Chapter 70: Homeless Brothers

Although it was called a shelter, no one came to help. In a dilapidated house, more than a dozen homeless people lived together. No one provided them with meals; they had to cook for themselves daily. At that moment, Hecarim was being bullied. He had found a good blanket that day, and because he had no legs, the other homeless people decided to take it from him. Despite his resistance, he couldn't hold out against the dozen or so people. Hecarim was kicked to the ground, and one of the homeless men walked over to stomp on his head. For them, bullying a legless man was the easiest thing to do since no one would intervene. Witnessing this scene, Joseph's eyes flashed with anger. In an instant, he was in front of the homeless man, kicking him away. The other homeless people, seeing this, scattered in fear. They never expected that someone would stand up for a "worthless" Hecarim. "The sun must be rising in the west!" one of them exclaimed. "Run! These people are not to be messed with!" The man Joseph kicked lay on the ground, his life hanging by a thread, coughing up blood. He had no idea what he had done to provoke such wrath. Joseph helped Hecarim up, asking with concern, "Are you okay?" Hecarim looked at Joseph, tears streaming down his face. "Joseph, is it really you?" Even after five years, Hecarim hadn't forgotten Joseph. When Joseph left, he promised Hecarim that if he ever became powerful, he would never forget his brother. For five years, Hecarim clung to this promise, believing that Joseph wouldn't abandon him. He knew how formidable Joseph was. Now, hearing Hecarim's words, Joseph comforted him, "Don't worry, I'm back. I've never forgotten what you did for me. I'll make sure you live a better life." With that, he took Hecarim away from the squalid place. He helped Hecarim into the car. "He has a lot of injuries. We should go to the hospital first," Azazel suggested. Joseph nodded. "Yes." Looking at Hecarim, Joseph said with a touch of guilt, "I caused this situation for you. Now that I'm back, I won't let anyone bully you again. If anyone dares, I'll wipe out their entire family!" Initially overwhelmed by Joseph's help, Hecarim suddenly realized something. "No, Joseph, you need to leave quickly! Cardiff isn't the same person anymore. He has the backing of Florida's underworld boss and even married his sister. We're no match for him! If he knows you're back, he'll come after you!" Hecarim's concern, even in his dire state, touched Joseph. He smiled and nodded. "I know, I know. But despite your situation, you still think of me. Hecarim, I'll make sure you're never in this situation again. The whole of Florida will bow to you!" Hecarim wasn't convinced by Joseph's bravado. "Your safety is what's important! I'm fine being a homeless man, but you need to stay safe!" Azazel, observing their interaction, spoke up. "Actually, Cardiff is already dead. His backer, Pix, and his sister Jennifer have already submitted to my boss. If my boss promises to give you a good life, he will." Hecarim looked skeptical. "Is this true? Are you guys drunk?" Knowing Pix's reputation as Florida's underworld boss, Hecarim found it hard to believe he was easily dealt with. If Pix were that easy to defeat, the FBI would have celebrated long ago. "I know you're trying to cheer me up, but if they hear us, we might be worse than dead. Pix has thousands of men. If they find out what we're saying, the consequences will be dire." Joseph shrugged. "Do you want me to call him over to cheer you up?" Realizing Joseph was serious, Hecarim finally began to believe. "So, it's all true? Cardiff is really dead?" Joseph laughed at Hecarim's astonishment. "It's a small matter. Don't forget, I'm a very capable person. Details can wait. For now, know that you don't have to worry about Cardiff or his people anymore." Hecarim was on the verge of tears again. "Thank you, Joseph! I don't know how to thank you enough." Joseph hugged Hecarim. "No need for thanks between brothers. Let's start a new life together. After I get the commercial center back from Cardiff, it's yours. You'll be the richest man in Florida." Hecarim was speechless. "Can this really be true?" They arrived at the hospital, and Joseph assured him, "Let's go to the hospital first." Joseph pushed Hecarim towards the hospital. Because Hecarim was covered in dirt and fleas, the hospital staff reacted with disgust. A nearby nurse approached. "He can't come in here. That wheelchair is from our hospital, right? He can't use it; it will get dirty," she said, holding her nose.