C288 Training Hall

Mark could not help but laugh. He looked at his daughter with a mixture of pride and helplessness before slowly shaking his head. "You really have too much confidence in your father," he said with a smile. Alicia smiled back without the slightest hint of doubt. "Because I know you, Dad." The room grew quiet for a moment as everyone looked at Mark, waiting for his answer.

Finally, he reached into the inside pocket of his coat and carefully pulled out a thick brown envelope. "I suppose there is no point keeping you in suspense any longer." He placed the envelope on the dining table. "The Mayor personally approved the paperwork this afternoon." Alicia's eyes immediately brightened. "Really?" Mark nodded. "The security company registration has been approved. The firearm ownership licences have also been approved under the company's security division." For a brief second, complete silence filled the dining room.

Then Alicia suddenly stood up. "Dad!" She walked around the table and hugged him tightly. "Thank you." Mark gently patted her back and smiled. "You don't have to thank me. I only opened the door for you. Everything else from now on depends on how you use this opportunity." Peter also smiled with satisfaction. "I honestly didn't expect it to be completed this quickly." Mark nodded. "Neither did I." He looked around at everyone before continuing. "The Mayor agreed because this is connected to the Harris investigation. He also understands that if the Harris family truly targets Mike and Alicia, then Lucia Goods could become the perfect place to catch them."

Quinton slowly folded his arms. "So the company will become both a workplace and a trap?" Mark smiled. "Only if Harris makes the first move." His expression soon became serious. "I don't want anyone here thinking this is a game. Once those people make a move, lives will be in danger." The atmosphere immediately became much heavier. Everyone silently nodded. Alicia slowly returned to her seat. "Don't worry, Dad." She smiled gently. "I don't plan on fighting unnecessary battles."

She looked around the table before continuing. "I only want everyone around me to be able to protect themselves." Peter nodded approvingly. "That is exactly how a leader should think." Quinton smiled. "You truly have changed, Alicia." Alicia chuckled softly. "I don't think I've changed." She looked at me before adding with a smile, "I just have more people to protect now." I smiled back at her without saying anything. Georgia watched the two of us with a warm smile.

Mary gently reached over and held Alicia's hand. "My child..." "You always think about everyone else before yourself." Alicia smiled shyly. "I learned that from all of you." Everyone laughed softly. Mark then cleared his throat. "There is one more thing." Everyone turned their attention back to him. "The licences have been approved, but purchasing the firearms is entirely our responsibility." Peter nodded. "That is expected." Mark continued, "We'll have to purchase everything legally through licensed dealers. Every firearm will be registered properly under Lucia Goods Security."

Alicia nodded confidently. "I've already prepared a budget for that." This time everyone laughed again. Peter rubbed his forehead. "Mark..." "I think your daughter has planned the next ten years already." Mark sighed dramatically. "I noticed." He looked at Alicia before adding, "Sometimes I feel like I'm the one trying to keep up with you." Alicia laughed. "I'm just trying to stay one step ahead." Quinton suddenly looked at Peter. "So... does this mean training officially starts next week?"

Alicia answered before Peter could. "Not immediately." "The renovation team will need some time to complete Hall C." She counted on her fingers as she spoke. "The boxing ring has to be installed." "The shooting range has to be reinforced." "The soundproofing needs to be completed." "The gym equipment must also arrive." She smiled. "Only after everything is safe will the trainers begin." Peter nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent." "There is no reason to rush something that concerns people's safety." Everyone agreed.

The dinner slowly continued as the conversation shifted to lighter topics. The heavy discussion about licences and security gradually disappeared, replaced by laughter and playful teasing. Mary kept insisting that Alicia should stop working so hard during her pregnancy. Georgia repeatedly reminded her not to forget to rest. Quinton teased Mark for being busier than the Prime Minister. Even Peter joined in, making everyone laugh several times. The cheerful atmosphere around the dining table continued as laughter echoed through the mansion.

Alicia suddenly turned toward Peter with a curious smile. "Grandpa, what about you? Did you manage to find the military coaches?" Peter, who had just taken another spoonful of food, nearly choked. He quickly swallowed before looking at her with an amused expression. "My child," he said helplessly, "you never told me you needed them this quickly." Alicia smiled innocently. "I thought you would already be preparing." Peter shook his head and laughed. "Preparing is one thing, but recruiting experienced instructors isn't as simple as making a phone call. Besides..."

He pointed his spoon toward her. "Didn't you just tell us that the Training Hall won't even be ready until after the renovations?" Everyone around the table burst into laughter. Quinton chuckled. "Mark, your daughter is the only person I know who starts looking for trainers before the building itself is finished." Mark smiled proudly. "That's because once Alicia decides on something, she plans every step ahead." Peter nodded in agreement. "Don't worry," he assured her. "I'll contact a few retired military instructors tomorrow. Some of them trained special security units before retirement. If they're available, I'll arrange meetings with them."

Alicia's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Grandpa." Peter smiled warmly. "But remember," he added, "good instructors are strict people. Once they agree, don't expect them to treat your employees gently." Alicia nodded without hesitation. "That's exactly what I want." Seeing her determined expression, everyone smiled. They could already imagine Lucia Goods changing into something far more than an ordinary company. The conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics until the grandfather clock chimed. It was already getting late.

One after another, everyone stood up, exchanged good nights, and returned to their respective rooms. After entering our bedroom, Alicia didn't even pause to rest. She walked straight toward the study. I watched her in disbelief. "Wife," I called after her, smiling helplessly, "don't you ever get tired? Come and rest for a while." Without turning around, she gently shook her head. "I want to finish looking through Mother's books tonight," she replied softly. "The sooner I understand everything, the sooner I can stop wondering."

Before I could answer, she stepped into the study and quietly closed the door behind her. I stood outside for a moment before walking over and knocking gently. A few seconds later, the door opened. I smiled at her. "So... you're not letting me in?" Alicia smiled apologetically and shook her head. "Not yet." She pointed toward the bedroom. "Go freshen up first. Once I'm ready, I'll let you help me."