Chapter 186: Old Favors. 

One by one, the familiar faces flickered into view on the screen–a seasoned senator, a high- ranking military officer, a notorious crime boss, and several others, their identities obscured by shadows and digital distortion. These were the powers that truly governed from behind the scenes, the puppet masters pulling the strings of society. 

“Samuel,” a gruff voice crackled through the speakers, its owner hidden behind a veil of static. “This had better be good. We don’t take kindly to being summoned like common lackeys.” 

A murmur of assent rippled through the other participants, their displeasure palpable even through the digital haze. 

Samuel cleared his throat, his steely gaze sweeping across the assembled figures. “Gentlemen, I wouldn’t have called this meeting if the situation weren’t dire. It’s my grandson, Richard- he’s gone rogue, threatening to dismantle everything I’ve built.” 

A chorus of scoffs and derisive laughter erupted from the video feed, the participants clearly unimpressed by Samuel’s plight. 

“And why should we care about your family squabbles?” Another voice sneered, its owner’s face distorted beyond recognition. “We’ve done our part, held up our end of the bargain. The favors we exchange are not to be taken lightly.” 

Samuel’s fingers tightened around the arms of his chair, gripping tightly. “I understand concerns, but this goes beyond a mere family dispute. Richard’s actions threaten to unravel the delicate web we’ve woven, exposing our… arrangements to public scrutiny.” 

your 

A heavy silence fell over the conference, the participants exchanging furtive glances, their unease palpable. 

“50. 

what is it you want from us, exactly?” the first voice demanded, cutting through the 

tension like a knife. 

Samuel took a deep breath, steeling himself for the request he was about to make. “I need your help to neutralize a threat–a woman named Emma Jones. She’s the one poisoning Richard’s mind, turning him against me and everything we’ve built together.” 

A low murmur of surprise rippled through the assembled figures, their digital avatars shifting in their respective frames. 

“You want us to take out some broad?” Another voice scoffed. “That’s a bit extreme, 

think?” 

don’t you 

“Extreme times call for extreme measures,” Samuel countered, his tone brooking no argument. “Emma Jones is a dangerous woman; her influence over Richard knows no bounds. If she’s not dealt with swiftly and decisively, our entire operation could be compromised.” 

The participants exchanged knowing glances, their silent deliberation stretching out into an agonizing silence. 

Finally, one of the figures leaned forward, their face cast in harsh relief by the flickering glow of the screen. “Very well, Samuel. We’ll lend you our support, but there will be a price to pay. 

Samuel nodded, his expression grim. “Of course. Name your terms.” 

“We’ll provide you with a tactical team, armed and ready to infiltrate Star City and apprehend this Emma Jones,” the figure continued. “But there’s bound to be collateral damage, casualties that will need to be… taken care of. We’ll expect you to handle the clean–up; no questions 

asked.” 

A wave of relief washed over Samuel, and he felt the tension in his shoulders ease ever so slightly. “Consider it done. You have my word–whatever mess is made, I’ll ensure it’s swept under the rug.” 

“Then we have an accord,” the figure replied, their avatar inclining ever so slightly in a semblance of a nod. “We’ll be in touch with further instructions. Don’t make us regret this, Samuel.‘ 

With that, the video feed winked out, plunging the room into silence once more, Samuel leaned back in his chair, his mind already churning with the logistics of the operation head 

Little did he know, however, that their entire exchange had been captured on video every damning word, every illicit detail laid bare for the world to see. And as the final frames flickered across the screen, the incriminating footage found its way into the hands of the one person Samuel had sought to destroy: Richard Madison himself, safely ensconced in the heart of Star City. 

As the truth of his grandfather’s machinations unfolded before his eyes, Richard felt a burning rage ignite within him, scorching through his veins like wildfire. The depth of Samuel’s depravity knew no bounds, his thirst for power and control eclipsing even the most sacred of familial bonds. 

With a steely resolve, Richard tightened his grip on the evidence in his hands, a dark look crossing his eyes. The time for hiding, for playing by the rules, was over. He wanted a battle that would shake the very foundations of Madison Industries and make his grandfather sha 

in his boots. 

“What do you want to do about it?” Mason, a friend of Richard, asks. He had been the one to hack the video call. 

“What else? We are good citizens,” Richard chuckled darkly. 

“Should I forward this to the police then? But they can’t be trusted.” Mason said and walked over to the sofa to take a seat. 

“I just knew he would run to them after turning on the Heat a bit. The round table of favors, Richard chuckled. 

“What will you do then?” Mason asked. 

I 

“All those there have enemies. Why do I need to search for those to send it to? I just need someone with an army to catch them in the act,” Richard said. 

“I can look into a Tew that have some kind of power in the army.” 

“Look Into them. I will use it soon,” Richard answered. 

“You won’t release it now?” Mason asked. 

“Of course not. Timing is everything. I am full of patience. I will make him famous at just the right moment,” Richard smiled coldly as he said these words. 

The reckoning was near, and Richard would stop at nothing to bring his grandfather’s empire crumbling down around him, no matter the cost 

The incessant ringing of the telephone pierced the tense silence of Samuel Madison’s office, shattering his brooding thoughts like a pebble through glass. With a weary sigh, he snatched. up the receiver, already knowing who would be on the other end of the line. 

“Report,” he barked, dispensing with pleasantries. 

The voice that crackled through the speaker was hushed, filled with fear. “Sir, it’s Mr. Bean. I regret to inform you that our previous attempt to secure Mrs. Emma Jones was… unsuccessful. 

Samuel’s grip tightened around the phone, his veins popping. “Explain.” 

“Our operatives were intercepted at the city limits of Star City,” Mr. Bean continued, his words tumbling out in a nervous rush. “It seems Mr. Richard’s security forces were expecting us. They were taken into custody before they could even breach the perimeter.” 

A muscle twitched in Samuel’s jaw as he ground his teeth, a wave of hot fury washing over him. “Unacceptable,” he seethed. “That woman is the key to regaining control of this situation. Without her influence over Richard, he’ll be forced to see reason.” 

“What are your orders, sir?” Mr. Bean’s voice was little more than a quavering whisper. 

Samuel’s steely gaze swept across the opulent expanse of his office, lingering on the framed 

ls that adorned the walls–a lifetime of achievements, a legacy forged through 

blood, sweat, and no small measure of calculated ruthlessness. He would not allow it all to crumble into ruin, not while there was still breath in his body. 

“Ready the team again,” he said at last, his tone brooking no argument. “This time, we’re not going in alone. It’s time to call in reinforcements,” 

A sharp intake of breath echoed through the line, but Mr. Bean knew better than to question his employer’s commands. “Yes, sir. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.” 

The line went dead, leaving Samuel alone with the weight of his decisions. He rose from his chair, his movements slow and deliberate, and crossed to the floor–to–ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. Star City loomed in the distance, a glittering metropolis that had once been the crown jewel of his empire, now transformed into an impregnable fortress under Richard’s control. 

Chapter 287: Dead or alive. 

Chapter 187: Dead or alive. 

A bitter smile twisted Samuel’s face as he gazed out over the sprawling cityscape. “You can’t hide from me forever, boy,” he muttered, his words laced with a cold, simmering menace.” One way or another, I’ll tear down your walls and reclaim what is rightfully mine.”