The Unconventional Path to Love Chapter 2

“You can’t out-argue me, and you don’t dare lay a hand on me. I suggest you just return the money.”

“Two young ladies, why not do something worthwhile instead of trying to scam people? Are you doing your parents proud?”

“I have things to do. Hand over the money now, or I’ll call the police.”

At the mention of the police, Izzy and Sophia instantly panicked.

“No, please, don’t call the police! Your money isn’t with us.”

“What?!”

“Then where is my money?” I remembered clearly watching my mom hand the envelope to them.

“The money… it went up the chain.”

Izzy was visibly intimidated by my presence, meek and subservient. Just as I’d suspected, my mom had indeed been swindled. What kind of blind date required a fifteen-hundred-dollar introductory fee? It was clearly a setup to fleece people. Yet, my mom, bless her heart, had actually believed them.

“Who did you give the money to?” I narrowed my eyes, my voice devoid of emotion.

“To Rex.”

Rex? Who the hell was that? But from the name, it sounded like some kind of gangster.

“Is this ‘Rex’ you speak of your boss?”

Izzy nodded, her eyes filled with reverence.

“Yes, Rex is Detroit’s top organized crime boss. We’re just peripheral members, trying to make a living under him.”

I almost choked on my water hearing Izzy.

“In this day and age, someone still dares to call himself a mob boss? Is he out of his mind?”

My comment seemed to push Izzy’s buttons.

“Don’t you dare insult Rex! He’s my idol!”

Huh? I thought my ears were failing me again. Were young people’s values really this twisted now? Taking a gang leader as an idol. Probably watched too many mob flicks as kids.

“Alright, since my money is with this ‘Rex,’ I’ll let you two off for now.”

Izzy and Sophia were about to slip away when I abruptly changed my tone, adding, “Call your boss. Tell him to bring my money over here.”

“That’s my mom’s hard-earned money. I’m getting it back today.”

The moment my words registered, they both froze in shock.

“Are you out of your mind?!” Izzy stared at me, wide-eyed.

“You want to demand money from Rex? You’re trying to get yourself killed!”

“He’s a big shot with connections that run deeper than anyone. He could crush you with a single finger.”

I stretched, a slow, deliberate movement.

“Who Rex is, has nothing to do with me.”

“Right now, I just want my mom’s money back. Understand?”

Sophia also stepped forward.

“Ethan Stone, I advise you to drop this. If you cross Rex, not even the police can save you.”

“In all of Detroit, I’ve never seen anyone get money back from Rex.”

I waved my hand dismissively, pulling out my encrypted satellite phone and handing it to them.

“Stop dragging your feet. Call him now.”