn't need to be anyone's weapon.

"I've got important things to do here. If you want to leave, go for it."

Colby casually tossed Odie a cigarette. In the biting cold, they lit them up.

Griffin glanced at Odie's injured arm. "You're bleeding. Pathetic."noveldrama

"It's not that I'm pathetic; it's those guys not fighting fair!" Odie shrugged off his minor wounds, not too bothered by them.

"Time's up. Let's pack it in and head out," Colby said, flicking his cigarette away decisively. The other two got to their feet.

They walked through a rundown neighborhood and onto a bustling street. Eventually, they made it back to the grand White family mansion. The guard at the gate opened a small door for them. Outside the sky was a dusky hue. swnovel

Vanessa

been watching from a

second floor window. When she saw Colby return, she threw on a and eagerly rushed downstairs. swnovel

"Miss," Griffin and Odie nodded slightly at Vanessa.

But Vanessa didn't pay them much mind. Her eyes were locked on Colby as she handed him a box of imported chocolates. "A friend helped me get these. They're really to

hand. I... I wanted you to have

."

sŵnovel

Vanessa looked at Colby with hopeful eyes. Colby gave the box a quick glance before taking it. "Thanks, Miss."

Seeing Colby accept the gift made Vanessa's cheeks flush even more. "Today's... Valentine's Day."

Hearing "Valentine's Day," Odie gave Griffin a puzzled look, whispering, "What's Valentine's Day?"