Antonio zoomed across the secluded road of Eastern Southville City, his eyes dancing across the roadsides, enjoying the picturesque view, the small hills covered in snow, woods, stretching far in the distance, and icy vistas.He was headed to La Roche Manor Estate, which was NO789, Royal height district. The district enjoyed tranquillity and a serene environment, far away from the boisterous Urban Way, and other prominent cities that bustled with life.Living in this city itself screamed status and luxury, as it accommodated the elites and their ostentatious assets.Next to the Royal Height district was the Presidential district, where the presidential villa, Black Cliff, was located.These two districts stood as the only place where no gangs or Mafia organizations could settle. The security level here was astonishing, and unless push came to shove necessary, even the dynasties would not like to meddle in the affairs of these two places.As Antonio neared his destination, he slowed do
''Ahem.'' Caleb coughed, attracting the attention of others, as he mustered a wry smile to ease the tension. He gave both Antonio and Lukas a knowing look and nodded his head.''I welcome you all, ladies and gentlemen, to my little abode.'' Caleb's low-pitched voice resounded across the room, grabbing the hearts of everyone present.'Little abode, huh?' The guests laughed inwardly, astonished by Caleb's humble demeanour, even though they all knew it was nothing but a façade.Contrary to his minimalist aura, Caleb did have a stupefying identity as the son-in-law to the president of the States. But that was the less awe striking identity that he pronounced to the outside world. Those who knew him knew his other identity that left others not to trespass their boundaries. Even the current Antonio would have to give him the basic courtesy, as the tradition demanded.''So I believe we're all familiar with each other except for some new faces.'' Caleb smiled, gaining others' approval.''To t
''45 per cent shares with 3.5 per cent equity from the space business, at 25 per cent increase in the stock exchange rate, open for a single investor.'' Enrico's eyes moved across the room, meeting different gazes.Hearing this made others frown, Enrico had pointed out that he would only be selling his shares to one investor, meaning that the person with the highest bid, and most favourable terms would get the investment. All of them appeared calm, sipping the contents from their wine cups, their eyes observing the countenance and body language of others.Jasmine appeared to be the most restless, owing to the fact that she couldn't compare with these innate tycoons. However, Antonio was rather surprised by her shrewdness.'Trying to look stupid in front of others to gain the most benefits? Tsk, not as foolish as I thought.' Antonio laughed inwardly.Among everyone present here, he knew Jasmine the best. Even though she stabbed him from the back when he least expected it, they had bee
''50% of the shares, for 62 billion dollars, and 8% equity from the space investment… likewise, a tacit full protection, and corporation without meddling with your personal affairs.'' Antonio's words cut through everyone's mind like a hot blade.Lily couldn't help but shudder, hearing his bold declaration. She subtly glanced at him, wondering what had changed in the young man she used to know.Offering full protection, right when Caleb had just made his standing clear, wasn't a simple situation.'Did he just shut Caleb back?' Lukas's heart stirred.The others in the hall paused whatever they were doing, some still having their wine cups hanging in their hands, as they all shifted their attention to Antonio, each eye bearing mixed emotions.''Full protection?'' Enrico questioned, his eyes narrowing in doubt.Even though Antonio had gone for a higher percentage of shares and equity, the offers in return were just too alluring, so attractive that the businessman in Enrico couldn't help b
''Aren't you afraid of retaliation?'' Enrico asked, his eyes knitting with worry.''I mean… you just got back from-''''Prison? Yes, and thanks for reminding me about that.'' Antonio cut him off.''I didn't mean it that way,'' Enrico sucked his lips.It had been two hours since the end of the dinner, as it was cancelled halfway through. No one had the mood to dine or bring up further deals after the momentary face off by Antonio and Caleb.Hence, they all scattered after a few exchanges of pleasantries, leaving the private estate in a dead silence.Afterwards, Antonio headed for a high-class restaurant in his gang's territory, having the place just for himself for tonight's meeting.Snipers and gunmen stood at strategic places, and even while he drove to the private estate, he had protection from snipers who could shoot a couple of kilometres away.Enrico didn't immediately follow him. He went to his mansion first, and from there, he used the subway in the slum to head to the address
''Since when did you notice?'' Gaspar laughed, extricating himself from the dark passage in the restaurant.''Since you started railing me from the private estate.'' Antonio bit the sizzling pork meat, his back, facing Gaspar, who drew in closer.''Well, I must say you're quite efficient, nothing short of the new ruler of a Mafia Dynasty.'' The tall frame of Gaspar came into light, as he dragged a chair and sat opposite Antonio.Silence enveloped the dimly lit restaurant as Gaspar watched Antonio munch on the juicy meat. Both of them didn't say anything for a few minutes, until Gaspar eventually broke the lingering silence with a cough.''I didn't expect you to go against Caleb that quickly, knowing fully well the one behind him.'' Gaspar's eyes turned solemn, his earlier cheeky expression now gone, replaced by a firm gaze.The fork in Antonio's left hand hung mid-air, his eyes looking distant before momentarily sighing.''What do you take the Lorenzo Empire for?'' Antonio snickered.
The Special Bureau of Intelligence, SBI stood as the most powerful multinational intelligence and security agency that worked at the global level, fending off the encroaching power of the Mafia Dynasties, as it kept the fragile balance in the world.The SBI operated in almost all countries, and its prowess as the only organization that could rival the Mafia organizations wasn't to be trifled with.Just like one would expect, SBI had many agents that worked for it. From the undercover agents to the trained fighters, and the myriad of special forces, and battalions.SBI wasn't just limited to security and combat forces, it also had different research facilities across the world at strategic places, including nuclear plants, bioweapon research, and even research facilities related to space.No one knew where the headquarters of SBI was located. At least that information was oblivious to its agents.Inside a large submarine base, in the depths of the sea, one could see different SBI agent
''Y-you.'' Dr Mike's face turned ashen, void of blood.''The… the bodyguard?'' His jaw dropped, realizing that Leonardo had entered the theatre room with them, impersonating one of the male nurses.''You sure are naive if you think you can harm Boss's brother without getting caught.'' Leonardo's soulless voice rang in Dr Mike's ears, making his entire figure tremble.''See, I didn't want to take part in this at all, I can explain, my family was-''''Dr Mike, it's time.''Just as he was about to go on a rant, he was cut off by the voice of a female nurse, informing him that the short break was over, and they had to get back to the surgery.Dr Mike swallowed with difficulty, exchanging looks with Leonardo. His mind was in chaos, should he go and finish his job or stay here and listen to what Leonardo had to say?With every second that ticked, his life could be snuffed out at any moment, and not just his alone, but also his family.''Go back there, act as though everything is normal, fin