Chapter 33: Trial by Fire

Until his ex-wife sobbed and begged him to return their daughter, while Murphy, who had seemed able to manipulate him at will before, stood silently by with a sullen face. Bob still felt an overwhelming sense of unreality.

Was it really settled just like that?

The lawsuit no longer needed to continue; Murphy had withdrawn the complaint.

His money was safe, his daughter was safe, and even his wife...

Ethan said that if he didn’t want a divorce, he didn’t have to go through with it.

But seeing Murphy look at his ex-wife as if she were a worthless scrap of paper instantly sapped his appetite.

A woman like that was better off without him.

Almost as if walking on clouds, Bob stepped out of the Dimel Law Firm, only feeling grounded when the sun shone on him.

He looked at the young, handsome Ethan standing beside him like a god in the sunlight, sincerely bowed his head, took Ethan’s left hand, and kissed the emblem on his ring finger.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Lord Boretta.”

Ethan gently clasped his hand and smiled. “No need for that, Bob. We’re friends, aren’t we? Friends should help each other. If you have trouble, I’m here to help. Next time, be sure to tell me earlier.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Come on, let’s grab something to eat and talk about your law firm.”

Bob hurriedly agreed, but for a moment he was puzzled. What did he mean by “my law firm”?

I don’t even have a law firm.

They chose a steakhouse near the law office for lunch. Being near a law firm, the place naturally had a certain class.

At least judging by the quality of the beef, Ethan preferred a tender and juicy texture.

“You just said ‘my law firm.’ What do you mean?”

“Oh, haven’t you already left Dimel? You’ll need somewhere to work afterward. Besides, the family business is expanding. I’m afraid you won’t manage on your own. Why not open a firm and hire some people? After all, I’m a legitimate businessman and need strong legal protection. If anyone tries to harm me, I can fight back to defend my rights, right?”

Ethan cut a small piece of beef, chewed thoughtfully, and nodded.

“The marbling is excellent. I like this steakhouse. How about opening your firm right next door? Dimel is here too. It must be a prime location.”

“Sure...” Bob nodded, that feeling of walking on clouds returning. He felt like he had just won a grand prize and was about to be overwhelmed by a flood of surprises.

“But the property prices here are very high...”

“Bob, don’t worry about money. I value your talent. You only need to return that portion of your earnings to me; leave everything else to me.”

“Yes, my lord, I...”

“Ethan. I’ve told you many times—just call me Ethan. We’re friends.”

“Yes, Ethan. I will give it my all!”

Bob’s eyes shone with new life, and even his drooping hair seemed to regain vitality.

After lunch, Bob wanted to return to see his daughter, while Ethan planned to inspect the factory.

In the car, Anya couldn’t help but say, “Young master, that area’s housing is expensive. Supporting a large team of lawyers will cost a lot. Our accounts are already tight...”

“Anya, don’t be afraid to spend. The money we spend now will come back to us tenfold. We need lawyers and legal support. Besides, haven’t we already shipped our first batch of liquor? The money will come back soon.”

The first batch of private liquor was not only shipped from the Poseidon to various ports but was also distributed through hotels, casinos, brothels, and underground bars throughout the city.

In this era of prohibition, people would patiently search for alcohol with extraordinary determination, even willing to pay many times the price.

This was truly the best of times.

Ethan soon arrived at the new factory in the southern suburbs for an inspection.

Compared to the illicit distillery beneath the Beauty Bay, this was a proper large-scale factory with sufficient personnel.

The only drawback was a lack of experience and technical skill. Ethan planned to transfer Walter Jones here to manage both locations.

After reassuring the workers, Ethan left the artisanal factory and headed back to the city.

He hadn’t seen Viren for several days and needed to ask about the new territories acquired by the Cabrera family.

When he arrived at Viren’s tavern near dusk, Viren had just returned for dinner. Seeing Ethan, he clapped his hands and said, “Young master, you came just in time. The gun you asked me to prototype is finished. I brought it for you. I was planning to deliver it to the manor tomorrow.”

“That’s perfect. Bring it out; we’ll test it in the cellar right now.”

Ethan was deeply invested in this gun. If they could successfully prototype it, mass production would elevate the Boretta family’s armed strength, giving them an absolute advantage against any enemy.

In the cellar, Viren produced a large wooden box and opened it to reveal a sleek black firearm.

Though its design differed somewhat from the submachine guns Ethan had seen in his previous life, the blueprints hadn’t been fully replicated, and firearms in this world had their own style.

Still, from the first impression, Ethan felt the essence was right.

Lifting the gun, it was heavy. Ethan’s body, having undergone the ‘True God’s Name’ blessing, found it manageable.

For an ordinary person, however, the weight might be uncomfortable and would need improvement.

“Young master, I’ve tested the gun. It fires smoothly. The chamber is well-designed,” Viren praised.

A firearms enthusiast himself, having handled countless rifles and pistols, Viren found the design decent but not brilliant enough to call genius.

Ethan merely nodded and then raised the gun, standing at the center of the shooting range.

Fully gripping the weapon, Ethan felt an inexplicable connection akin to flesh and blood.

He even sensed a subtle vibration from his ‘True God’s Name.’

Ignoring it, he focused on the target ahead and took a deep breath for three seconds before pulling the trigger.

Instantly, bullets poured out in a furious cascade with each press of his finger, the sharp crackling sound as rhythmic and precise as typing.

Viren had been ready to approach after the first shot, but when Ethan started firing continuously, he was stunned in place.

This gun...