Chapter 24: Threatening

As Ashton felt the intimidating aura of Tristan, he instinctively stepped back. But he wasn't about to let his victory slip away that easily. Flashing a challenging smile, he taunted, "Trying to play the hero again, huh? Think you can beat me?" Ashton didn't realize his own crew, now standing at the door, was too frightened to intervene, merely watching the scene unfold. Without any further talk, Tristan lunged forward, his fist connecting sharply with Ashton's face. Ashton, taken aback that Tristan would dare to strike him despite his backup, staggered, nearly falling over. Furious and humiliated, Ashton yelled at his men, "What are you staring at? Stop him!" His men looked at each other, hesitant. They had seen Tristan's strength firsthand and were reluctant to confront him. Then, Tristan threw another powerful punch, knocking Ashton to the ground and kicking him repeatedly in the stomach. Groaning on the floor and bleeding from the mouth, Ashton tried to get up, but Tristan s