Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 270

270 The Ears 

[Music: Monster By Willyecho] 

I told Nico to be discreet. 

But this was Carlo… his ears were everywhere, and that made him dangerous but 

useful. I was more curious about how far they go and if it was necessary to cut them off. Permanently. 

“So… to what do I owe this great honor?” Carlo asked, smirking, the age line at the edge of his mouth becoming more prominent. 

I pressed the cigar between my lips, and one of my men lit the end for me with a Zippo. 

“Ever since you stepped into power, you haven’t even bothered to come. You know it’s traditional to visit, call us old–fashioned, but it’s kind of how we do things to ensure that you still have your supporters‘ best interest at heart. You’re Don, and no one disagrees with that, but a bit of effort keeps us steady. Avoiding any misfortunes…” he ranted on. 

“You have been occupied these last few years. They’re talking… wondering too when you’re gonna step into the light. And just recently, you have been gone for two months, only to return with a loud statement. The entire city is whirring, and images are plastered everywhere along with a very familiar face, and more questions are asked.” 

I took a drag from my cigar, casually releasing smoke from my lips, my fingers tapping against the leather armrest. 

I wanna know how much he knew. 

If I remember correctly, one of his declining traits was that he talked too much. Someone in his line of talent should be composed not to give much away, but he was a slave to his own tongue, or maybe he was just trying far too hard to win my interest. 

“Catherine King… your runaway wife. She is the star of the show, and what got everyone talking more…” 

Midnightians didn’t know Catherine as the runaway wife. To them we had our parting, a divorce, but to the underworld she fled from me. And they considered it an insult, a stain to my image, or whatever their feeble minds had formed, 

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270 The Ears 

“I’m shocked you found her and brought her back. From the recent news, there’s a ring on her finger.” Carlo reclined on his seat, the chair creaking from the pressure of his weight. 

He looked like a round ball placed on that thing. 

“Your interest in my marriage is irritating,” I said, my words anything but cordial. 

Carlo raised his hand to plead, showing that he doesn’t wanna get on my bad side. Too late. I would have taken his tongue, but I still need it. 

Carlos may be famous in the underworld for his talents of gathering info like a channel, but many avoid him because he has a loud mouth. Elias paid him a hefty sum just to keep those brown teeth closed. 

“Forgive me, Don King. It wasn’t my intention to vex you in any way; I wouldn’t even dream of it. I was just hoping to tell you what the underworld uproar has been about, since you have been absent from it. You can consider it a bonus and all to your advantage.” He placed his hand on his round stomach. 

“You have been away for so long, and your rule for the last five years has been irregular. You haven’t been present as much as we want you to be, and what is needed.” 

“You know more about the role of a Don than I do…” 

“I don’t mean any-” 

“Enlighten me.” 

Carlo shivered, but masked his anxiety with a smile. “They might think you are unqualified, especially now. Sure, you have made a name, but many now think you may not be fit for that role.” 

“Is that so?” I asked with a brief smirk, flashing my lips. “I’m not aware of that. That tongue of yours is proving useful.” 

He gulped, reaching for his throat as if my hand had somehow magically stretched there to hold him down and take his tongue, 

When I didn’t say anything else, my eyes boring into his, he got back to talking, sweating a little bit. 

“Y–Your grandmother has been showing up quite well over the last few months and…” 

I took a drag from my cigar, and Carlo grew uncomfortable. He tried to look away, but 

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270 The Ears 

he found himself bringing his gaze back to my eyes. I hadn’t taken them off him since I 

walked in. 

“I know about my grandmother’s gestures. Unnecessary contributions were also claimed to be in my name.” 

“Y–Yes, Don King. She shows such support for you, but… we all know that she’s trying to elevate you on good terms to avoid any enemies.” 

No. She’s playing a wicked game. To the underworld, she is a supportive eldest King, but I knew exactly what she was doing. She was displaying her power and strength to make herself known as someone else in the King family who was fit. Someone capable when the time arrived. 

That old hag was sowing a seed with my name. Athena was right; she was doing something big, and her attempts to give me a wife were just the tip of the iceberg. 

“They are louder about this…” Carlo resumed. “They respect her a lot more than they do you. You haven’t been present, as I mentioned. You’re losing your grip, but it’s not too late. To the outside world, you’re the infamous billionaire with a fortune enough to last generations in your name, but to the underworld, you’re still Don, no matter what anyone else says. Just like you have made a publicity for yourself up there. But…” he raised a finger. “I’d advise you to do the same down here to set stronger roots.” 

“Advice…” I said in an icy tone, and his smile quickly shrank. “You’re Elias‘ loyal dog, aren’t you?” 

“Yes, and you’re his son, it’s only natural that I-” 

“I killed him,” I cut him off, 

Carlo chuckled. His response was proof that he knew the truth behind Elias‘ death. 

This Author is Sick 

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