Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Intimidation
Castle leisurely sized up the infamous wastrel, Santino D'Antonio. Despite being engulfed in terror and unable to regain his composure, Santino still possessed a striking appearance. His good looks were somewhat marred by the pallor and dark circles caused by his debauchery. However, he still looked like a classic Italian model.
Finally, Santino snapped out of his fear-induced stupor. The man with the gun, grinning smugly at him, must be the writer he had come to confront.
"Who are you? Why have you intruded into the D'Antonio family manor?"
It seemed Santino hadn't comprehended Castle's earlier words. He vaguely sensed that this might be the target he had come to find, but he couldn't be sure. After all, he had been told that Castle was just a novelist. How could this writer handle a gun and kill like John Wick?
Castle, still smiling, patiently reiterated his identity and purpose. "Didn't you come to New York looking for me? Well, here I am. What do you want?"
"It's you..."
Santino's pupils contracted as he realized his intuition was correct; this was indeed the writer he sought.
But why was this writer wielding a gun, slaughtering his men, and then asking what he wanted? Was this some kind of game?
At this moment, Santino realized he had significantly underestimated Castle. He didn't have time to ponder whether this intelligence oversight was intentional or accidental, but it could very well cost him his life.
Seeing Castle's cat-and-mouse demeanor, Santino knew this was his last chance. He didn't know that Castle had no intention of killing him. Driven by a survival instinct, a smile more ghastly than a cry appeared on Santino's face. He decided to beg for mercy, understanding that if Castle shot him, it would all be over.
A wise man doesn't fight when the odds are against him. As long as he lived, he could reconsider his plans later.
Castle, oblivious to Santino's mental gymnastics, casually held his gun and slowly sat across from him, watching Santino's face turn from red to white, like a watercolor palette.
Castle, not wanting to prolong Santino's thoughts, began to pressure him. "What's wrong, Santino? Are you desperately thinking of a way to beg for your life? Do you think you can return to Rome alive?"
Santino trembled at Castle's words, convinced that Castle had come to eliminate him.
Desperately, Santino abandoned any thoughts of saving face. "What do I need to do, or give, for you to spare my life?"
Santino still hoped to maintain a shred of dignity. As a member of the D'Antonio family, he couldn't believe Castle would disregard this. He was John Wick's friend, and Gianna's too. Wouldn't Castle consider that he was Gianna's only brother?
Castle, fully aware of Santino's inner turmoil, let out a small laugh and unleashed his killing intent. "You came to New York with the intent to kill me, and you hope I'll let you return to Rome? Do you think I'm as stupid as you?"
Santino felt a cold shiver run through him. The harsh reality of Castle's murderous aura made his bravado crumble. "You're friends with John and Gianna. Couldn't you let me go this once? I promise I'll never trouble you again!"
Castle sneered, further understanding Santino's shamelessness. "Precisely because I am friends with John and Gianna, I can't let you live to cause more trouble for them. Do you have the nerve to ask for mercy after everything you've done? You conspired with traffickers to kidnap my friend's daughter, planning to auction her off. You coerced John with the blood oath to kill Gianna so you could take over the family. Have you forgotten all this?"
Santino was shocked, realizing the true reason for his trip to New York. The person who caused his club to be bombed in Paris, leading to the death of his important contacts, was Castle. Furthermore, Castle seemed well-informed about his family's internal affairs, implying he had no intention of letting Santino live. What now?
Castle didn't care about Santino's thoughts. He wouldn't kill him today, but he needed to scare him enough to prevent future incidents. What if Santino acted up again? Would he have to rely on his father every time?
"So, young master, let me tell you straight. Every scheme you've concocted, I told John. Yes, it was me who sent John to warn Gianna about your plans, leading her to retrieve John's blood oath."
Santino, unaware of the details, was stunned. He glared at Castle with a mixture of fear and hatred. "It was you...?"
Castle grinned. "Yes, it was me. Surprised how I knew? Well, I'm not telling you..."
Castle's cryptic comments drove Santino mad. He wanted to survive, but his curiosity about how Castle had foiled his plans was overwhelming. Could Castle have a mole among his men? And what about his ties to the Elders? Who was he, really?
Castle's mix of truths and lies successfully manipulated Santino's thoughts. But now wasn't the time to dwell on these questions. Survival was paramount.
Santino was about to beg for his life when Castle spoke again. "No need to think about how to beg for your life. Since I'm here, do you think I'd let you leave New York alive? If you were in my position, would you show mercy?"
Santino's heart sank. He jumped up from his chair, waving his hands frantically as he ran towards the dining room door, screaming, "Don't kill me... don't kill me..."
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