Richard had initially planned to reject Lucia's offer.Though it was harsh he knew more than anyone the dangers of stretching himself too thin.He had enemies in Intercity already, one of which was a cunning snake that would use any and every method to ensure he fell on his face.Caesar was the type of enemy that one needed undivided attention for.He had already wasted enough time helping Melinda and this was because Vincent agreed to watch and ensure Caesar did nothing untoward.Unfortunately, even that wasn't enough to stop Caesar from carrying out his dastardly plans.Which was why the thought of getting involved in another mess wasn't appealing to Richard.If the problem with Lucia could wait, then it would be for the best as it would save him the loss of a potential ally, if not, he would have to take his losses.But then again, it would seem fate had other plans for him.Standing before Mario, he couldn't help but recall his stepmom who had also sold out the Smith family.That
The drive to the Ramirez Manor was punctuated by silence as Richard focused on the road ahead while inspecting the adjoining areas for potential threats while Jerome found himself struggling inwardly.He was unsure how to feel about the whole situation.It was clear that it was their contact with Lucia that caused everything but he found himself unable to blame her completely.Should he feel bad for considering helping her?It would be the same as challenging his ideals but accepting that because of this, Richard had ended up in danger, same as him, was enough to leave him confused on how to deal with the situation going further.Meanwhile, Richard pondered possible ways in which Caesar could have managed to stretch his tentacles to the Kingdom of Riverdale.But after much thought, it became apparent that he couldn't be that powerful which left only one option. Caesar had help and it was most likely the powerful clan from the capital of the Empire.He had known sooner or later that h
Cobra fired again but Richard was prepared, using a simple sidestep to dodge the bullet which was larger than his finger.The loose bullet struck the already destroyed car they had been driving, further sending it to oblivion as its parts exploded in a flurry of flames. Meanwhile, Richard grabbed the gun muzzle and used force to bend it, effectively decommissioning the weapon of mass destruction. Shocked by Richard's display of brute strength, Cobra immediately tossed aside the sniper and attempted to take a step back to widen the distance between himself and Richard but Richard was having none of that as he moved in to capitalize on his proximity.Forming a fist, he struck Cobra only to realize that apart from wearing armor underneath his clothing, he was also covering his body with a thin veil of Spirit energy, marking Cobra out as not just an assassin, but a Cultivator assassin. Cobra formed a fist as well and struck forward, utilizing his finishing move to not give Richard a ch
It was a sticky situation.According to Lucia's account, her Ramirez family once was a member of the Golden Band made up of Mafia families from across the Kingdom of Riverdale.It was this connection that allowed them to create a brand that would go on to become one of the most sought-after companies in their niche.Her grandfather was a feared don at that time but her father who came after him, was not.He hated the criminal tendencies that came with being a Mafia family and after realizing just how much blood one has she'd to keep it, he decided to let it go.Of course, his family didn't support him and his brothers cursed him out for trying to doom them.Unfortunately or fortunately, Lucia's father didn't listen and went ahead to cut off ties with the Golden Band.It wouldn't be long before the Golden Band would come back for a pound of flesh.Lucia's uncle fled when the attacks began, switching sides with families that had always envied the greatness of the Ramirez family.Her fat
The phone rang once before the person on the other end picked up, her seductive voice echoing from the other end.[Well, well, if it isn't the man who saw a whole snack and decided to leave her!]“Nice to see you're doing fine, Lolita,” Richard replied.[Hmmph, I should poison you when you get back for leaving me behind]“I understand your annoyance but this isn't the time, I need your help.”[Hmm… Is everything okay?]“No, Caesar has made a move, or should I say the powerhouse behind him has made a move. I have a bounty on my head and currently have at least 30 assassins out to get me. I would handle the situation myself but certain matters need resolution.”[I had no idea this man named Caesar could be so tricky to handle. Would you like me to take him out?]“Don't. If it were so easy, I would have done so long ago, the family backing him is too powerful to offend. We need him to fall on his own. So right now, I need your help.”[What do you need?]“You said your father is an influe
“Abuella, it's you?” Richard remarked curtly as he watched Abella approach with her wheelchair.On instinct, he moved over to help, pushing her the rest of the way to the balcony which afforded her a nice view.“You wished to see me, Abuella?”Abuella sighed as she replied. “Indeed. Lucia informed me about the situation. I must apologize on behalf of the entire Ramirez family. Because of us, your life is currently in danger.”“You aren't to blame Abuella. This matter also has ties to some of my enemies.”“Regardless, your visit here was the catalyst that set off the explosion.”Richard chose to remain silent, unwilling to argue the topic further.Seeing this, Abuella remarked. “You know, you remind me of Lucia's father.”“I do?”“Indeed. He was a good man as well.”“How can you be sure I'm a good man, Abuella?”Smiling widely, Abuella replied. “Because I can see it in your eyes. Only good men have such pure eyes.”“Thank you.”“You look like you have something on your mind. Tell me.”
Lolita worked her magic with no problems, allowing Arturo and a contingent of over 25 armed guards to touch down in Riverdale's capital without issue.Once there, they got a metro bus to take them to the Ramirez Manor where Richard and Jerome were waiting to receive them.“Richard!” Lolita cried out joyfully once she'd stepped down from the car, rushing over and hugging Richard tightly, Meanwhile, Arturo paid the bus driver before approaching Richard, saluting once he was close enough. “Boss.”“Glad to see you could make it,” Richard remarked with a smile.“Are you hurt?” Lolita asked as she scrutinized Richard's physique, taking the opportunity to feel his biceps.Richard flicked her head as he replied. “No, those amateurs could never harm me.”“Hehe, alright, if you say so.”Just then, Lucia coughed, drawing everyone's attention.Lolita glanced at her. “And you must be Lucia. Do you know who I am?”“I'm sorry, no.”“Well, that's understandable considering my dad didn't exactly let
Felipe had never felt so humiliated in his life.In his rise to becoming a Mafia head, he had cheated and killed all those in his way, carving out a path that very few would dare walk on.Even amongst the other Mafia heads, how many would dare come for him?The last one that dared to do so, he destroyed them completely and took all they had, appropriating it all for himself.Yet, seated before him now was a man, not just any man, but a young man, and this young man dared to do what his seniors would never have dared to do!This was an insult that Felipe could hardly stomach so, he didn't hesitate to aim his gun at Richard, intent on blowing up his head the moment he said something he didn't like.He hadn't lost before so there was no way he would start now.“How dare you, Richard Smith!... Do you think I won't kill you!?” Felipe bellowed with Richard responding with a chuckle.“Kill me?... Mr. Felipe, you already tried to do so yesterday. Isn't it right that I repeat the same now?”“W