Lighthouse Hotel lobby.
"Apologies, but in my view, the Lighthouse is nothing more than a fledgling outfit that's barely set foot in the assassin world. What qualifications do you have to be recognized by the High Table as a family-backed organization?"
The Adjudicator had begun losing patience. His tone sharpened.
"I'll repeat myself one last time. On behalf of the High Table, I demand that you hand over Caine and his daughter. Otherwise… the High Table will take matters into its own hands."
Just as his words faded, footsteps echoed from the staircase.
John Wick, Caine, Winston… and Alex bringing up the rear.
The Adjudicator felt a flicker of unease, but quickly smothered it. He raised the black coin symbolizing his authority toward John Wick.
"Mr. Wick, demonstrate your loyalty to the High Table."
His voice brimmed with confidence. And indeed, just as he expected, John Wick stepped down, dropped to one knee, and bowed his head.
"I am forever loyal to the High Table."
"Excellent."
The Adjudicator lifted his chin, looking up at Alex on the higher step with a sneer of superiority. Then he issued his command:
"Mr. Wick, kill Caine. Bring me his daughter. Anyone who resists—kill them as well."
He stood tall, utterly fearless. In his mind, this so-called "Lighthouse" was nothing more than a circus act, far too weak to defy the High Table.
To his surprise, no one in the hotel moved against him. But neither did John Wick rise to carry out the order.
Instead, John stood, speaking in a regretful tone:
"Sorry… but Caine and I just signed a blood oath. Until he formally retires and his daughter is able to live an ordinary life, I must ensure their safety."
The Adjudicator froze, realization crashing down. So that's the unease I felt earlier…
He drew a long breath, closed his eyes, forced composure back into his voice. First he shot Winston, the witness, a venomous glare. Then he turned his cold gaze on Alex.
"You're the head of this Lighthouse organization, Alex, aren't you?"
"I am."
Alex inclined his head, smiling with calm elegance.
That infuriatingly placid look only stoked the Adjudicator's anger. His tone dropped to a growl:
"Then hear this. On behalf of the High Table, I deliver an ultimatum—surrender Caine and his daughter, or prepare to face the High Table's enforcers."
"My apologies," Alex replied smoothly, shaking his head. "But Caine is one of us. The Lighthouse never abandons its own."
The Adjudicator didn't bother to argue further.
"Then prepare yourselves… the High Table's enforcers are coming."
He turned as if to leave.
But at Alex's subtle glance, several assassins stepped in, blocking his way.
Alex's voice came from behind, soft but edged with steel:
"Sir, you think you can storm into my house, spit threats, and walk out untouched? That's far too dismissive of me."
The Adjudicator spun around, his mask of composure cracking.
"Don't tell me you plan to kill me?"
"Why not?"
Four quiet words that gripped his throat tighter than any blade. His face drained of color.
Staring into Alex's unshaken expression, he realized—the man might very well do it.
"You… what do you want?" he stammered.
"You offered me two choices," Alex replied, his smile returning, "so I'll offer you two in return. Either take out your phone and call the High Table… or end your life here and now."
Not everyone can look death in the eye without flinching. The Adjudicator certainly could not.
Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone, dialing the rotating seat of the High Table's Twelve.
"Verification code?"
"200-03."
"Seventh Adjudicator, what is your business with the Table?"
"The head of the Lighthouse, Alex, wishes to speak with you."
Silence.
The line stayed mute for a long time, until at last a voice answered.
"Put him on."
The Adjudicator obediently handed over the phone.
Alex accepted it, lifted it to his ear, and spoke in his usual unhurried tone.
"My name is Alex. I'd like to have a word."
"What do you want to say?"
"Well, my hotel and club were just renovated. If your enforcers storm the place and damage my property, tell me—will the High Table be compensating me at full value afterward?"
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