C335 The Enemy Plotting

Seeing Mary and Georgia sitting together and slowly flipping through Gabrielle's photographs, everyone became quiet for a moment. There was something almost comforting about seeing them finally holding memories of Gabrielle again. Mark eventually broke the silence. “Alicia, what exactly happened at work today?” He looked at me. “And why were you fighting your best friend?”

I smiled. “Father, I thought of something that would make everyone understand that the training facility isn't a joke. If we simply explained it to them, some employees might not take it seriously. So I decided to demonstrate it myself.” Alicia nodded. “And it worked. A lot of employees volunteered after seeing the demonstration.” She paused. “More importantly, some of them signed the second contract. They willingly pledged their loyalty to us and agreed to stand with us if things become dangerous.”

Mark's expression became serious. “And you told them about the risks?” “Yes, Father. I made it clear that this isn't a game.” Alicia lowered her voice. “Even the Gupta family is afraid of the Harris family. Grandpa said they're extremely well connected.” Mark nodded slowly. “That makes sense.” He leaned back. “An enemy who hides in the shadows can be more dangerous than one who openly declares war. You never know when they might strike.”

He paused. “It's not necessarily because they're stronger than everyone else. It's because their connections make them unpredictable. When you know someone has powerful people protecting them, you have to remain prepared at all times.” Alicia looked worried. “But if we go after them, won't that mean they'll come after us?” Mark looked at her. “Yes.” His answer was simple. “That is why I keep telling you that you have to prepare for the possibility of losses.”

He thought about the contracts. “The contracts you gave your employees... did you make it clear that there is real danger? That some of them could actually die?” Alicia nodded. “Yes. I told them everything.” Mark was silent for a moment before his expression softened. “Then at least they know what they're agreeing to.” Alicia suddenly remembered something. “But Father, did you manage to get the weapons?” Mark smiled. “I did.” He paused. “And they were extremely expensive.” Alicia raised an eyebrow. “How expensive?” “Almost five hundred thousand dollars.” “Five hundred thousand?” Quinton's voice suddenly came from across the room.

His reaction was so loud that Mary and Georgia stopped turning the pages of the photo album. Both women looked up. “What costs five hundred thousand dollars?” Mary asked. Peter shook his head. “Just continue with the photographs.” Quinton looked at him. “Peter, five hundred thousand dollars isn't something we can just ignore.” Mark laughed. “The weapons weren't cheap. But the delivery is scheduled for early tomorrow morning.” Alicia nodded. “Once they arrive, I'll make sure everything is properly registered.”

Mark's expression became serious again. “Good. Make sure every weapon is assigned to a specific person. We need proper records.” He paused. “If anyone uses one of those weapons to cause trouble, we need to know exactly who it belongs to. Otherwise, it could become a serious problem for all of us.” Alicia nodded. “Understood.” Mary slowly closed the photo album. “Well, enough talking about weapons and fighting.” She smiled. “Let's eat dinner.” Georgia nodded. “That's a much better idea.” The family finally gathered around the dining table.

At Willy's Ireland Far away from the Mooney residence, the atmosphere was very different. Inside Willy's heavily guarded estate, a group of technical specialists were working late into the evening. One of them suddenly noticed something unusual on his computer. He leaned closer to the screen. “Wait.” Another technician looked over. “What is it?” The first technician quickly opened another window. “There's something trending.” He studied the videos appearing on the screen. Then his expression changed. “Sir... we found something.”

Brian, who was nearby, immediately turned around. “Did you find out who stole our shipment?” The technician shook his head. “Not the shipment, sir.” Brian frowned. “Then what?” The technician turned the monitor toward him. “We found Michael Smith.” Brian stared at the screen. “What do you mean?” “He's trending.” Brian stepped closer. “Trending for what?” The technician pointed at the video. “It appears he's been training. Or, more accurately, practicing boxing.”

