Alex Chen slumped against the cold alleyway wall, his eyes scanning the dimly lit passageway for any sign of trouble. Born into the infamous Chen family, Alex was always seen as the weak link. His father, Don Chen, had high expectations for his sons, but Alex couldn't meet them,He was an exception like his dad doesn't count him among those he expect things from.
The alleys of New York City were like a maze of shadows and secrets, where the powerful and the powerless coexisted in an uneasy balance, which probably means that the rich ones took the better side of the city.
Since Alex was the dumb but smart one he learned one or two things about this world with caution, always aware of his surroundings, always looking over his shoulder, cause you never know what would happen next..
His brothers, Victor and Leon, were the epitome of what they called mafia royalty. They were ruthless, cunning,and feared by all which was the full definition of power. while Alex, on the other hand, was sort of different from them. He lacked the killer instinct, the drive to succeed at any cost.
As he walked through the alleys,the one that lead to his father's work place, Alex suddenly received a call from his father's... assistant , yeah thought as much cause his dad never calls him on mobile only the important ones are called. "Alex, the boss wants to see you," the assistant said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of pity.
Alex's mode changed immediately,he noticed stomach twisted with anxiety as he made his way to his father's office, with a sweaty palm. He knew what this meant,cause his dad hardly calls him in for any easy task.
Either His father had a task for him, one that would test his worth or he was gonna cut him off his property cause he once said that any of his son who couldn't slit a throat with a smile is not man enough or worthy to be called his son..
The Chen family's headquarters was a hideous building in the heart of Little Italy. The exterior was unassuming and not pleasing, but the interior was a different story, A little hidden paradise.
The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the floors were polished to a high shine. Alex walked through the familiar halls, his footsteps echoing off the walls, though he could swear his knees were giving out already.
The office was a grand, high-ceilinged room filled with expensive artwork and the faint scent of cigar smoke. Don Chen sat behind his massive desk, his eyes narrowing as Alex entered. The room was dimly lit, with only a single desk lamp casting a warm glow over the space.
"Ah, Alex," Don Chen said, his voice cold and calculating. "I have a task for you. Collect a debt from Mr. Jenkins, the owner of that little antique shop downtown. He's been late with his payments, and I want you to...persuade him to pay up and if he proves stubborn you know what to do boy."he said narrowing his eye at Alex waiting for the slightest mistake of a word he would say.
Alex gluped down and nodded, trying to hide his fear, which was clearly obvious. He knew this was a test, one that he couldn't afford to fail. His father was notorious for his ruthlessness, and failure would not be tolerated. Alex's mind racing with worst-case scenarios, he nodded again.
"Yes, Father," Alex said, trying to sound confident. "I'll take care of it."
Don Chen raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "See that you do. Failure will not be tolerated. You're a Chen, and we don't fail. Do you understand me boy?"
Alex swallowed hard, trying to push down the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. "Yes, Father. I understand."
Don Chen nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good. I knew I could count on you, Alex. Now, go. Collect the debt and bring it back to me. And Alex?"
"Yes, Father?"
"Don't disappoint me."
Alex left the office, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew he had to succeed, not just for himself, but for the family's honor. The weight of his family's expectations rested on his shoulders, and he felt the pressure building.
As he walked to the antique shop, Alex couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced around, noticing a few suspicious people lurking in the shadows ...ugh or maybe he was just exaggerating.
The streets were always crowded, but today they seemed more menacing than usual, which is well usual to say the least.
Mr. Jenkins' shop was a small, cluttered place filled with dusty antiques and the smell of old books. Alex entered, his eyes scanning the room for Mr. Jenkins. The shop was dimly lit, with only a few flickering fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow over the space.
"Ah, Alex Chen," Mr. Jenkins said, his voice friendly but laced with a hint of fear, as he moved his gaze to Alex, "What brings you here today?"
Alex swallowed hard, trying to remember his father's words. "Mr. Jenkins, you've been late with your payments. My father expects you to pay up today, sir."
Mr. Jenkins smiled, a hint of resistance in his eyes, like he already wasn't even ready to pay. "I'm afraid I won't be paying anything, Alex. Your father's...reputation is quite known to be fair, but I'm not afraid of him."
Alex felt his face heat up with anger and embarrassment. He knew he had to act, but what could he do? He wasn't like his brothers, who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. Alex was...different.
As he stood there, frozen in confusion, Alex knew he had to make a decision. Would he stand up to Mr. Jenkins and collect the debt, or would he back down and risk his father's wrath? The choice was his, and the consequences would be severe either way, so this has only one way to end, just kill him!.