C481 Lions Internal Division

At the Gomez family residence, everything had been prepared. The funeral arrangements were almost complete, but Laura still couldn't find peace. She had been surrounded by people all day, yet she felt completely alone. Eventually, she stood up and walked toward her bedroom. Bright noticed her leaving but didn't follow her. He understood that Laura needed some time alone. Inside her bedroom, Laura closed the door. She sat on the edge of her bed for a few moments, staring at the floor. Her father's death kept replaying in her mind. Josh Tryon was dead. And Laura knew who had ordered it. Hanna. She picked up her phone and started a video call with the Lions. Alicia and I were already in our bedroom when our phones suddenly rang. We looked at each other. “Laura,” Alicia said. I nodded. We quickly answered. Sarah and Chris joined almost immediately. Then Samantha, Faith, Amanda, and the rest of the Lions joined the call. Alicia looked at Laura's face. “Laura, are you okay?”

Laura didn't answer the question. Instead, she looked directly at Alicia. “Alicia, can I ask you something?” Alicia nodded. “Of course.” Laura took a deep breath. “Do you still remember what your reaction was after finding out that your mother had been killed by Willy?” Alicia frowned. For a moment, she didn't say anything. Then she looked at Laura carefully. “Laura… what are you planning?” Laura gave a faint smile. “You are our leader, Alicia. So please answer me honestly.” Alicia looked at me. I was also waiting for her answer. Finally, Alicia spoke. “I killed him.” Laura nodded slowly. “So why aren't you letting me kill Hanna's father?” Alicia's expression changed. Laura continued. “She targeted my father.” Her voice became stronger. “So why shouldn't I target her father?” Sarah immediately interrupted. “Laura, we know you're grieving.” She paused. “But that doesn't mean you have to kill an innocent person.” Laura looked at her screen. Sarah continued. “You already know what it feels like to take someone's life. Now imagine what you will feel after killing someone you know is innocent.” Laura remained silent. I decided to speak. “Laura, what we should be doing is finding a good plan to attack Hanna. Right now, we still have Samantha's plan. If it works, we'll find Hanna before she even knows what we're doing.” Laura smiled faintly. Then she looked at Alicia. “You still haven't answered my question.”

Alicia's expression became serious. “Laura, if you want revenge for your father, wouldn't it be better to find the person who actually killed him?” Laura stared at her. “She killed the only parent I had. Why can't I kill the person closest to her?” Alicia shook her head. “Because he isn't Hanna.” Laura looked away. Alicia continued. “If you kill her father, you're not punishing Hanna. You're killing another innocent person.” Laura smiled sadly. “Alright. I understand.” She paused. “I understand that you don't want me to kill Hanna's father because he is also your grandfather.” Alicia's eyes narrowed. “That's not why.” Laura looked back at her. “But I lost my father.” Her voice became quiet. “I lost him without any reason.” Nobody spoke. Laura's eyes filled with tears. "No Hanna asked me what you were doing so I actually lost my father trying to protect you. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye.” She wiped her face. “I didn't get to protect him.” Alicia wanted to respond, but Laura shook her head. “I'm sorry.” Then she left the video call. The screen went black. For several seconds, none of us said anything. Chris finally broke the silence. “What was that?”

Amanda sighed. “It is exactly what I expected.” She looked at everyone. “You can't expect Laura to simply let this go.” Chris frowned. Amanda continued. “Chris, tell me something. What did Laura's father do?” Chris remained silent. “Why was he targeted?” Amanda leaned closer to the camera. “Now look at this from Alicia's point of view.” She looked toward Alicia. “Alicia found out that her mother had been murdered by Willy Harris.” Alicia remained silent. Amanda continued. “What did she do after that?” Nobody answered. “She went after him.” Amanda paused. “And look at what happened after Mike and Alicia found out that their son had been killed by Hanna.” She looked at me. “They wanted revenge.” Then she looked at Chris. “Chris, tell me honestly. If your father had been killed by Hanna, would you want to kill Hanna?” Chris didn't answer. Amanda continued. “Or would you want Hanna to feel the same pain you felt after losing your father?” Chris finally spoke. “Amanda…” He shook his head. “You've made me look at this from a completely different point of view.” He paused. “I also want to avenge my nephew's death. So I understand what you're saying.” Chris sighed. “But killing an innocent person is still murder.” He looked at the others. “And if Laura does that, she will have to live with it for the rest of her life.”

Amanda frowned. “Sarah…” Sarah looked at her. “What?” “Are you and Chris together?” Sarah moved the camera slightly toward Chris. “Why?” Amanda smiled. “Because what you said is exactly what Chris is saying.” She looked at her. “I think he's trying to get your approval.” Sarah laughed. Chris shook his head. “That's not what I'm doing.” Sarah smiled. “But he is right. Why would Laura kill Alicia's grandfather because of Hanna's personal revenge?” Amanda slowly nodded. “I understand.” She paused. “But I'm sure Laura doesn't see it that way right now. You guys keep saying Laura will kill an innocent person, Is her father actually innocent?” Alicia looked at Amanda. “Why are you so concerned about Laura?” Amanda looked surprised. “Why wouldn't I be?” Alicia remained silent. Amanda continued. “Faith, aren't you concerned?” Faith nodded. “Of course I am.” Amanda looked toward Samantha. “What about you, Samantha?” Samantha answered from the screen. “I'm already travelling to my parents' house.” She paused. “So obviously I'm concerned about her. That's why I need to warn them about what is happening.”

Faith nodded. “I've already told my parents.” Everyone looked at her. “They weren't even panicking.” Faith smiled faintly. “They told me they've survived situations like this before.” She paused. “They also reminded me that I chose this life after they warned me about the dangers.” Her expression became serious. “They said I have to take responsibility for whatever happens.” Faith looked down for a moment. “But Laura's father died because of this.” She looked back at the screen. “So I can't pretend that it has nothing to do with me. I feel responsible too.” Alicia looked at Faith. Faith continued. “Justice has to be done for him.” The room became quiet again. Everyone understood what Faith meant. Laura wasn't the only one struggling with the question of revenge. Every member of the Lions had lost someone. Every one of them had reasons to hate Hanna. But now they were facing a question that had no easy answer. How far could they go before revenge turned them into the same kind of people they were fighting? And somewhere inside the Gomez residence, Laura was asking herself the same question. Only she already seemed to have an answer.