C379 A Way Foward

Dinner went surprisingly well. Despite everything that had happened, the atmosphere around the table gradually became lighter. For a short while, everyone seemed to forget about the dangers waiting outside the walls of the Mooney residence. Plates were cleared one after another, conversations became quieter, and the ten coaches remained nearby, waiting for the right moment to discuss their plans. When dinner finally came to an end, Alicia looked toward Angus. “So, where are you staying this time?” Angus smiled faintly. “We will remain here tonight. We will be on guard and we have to start planning how we are going to stage the accident.” Alicia nodded slowly. “Alright.”

Chris eventually stood up and prepared to leave for the Chambers family. Before leaving, he looked at us and smiled. “I will see you tomorrow.” Alicia nodded. “Be careful.” Chris waved before walking out. Once he was gone, the ten coaches also left the dining area and moved to another room so they could begin discussing the details of their plan. Alicia remained behind with the rest of the family. She looked around the table for a moment before finally speaking. “Grandpa…” Everyone looked at her. Alicia took a deep breath. “We are going to disappear for three months.” Everyone immediately reacted. “What?” “For three months?”

Alicia nodded. “Yes.” She looked toward Mary and Georgia. “Mother, Grandma, can I ask both of you to look after Emmanuel?” Her voice softened. “I promise that after three months, we will come back.” Mary and Georgia exchanged glances. Neither woman hesitated. “Of course,” Mary said. Georgia smiled. “We will take care of him. Don't worry about your son.” Alicia's expression softened with relief. “Thank you.” Mark and Peter, however, were still exchanging serious looks. Mark finally asked, “Why would you leave for three months?”

I answered before Alicia could. “Father, the coaches believe we need to avoid another attack from the Harris family. They are going to stage something that will make it appear as though we have disappeared.” Mark listened carefully. “We won't keep contact with anyone during that period,” I continued. “Our enemies need to believe that we have either disappeared or been kidnapped. If they think we are gone, they won't know where to look for us.” I paused. “And that will give us enough time to train.” Alicia nodded. “Dad, whatever plan they create, can your police force assist them in making it look real?”

Peter smiled immediately. “See? That is exactly why I said we should have been included in your private discussion.” Mark nodded. “He is right.” The seriousness of the situation returned to the room. Three months. It suddenly sounded like a very long time. But everyone understood why it was necessary. They were no longer dealing with ordinary criminals. Their enemies were becoming bolder, and every mistake could cost someone's life. At Willy's Estate, Willy was still furious. He sat in his office with his hands resting heavily on the desk, his expression dark. The death of Jack had not settled well with him. His nephew was dead. His men had been killed and some were arrested. The police had somehow anticipated their movements. And worst of all, Alicia was still alive.

Willy picked up his phone and called Brian. “Brian.” The door opened almost immediately. Brian hurried inside and bowed. “Boss.” Willy looked at him. “Did your men manage to retrieve my nephew's body?” Brian lowered his head. “Boss, it is still in progress.” Willy nodded slowly. “Good.” He paused before asking another question. “And what about the Mooney family?” Brian took a breath. “Starc used the satellite system to track them. They disappeared for some time, but the cameras eventually caught them entering the city.” Willy's expression changed. “So they have returned.” “Yes, Boss.” Willy slammed his hand against the desk. “Then why didn't you tell me?” Brian remained silent.

Willy stood. “We have to get revenge for Jack.” Brian bowed. “Boss, the police are already after us. The Mooney residence is most likely surrounded by police officers waiting for another attack.” Willy stared at him. “You don't know that.” Brian looked up. Willy's eyes hardened. “Send Neo and his group.” Brian froze. “Neo?” “Yes.” Willy continued. “Tell them this is their test of loyalty. If they succeed, they will join the main group.” Brian remained still for several seconds. Finally, he spoke carefully. “Boss, isn't this risky? Sending amateurs to perform such a task is practically sending them to jail... if not to their deaths.” Willy smiled. “Brian, why are you so stupid?” Brian lowered his head.

