Davina trembled, realizing that Anna wasn't just some weak girl.No, perhaps she'd always known but didn't want to accept it.Gritting her teeth, she chose her next words wisely before replying. “Leaving the country.” “Good. Each of you shall be sent to a different country, with a corresponding amount of money to last a little over a month if you spend wisely. Now please note that any attempts to return to this country, to engage in nefarious activities, or to do anything that would cause the Lopez family to be seen in a bad light would result in immediate punishment. Understood?”“...”“I said, understood!”“... Yeah, we understand.” Satisfied with their response, Anna shifted her attention to Quinton who instinctively backed away.“And as for you, I have already informed the Estebans of your idiotic actions. They will have to bail you out of here or might as well prepare for a very long retirement.”With those words, she turned and left with Richard and Melinda exchanging looks be
Richard and Melinda returned to Riverdale's capital that afternoon, leaving behind the contingent of armed fighters used to rebuff Quinton's attack on the Lopez to assist Anna in maintaining peace, utilizing a private jet to ensure time wasn't wasted.Lucia, as she had mentioned, was ready at the airport to receive them, a convoy prepared to ensure they were swiftly transported to the Ramirez Manor.“How is the situation here?” Richard inquired as he settled comfortably in the limo with Melinda seated beside him and Lucia across from him.Lucia replied. “Better than expected, after what happened before you left, the other Mafias have done well to not cross their boundaries, even paying tribute to avoid getting ripped apart.”“That would be best. I'd rather avoid getting into a fight with them to ensure the stability of the situation here in the capital.”“I agree. As for the enclave holding in two days, I've already begun to make preparations. I would like to know if I would be coming
The Lafayette family were one of the big dogs in the Golden Band and were also considered one of the richest due to the kind of businesses they dabbled in.Drugs, weapons, contraband… name it, they had it.Rumors had it that because they had deep connections in the military, Riverdale soldiers never tried to seize their goods as they seized others.It was even known that those who got into conflicts with the Lafayette would end up paying a huge price as they would suffer incessant harassment from the military until they would have no choice but to submit and apologize and even then, they would still have to pay a hefty price before being let off the hook.It was for that reason that no Mafia family apart from those on the same level as the Lafayette, dared to go against them or even dare to be in the same room with them.This was why when Richard's car got crushed, those watching couldn't help but pity him even as none were his allies.“Poor fellow, that Old dog from the Lafayette is
Lumian Lafayette hadn't expected Richard to react so calmly to the situation.When he'd learned of Richard's survival, he intended to use this incident to gauge Richard's reaction.Did he know about the masterminds behind the attack?... And if he did, how would he react to seeing them trying to bully him mercilessly?A single word spoken out of turn would have doomed Richard to a sure attack from all members of the upper echelon.Surprisingly, he didn't react aggressively and was even calm enough to twist the sword in their direction.One wrong move and everything would go to shit and that was something Lumian needed to avoid.Even with the money he collected, Richard not only managed to get compensation for the insults and destruction of property, he got it to look like he was being magnanimous.“A dangerous opponent indeed.” Lumian thought to himself as he managed a fake smile to avoid revealing too much of what he had in mind.Meanwhile, Richard hardly cared for what the old geezer
Many were in attendance as several began to make conversations with those they were interested in while keeping a wide berth from those they were not interested in. However, once Richard arrived, several states were sent his way as they began to ponder the depths of the young man.His heroics were enough to make many ponder if he was truly all that.Of course, not all dared to approach to test that as there was a hierarchy, and at this moment, only the upper echelons had the right to dictate his depths.Richard ignored their suggestive stares as he walked forward with Lucia beside him.She looked quite different from usual, having made herself up and worn a rather impressive gown that brought out her incredible shape.“You look wonderful tonight.” Richard complimented, earning a blush from Lucia as she found herself lost for words.“That…” Before she could articulate herself properly to offer a response, they experienced their first approach of the evening.“You must be Mr. Smith, I'
Richard sighed before shoving Sergio aside after which he began to move in a different direction with Lucia.“You coward!... Run as much as you like but know that you will always remain a coward!”Richard finally paused in his step, Lucia's gaze on him as she seemed inclined to do whatever he wanted.Sergio grinned from ear to ear knowing he'd done well in ensuring Richard's disgrace at the party with several already looking upon Richard as a coward, instead of the deadly man the Golden Band was proclaiming him to be.What Reaper?... He was just a pathetic fool parading as a great man.As Sergio prepared to say even more slandering things, Richard turned to face him and most reasonably, took off his suit jacket and handed it to Lucia who calmly took it.Then he took off his tie which Lucia took as well, then he unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them before finally adjusting his hairstyle.Sergio immediately realized what he wished to do and so, didn't hesitate to reach for the spirit
If Rubio's words had done anything, it wasn't the intended effect of getting Richard to fear for his life considering he was surrounded by enemies.On the other hand, all it had done was reveal to him that things were about to get out of hand.However, it also gave him ample time to prepare for what was to be an inevitable attack from either the Estebans or the Lafayette or both.Though neither had brought in more than was allowed by the Golden Band, Richard wasn't naive enough to believe that there was no way around the rules the Golden Band had put in place.He guessed that the only reason they hadn't broken it before was because there was no need to.However, he was a new face threatening to dismantle the hierarchy already set in place for several years.It was only natural that they would view him as a threat to deal with even as they were on Golden Band property.The fact that the Golden Band was losing its control of the Mafia families wasn't helping matters as well.Regardless,
“You are here,” Lumian muttered as he watched Marco close the distance to take a seat across from him.“Your plan failed.” Marco began harshly. “I had told you. Man that could do what Richard Smith had done wouldn't be so easy to defeat. You insisted on continuing with your little games. Now where has it led us?”“It would have worked.”“But it didn't. I'm not here to speak about what would have happened. I'm here to speak about what can happen.”“Destroying such a special specimen would be a monumental loss!”“But allowing it to grow under anyone but us would lead to losses as well. I am not willing to take that chance so though regretful, Richard Smith must die.”“Damn it.”“Why are you acting so caring now?... Hadn't you also placed a bounty on his head with the Hitmen?”“That was for capture, not killing. Richard Smith is a treasure that must be owned.”“I have heard enough of your nonsense. My men are in position. I expect to see you make a move when the time is right.”With tha