As Scarface turned his head and spotted Charlie, he appeared bewildered at first. Then, in an instant, his expression shifted dramatically! He was utterly shocked and quickly dropped to his knees!

Before anyone could gather their thoughts, Scarface tossed aside the knife, began slapping his own face, and exclaimed, “Mr. Wade, I’m so sorry! I had no idea you were here, I truly apologize!”

Charlie was taken aback by this unexpected reaction. “Do you know me?” he asked.

Scarface nodded vigorously. “Yes, Mr. Wade! Bill is my boss. I saw you at Heaven Springs the other day…”

Suddenly, Charlie had an epiphany.

How intriguing.

This was Bill’s associate, the very same man who had tormented Gerald and Harold at Heaven Springs recently. No wonder Scarface was trembling with fear.

Even Don Albert had lost his composure when he encountered Charlie, so it made sense that someone like Scarface would be terrified!

The scene left everyone dumbfounded! Lily stood there with her mouth wide open!

They were all puzzled as to why this fierce gangster, who had just beaten up Clinton, would kneel before Charlie. He seemed genuinely frightened!

Claire was equally astonished. She tugged on Charlie’s arm and asked, “What’s happening? Do you know him?”

Charlie quickly shook his head, anxious that she might misunderstand the situation. “No! I don’t know him!”

Scarface jumped in, “No, he doesn’t know me! I don’t know him either! It’s simply that Mr. Wade’s reputation is well-known, and I’m honored to meet him…”

The flattery was absolutely over the top!

Honored to meet him? Who? Charlie?

It was hard for anyone to accept this bizarre reality—it felt almost surreal!

Scarface turned to Douglas in a frenzy, muttering, “Since you’re Mr. Wade’s friend, I’ll provide you with my full protection from now on at no charge! If anything happens, I’ve got your back!”

His declaration reverberated through the restaurant like a shockwave, leaving everyone in astonished silence!

Lily was so thrilled she nearly cried. The stark contrast between Clinton and Charlie was both exhilarating and amusing!

Thanks to Charlie, they not only retained the 40% share but also gained free protection, all because Scarface wanted to win Charlie’s favor!

They could finally run their business without fear!

Charlie was their hero!

Douglas expressed his gratitude, taking Charlie’s hands and saying sincerely, “Charlie, thank you so much.”

Charlie smiled softly. “You’re welcome; I’m just lending a hand.”

Scarface glanced at Clinton, who lay unconscious from the brutal beating, and said apologetically, “Mr. Wade, I’m sorry for hurting your friend…”

Charlie responded flatly, “It’s fine; he’s not my friend, just an acquaintance.”

Then he added, “Get him to the hospital. Don’t disrupt the opening ceremony here.”

Scarface nodded eagerly. “Don’t worry! We’ll take him to the hospital right away! Mr. Wade, please continue with the party! Excuse us!”

He gestured for his men to carry the unconscious Clinton and hurried out the door.

Once they left, everyone turned their attention to Charlie. The initial disdain had transformed into shock and then admiration.

No one could fathom how Charlie had suddenly acquired such influence and power. It seemed like he had transformed overnight!

As the gathering continued, many approached Charlie to ingratiate themselves, including Lily, who had previously looked down on him.

Now, Lily treated Charlie like a deity, showering him with gratitude and even offering him a lifetime of free meals at their restaurant.

Charlie took it all in stride; his intentions were simple—he just wanted to help his friend Douglas, and that was all.

However, to everyone else, the events of the day seemed shrouded in an extraordinary mystery and enchantment!

Everyone was eager to learn what had happened to the once disrespected loser!