Willy walked slowly around his desk. “I want them to go for two reasons.” He raised one finger. “First, I want to test them. We lost several men earlier, so we need replacements. But if we are going to replace experienced men, our selections have to be wise.” He raised a second finger. “And second, I want to provoke them.” Brian listened silently. “I know they cannot simply walk into that house and kill everyone,” Willy continued. “But sending them there sends a message.” He smiled coldly. “It tells the Mooney family that hiding under the protection of the Gupta family and the police will not make them unreachable.”

Brian finally understood. “Yes, Boss.” Willy pointed toward the door. “Now get the hell out of here and do what I told you.” Brian immediately bowed. “Yes, Boss.” He turned and left. Willy remained alone in his office. For several moments, he stared into the distance. Then he slowly spoke to himself. “Alicia...” His expression became darker. “I underestimated you before.” He clenched his fist. “But now I will show you how we do things in our world.” Not long afterward, Brian contacted Neo and his team. Following Willy's orders, they were sent toward the Mooney family residence. It was their test. And none of them knew whether they were walking into an opportunity... or a trap.

At the Gomez Family, the atmosphere was completely different. Laura had barely spoken throughout dinner. Bright noticed immediately. He was used to arguing with his wife, teasing her, or simply listening to her complain about something. Tonight, however, Laura was unusually quiet. Bright watched her carefully. Prince noticed as well. So did Godness. Nobody said anything at first. They had all seen the news earlier. The Mooney residence had been attacked. A security guard had been killed. Two police officers had also lost their lives. The attack had left everyone uneasy.

After dinner, Prince finally broke the silence. “My child.” Laura looked up. “Why are you so quiet?” He studied her face. “Did the attack today frighten you?” Godness joined the conversation. “And I am still asking myself something else.” She sighed. “Why would you sign such a contract?” Laura remained silent. Godness continued. “Is there really no way to revoke it?” Bright immediately spoke. “I told everyone before that this was wrong.” He shook his head. “Now look how things have turned out.” Laura slowly looked at them. “Mother, Father... they are my friends.” Her voice was calm. “So whatever happens to them is bound to affect me as well.” Prince froze. “What do you mean?”

Laura looked toward him. Prince continued. “Kelvin Wood's daughter was kidnapped, right?” Laura nodded. “And now the Mooney family has been attacked.” He paused. “Are these things connected?” Prince's expression became increasingly concerned. “Does that mean they could come after us as well?” Laura shook her head. “No, Father.” She spoke carefully. “The Gomez family is already heavily guarded, and the police are chasing them. It won't be easy for anyone to attack us.” Bright nodded slightly. Laura, however, continued thinking. “But I have to think outside the box.”

Everyone became quiet. “If we are all safe here, then whoever comes after me will eventually realise that they cannot reach me directly.” She looked at her father. “And if that happens, they might decide that my father is my weakest link.” Prince's expression changed. Laura continued. “What if they go after you?” Godness and Prince exchanged worried glances. Prince slowly asked, “So there is really no turning back?” Laura smiled faintly. She reached into her purse. Everyone watched as she slowly pulled out a gun. “No, Father.” She held it carefully. “There is no turning back.” She looked at the weapon. “But there is a way forward.”

Everyone froze. Even Bright stared at the gun in disbelief. “Wife...” His voice was almost a whisper. “You have a gun?” Godness stared at Laura. “What does this mean?” She looked at the weapon. “Do you even know how to use that?” Laura smiled. “It is heavy.” She looked at the gun again. “But they are still teaching us.” Prince slowly shook his head. “It has really come to this.” He looked at his daughter with concern. “My child, you have to be careful.” His voice softened. “Protect yourself at all costs.” He paused. “Your life is no different from Alicia's now. It is important to all of us.” Laura nodded. “I know, Father.”

At that exact moment, her phone began ringing. Laura glanced down at the screen. It was a group video call. She stood up. “I should go.” She looked at everyone. “Good night.” Nobody answered immediately. Laura walked away, leaving the family sitting around the table in an uncomfortable silence. The gun had changed the atmosphere completely.