Eddie and Jennifer walked back to their car, feeling lighter than they had in months. The weight of Frank's manipulation was beginning to lift, and they were finally seeing a glimmer of hope for their future. They drove in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts, reflecting on how far they had come and what lay ahead.When they arrived back at the house, Jennifer looked at Eddie, her eyes filled with determination. "We need to start thinking about the future. About rebuilding everything we've lost and making it even better than before."Eddie nodded, his expression serious. "You're right. We've been so focused on dealing with Frank and fixing the immediate problems that we haven't had a chance to think about the bigger picture."Jennifer smiled. "Exactly. We need to plan long-term, make sure we never find ourselves in a situation like this again."They sat down at the kitchen table, a clean, polished surface that was a stark contrast to the state

Eddie stared at his phone screen, his eyes red from exhaustion. The call from Rudolf had just ended, and now he was facing a reality that made him shudder. Rudolf, with a calm face and cold voice, had revealed his plan to introduce him to Axton, a notorious underworld ruler known for his dark business dealings. Eddie knew this was a big step, a life-and-death gamble that would test his courage.“If you want to revive our family name, Eddie, this is your chance,” Rudolf said, handing over a slip of paper with an address and meeting time. “Axton will be waiting for us. And remember, he doesn’t like a lot of talk.”Eddie sighed deeply, trying to hide his anxiety. “I know, Rudolf. But I need to make sure we don’t get dragged down any further. This isn’t just about money; it’s about our lives.”Rudolf gave a thin smile. “Do you think Axton will give you a choice? Everything here is an offer. Take it or

Eddie arrived at the opulent mansion, his heart pounding with anticipation and dread. The sprawling estate, illuminated by an array of glittering lights, seemed to pulse with an air of power and danger. As he walked up the grand steps to the entrance, he could feel the weight of his decision bearing down on him. Tonight’s dinner, hosted by Rudolf and Axton, was a pivotal moment in his tenuous alliance with these formidable figures. Eddie was keenly aware of the stakes: his future, and potentially the future of his family, hinged on how this evening would unfold.Upon entering the mansion, Eddie was greeted by the sight of lavish décor and elegantly dressed guests mingling with glasses of champagne. The atmosphere was a blend of sophistication and underlying menace. He scanned the room for Rudolf and Axton, both of whom were pivotal to his current predicament. As Eddie approached the center of the room, he caught sight of Axton, whose icy demeanor was

Eddie was making his way down the long, dimly lit hallway towards the garden at the back of Axton’s mansion. The night air was cool, but the tension he felt was palpable. He was lost in thought, contemplating the precarious situation he had found himself in, when suddenly, Lilya appeared beside him.“Eddie, wait!” Lilya’s voice was urgent as she reached out and grabbed his arm.Eddie stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. “Lilya, what’s wrong?” He noticed the fear in her eyes and the way her hands were trembling.Lilya didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. “I’m scared, Eddie,” she whispered. “This whole thing is dangerous. Axton and Rudolf—they’re not who they seem.”Eddie’s body tensed at the unexpected gesture. He quickly pushed her away, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. “Lilya, w

Eddie’s heart pounded as he scanned the list in front of him. The name “Bianca” was glaringly out of place among the other names—crossed out and marked with a red “X.” His eyes widened in shock as he processed the implications. He glanced up at Axton, who was seated behind a large mahogany desk, his expression unreadable.“Mr. Axton,” Eddie began, trying to keep his voice steady. “Why is Bianca’s name on this list? It looks like a blacklist.”Axton’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint flashing across his face. “Ah, Bianca. You’re curious about her, I see.”Eddie leaned forward, his tone urgent. “I need to know why she’s on this list. This isn’t just a matter of business—it’s personal.”Axton steepled his fingers, regarding Eddie with a calculating gaze. “Bianca’s family was once part of our operations. They were involved in the cartel’s affairs before they betrayed us.”Eddie’s brow furrowed. “Betrayed you? How?”Axton’s expression hardened. “They were key players in our networ