As soon as the words left my mouth, the private lounge erupted into thunderous applause.

Merla's former cheer squad, her so-called 'sisterhood', grinned excitedly, clapping and showering her with praise like they were worshipping their queen.

"Merla was born to be a queen! She's marrying a mafia heir at such a young age, driving million-dollar sports cars. She's an inspiration to all of us!"

"Exactly! Who would've thought our old cheer captain would become a true high-society lady?"

"Nicole, stop acting tough! Just get on your knees and apologize to Merla already! A single coat of paint on her car is worth more than what you make in years!"

Their laughter was filled with malice, like a flock of vultures circling, waiting to see me humiliated.

Merla basked in their admiration, lounging lazily on the sofa with a smug smirk. "Nicole, weren't you acting all tough just now? What, cat got your tongue?"

She lazily lifted a hand, gesturing toward me with a disdainful look. "If you don't kneel and apologize, I'll have your car smashed to pieces. Do you believe me?"

"I don't."

Merla's expression darkened instantly, her eyes flashing with cruelty.

After a moment of thought, she waved her hand decisively, her tone arrogant and ice-cold as she said, "Everyone, follow me. Let's give our classmates a little show. Watch me wreck her pathetic car."

Her former cheer squad shrieked in excitement, rushing outside as if they were about to witness some grand execution.

The night air carried a sharp chill. The headlights illuminated Merla's face, her expression full of arrogant delight.

"Smash it."

Her bodyguards stepped forward, swinging iron rods straight at the windows and hood.

However, after just a few blows, their movements slowed, and their triumphant expressions turned to confusion.

"Ms. Ivanov, this car… won't break."

Merla frowned at their hesitation, snatching an iron rod herself.

Gritting her teeth, she swung down hard.

Once.

Twice.

Three times!

Sparks flew, the impact numbing her hands, but the car remained almost untouched. Apart from a few scratches, even the windows were completely intact.

She panted, sweat forming on her forehead, her expression twisting with frustration. "What the hell? What kind of crappy car is this?!"

Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

As I watched her increasingly frantic performance, I casually answered the call. "Yeah, I've run into a bit of a problem. I won't be able to make it back."

The voice on the other end was calm and steady. "Location."

"The Reno family's hotel. Bring everyone here."

Ending the call, I pocketed my phone and met Merla's furious gaze with a faint smile. "I don't know about steel reinforcement, but this car is bulletproof and worth quite a bit."

She sneered. "Stop bluffing. It's just an old Ford. How expensive could it be?"

Just then, a gasp rang out from the crowd.

"Look!"

Everyone turned at once, their expressions instantly stiffening.

A fleet of black SUVs, all bearing the emblem of the Genovese Family, roared down the street.

Like a pack of silent panthers, they closed in under the night sky.