At the Marquis' castle in France, a High Table adjudicator found the Marquis admiring a painting. Presenting a challenge letter, he announced, "This is from Chen Ye of Hell's Kitchen. According to the rules, you must accept."
The Marquis, initially unfazed, leaned back comfortably and smirked. "According to the High Table's rules, someone outside the High Table families shouldn't be able to issue a challenge, right?"
Lowering his head slightly, the adjudicator replied, "As of today, the High Table has unanimously recognized Kingpin's rise. He has replaced the New York-based Antonio family with a new one. By the rules, Chen Ye now represents the Fisk family in this challenge."
The Marquis' mood soured instantly. Though he maintained a composed exterior, the looming threat of Hell's Kitchen—personified by Chen Ye—was impossible to ignore. He rose, hands on his hips, his vacant stare hinting at a bitter memory: the humiliation of his recent defeat and disgraceful retreat.
As a High Table Marquis, he knew the challenge was unavoidable. The adjudicator then outlined Chen Ye's demands—five billion dollars in compensation, John Wick's freedom, and the full reconstruction of New York's Continental Hotel at the Marquis' expense. Of course, these conditions only applied if Chen Ye emerged victorious.
The Marquis turned back to his painting and exhaled slowly. He had no choice. In that moment, he realized just how costly it was to provoke Hell's Kitchen.
Setting the terms, he decided the challenge discussions would take place at noon at the Eiffel Tower. The adjudicator gave a small nod. "I'll relay this to Mr. Chen Ye," he said before turning to leave.
The Marquis remained, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, in Hell's Kitchen, at the Good Luck Restaurant, Chen Ye hung up the phone.
"Understood," he said calmly.
Across from him, John Wick and Winston waited anxiously. After a brief silence, Chen Ye spoke. "The Marquis has agreed. Tomorrow, we head to Paris to finalize the duel."
John and Winston exchanged relieved glances. They hadn't expected the High Table to accept such outrageous terms.
Still, Winston voiced his concerns. "France is the Marquis' territory. Are you sure he'll play by the rules?"
Chen Ye smirked. "Of course not. He knows full well who would lose in a fair fight."
He was under no illusions. The Marquis would undoubtedly rally his forces, hoping to eliminate him before the duel could even take place. But that was fine—Chen Ye had no intention of merely defeating the Marquis. He planned to erase his entire power structure.
If the duel took place in New York, eliminating the Marquis would only provoke endless retaliation from his family. But in Paris? There, Chen Ye could deal with all of them in one decisive strike.
He glanced at John and Old Ma. "Pack up. You're coming with me to Paris." Then, turning to Winston, he added, "Stay here with Pietro. Wait for my good news."
With that, Chen Ye stood, ready to set his plan into motion.
The next day, at noon, Chen Ye arrived at the Eiffel Tower with John Wick. The High Table's messenger confirmed their presence, and across from them, the Marquis was already seated at the dueling table, legs crossed, waiting.
When the Marquis saw them—especially John Wick—his expression darkened with resentment. But he quickly masked it with a practiced smile.
"Mr. Chen Ye," he said smoothly, "you are indeed a man of talent. I must admit, my actions in Hell's Kitchen were a mistake. As an apology, I'm willing to offer five hundred million dollars." He paused, then added, "In exchange, you'll hand over John Wick to me. After all, you are now a member of the High Table, just like me. Why risk everything for an insignificant hitman?"
Chen Ye ignored him. Instead, he turned his attention to the blind man behind the Marquis and spoke in Chinese. "Master Ye, the community college in Hell's Kitchen is ready for enrollment."
The message was clear—his daughter was safe.
He normally wouldn't have been so blatant, but with Master Ye being blind, gestures weren't an option. The Marquis noticed the exchange and frowned, clearly puzzled by their connection.
Master Ye, however, showed no reaction. To an outsider, it looked as though he had ignored Chen Ye entirely. But in reality, Chen Ye received a system notification in his mind:
Ding!
"Congratulations! Caine has been added as a friend."
New Attribute Acquired: Swordsmanship Lv7.
Caine's favorability has increased to two stars.
New Attribute Acquired: Enhanced Hearing Lv8.
Caine's favorability has increased to three stars.
New Attribute Acquired: Martial Arts Mastery Lv7.
Chen Ye responded instantly in his thoughts: "Fuse immediately."
It seemed Master Ye's daughter was truly important to him.
Shifting his attention back to the present, Chen Ye looked at the Marquis. "Sorry, what were you saying? I wasn't paying attention."
The Marquis narrowed his eyes, barely containing his irritation. "I was saying, you could hand over John Wick—"
Chen Ye interrupted, shaking his finger. "What you say doesn't matter. John Wick is my friend. And if you know anything about Hell's Kitchen, you know one thing about us—we're loyal. If you're the one trying to kill my friend, there's nothing left to discuss. Let's get started."
Ding!
"Congratulations! John Wick's favorability has increased to three stars."
New Attribute Acquired: Assassination Mastery Lv10.
John Wick's favorability has increased to four stars.
New Attribute Acquired: Driving Mastery Lv9.
John Wick's favorability has increased to five stars.
New Attribute Acquired: Dog Training Lv10.
Chen Ye accepted the fusion instantly. A mental image of the human skeletal structure flashed in his mind—he now instinctively knew every vital point.
He glanced at his newly acquired dog training mastery and couldn't help but chuckle. John Wick really did love dogs. Maybe he'd put that skill to use back home. More importantly, he now knew John truly saw him as a friend.
Perhaps Hell's Kitchen had just gained another legend.
But the moment for contemplation passed. The Marquis' patience snapped.
"Fine," he sneered. "If you insist on standing against me, then you can die alongside your friend."
With a wave of his hand, dozens of assassins emerged from the shadows, guns drawn. Two helicopters roared overhead.
The trap had been set.
But Chen Ye had come prepared.