I rushed into the bar. I weaved through the crowd, but I couldn't see Willow anywhere. I grabbed a waitress and said, "Excuse me! Have you seen Willow?"

She looked around, puzzled. "Huh? She was just here."

After thanking her, I continued my search. Since Willow was just here, she couldn't have gone far. I would definitely find her.

A partially open door caught my attention. I pushed it open and found it led to the alley behind the bar.

The streetlight was broken, leaving the alley pitch black and impossible to see around. Faint, chaotic noises came from deeper in, and I followed the sound inward.

"Help!"

As I got closer, I heard a cry for help. It was Willow.

I grabbed a discarded beer bottle from the ground and charged forward.

"Sean! Let her go!"

Sean had Willow in a chokehold as he tried to drag her deeper into the darkness. I smashed the bottle over his head, and he reflexively let go of Willow, raising his hands to cover his head.

The flying shards cut his fingers, and he turned to look at me with murderous intent in his eyes. This look was one I had seen before.

Before he could react, I kicked him into a corner and hid Willow behind me.

Curled in the corner, Sean glared at me viciously. "Shane! Are you seeking revenge? You think you can beat me?"

I ignored his taunts and said, "Willow is innocent. You shouldn't hurt her."

Sean sneered. "Innocent? If you're doing well, it means she's not innocent! Why should you be doing well?"

I pushed Willow away and told her to wait for me at the alley's entrance.

Then, I looked down at Sean and feigned a sad expression. "I'm doing well? I have to work endless jobs. Isn't this the life you wanted for me?

"Anyway, I admit that I can't catch up to you in this lifetime. But if you hurt Willow… I don't mind going after Macy. You wouldn't want me appearing in front of her, would you?

"Speaking of, do you want me to help you with that? Guess who I just saw in the bar? It's the person you want to meet the most. Don't you want to seize the opportunity and enter the wealthy circle earlier?

"Macy is inside."