Brian watched the video. His expression slowly changed. Mike was inside a boxing ring, facing Chris. Brian watched the fight for several seconds before laughing. “So they're training?” He shook his head. “What good will boxing do them?” He laughed again. “When the time comes, we won't be fighting them with boxing gloves. We'll simply shoot them.” Brian turned away from the screen. “Tell me everything you can find.” Then he hurried out of the room.

Brian entered Willy's office a few minutes later. Willy looked up from his desk. “What is it now?” Brian approached him and bowed slightly. “Sir, we found Michael Smith.” Willy's expression immediately changed. “Where?” Brian quickly explained. “He's been seen at Lucia Goods. There is a training facility inside the company.” Willy frowned. “A training facility?” Brian took out his phone and showed him the video. Willy watched silently. Mike and Chris were still inside the boxing ring.

After a few seconds, Willy's eyebrows narrowed. “So they are preparing for war?” Brian nodded. “That is what it looks like.” Willy leaned back in his chair. “The people I planted inside Lucia Goods haven't reported anything about a training facility.” Before Brian could answer, Willy's phone suddenly rang. He looked at the screen. The name immediately caught his attention. Jack. Willy answered. “Jack. I hope you have good news.” Jack's voice came through the phone. “Uncle, you told me to find out what the Mooney family was doing.”

Willy leaned forward. “And?” “I found out.” “Don't waste my time. Tell me.” Jack took a breath. “They've built a training facility inside Lucia Goods.” Willy's eyes narrowed. “What kind of training?” “Martial arts, boxing, and shooting.” Jack continued. “Almost everyone there seems to be getting involved.” Willy laughed sarcastically. “Let them prepare.” He leaned back. “A bunch of juniors think they can come after me?” Jack hesitated before continuing. “There is more.” Willy stopped laughing. “What?” “The Wood family is involved.”

Willy's expression changed. “What did you say?” “I heard that Sarah Wood joined them.” Willy slowly sat forward. “Sarah Wood?” “Yes, Uncle.” Willy remained silent for a moment. “It seems I've been away for too long.” Jack smiled on the other end of the call. “But I have good news.” Willy waited. “What good news?” “I got Sarah's number.” Willy's eyes narrowed. “Explain.” Jack spoke more carefully. “If your technical experts can track her location, I can study her routine. Once I know where she goes and when she goes there, I can capture her.”

Willy didn't respond immediately. Jack continued. “Then we can use her to draw Mike or Alicia out.” Willy finally smiled. “So that's your plan?” “Yes.” Jack's voice became more confident. “If they come to rescue her, we'll have an opportunity to eliminate them.” Willy leaned back. “At least you finally brought me something useful.” Jack laughed. “So what do you need?” “Your technical experts, especially Starc.” Jack continue. “I need them to track her number. Once they locate her, I'll take care of the rest.”

He paused. “I need to know her exact routine. Where she goes after work, where she stops, and which roads she uses.” Willy nodded. “Send me the number.” Jack immediately sent it. A few seconds later, Willy's phone received the message. Willy looked at the number and smiled. “When you return, I'll give you a proper reward.” Jack quickly shook his head, even though Willy couldn't see him. “No, Uncle. I don't want a reward.” Willy raised an eyebrow. “Then what do you want?” “I want to join you.” Jack's voice became serious. “I want to stand beside you.”

Willy laughed. “You want to work directly under me?” “Yes.” “Then prove yourself first.” Willy paused. “If you succeed with this mission, I'll give you your own territory.” Jack's eyes widened. “Really?” “You'll become one of my right-hand men.” Jack laughed excitedly. “Thank you, Uncle. I won't disappoint you.” The call ended. Jack looked at his phone for several seconds before putting it away. A satisfied smile appeared on his face. “Ben,” he whispered, “this is your lesson.” He shook his head. “You should never trust everyone simply because you call them a friend.”

Jack looked toward the dark road ahead. “But don't worry.” His smile faded. “I won't hurt your sister.” He paused. “If I can get Mike or Alicia to come for her, she'll be released without harm.” With that, Jack turned and walked away. Neither he nor Willy realized that the information they had obtained could put far more people in danger than they expected.