Margaret considered for a moment. "Initially, I hesitated to utilize the Winter family's influence..." She retrieved her phone and placed a call, a special number. The connection was swift.
"Hello. What are your orders?" The voice on the other end was impeccably polite.
"I require your assistance," Margaret replied grimly.
At the Lannopolis police station, Commissioner Richard Nelson, in full uniform, addressed his officers. "Everyone, prepare yourselves and surround the West family villa in the city's east!" A contingent of officers immediately departed with purpose.
Meanwhile, at a military outpost on the outskirts of Lannopolis, a substantial team—the Honora region's elite, led by Lovellia's three-star General Nathan Sweeney—stood ready. That night, a phone call darkened the general's expression. He ended the call abruptly. "Deploy the entire troop. Target: the West family villa!" The order cascaded down the ranks.
At the Cain family villa, Victor enjoyed a moonlit beer in his courtyard when a servant announced a crucial message from the Martial League. Annoyed, Victor summoned the messenger. The messenger presented an official-looking envelope.
"Headquarters orders the national hero, Victor Cain, to proceed immediately to the West family villa for further instructions. No delays!"
Victor's expression hardened. He recognized the document's gravity; disobedience was unthinkable. He'd defied Timothy, a Martial League envoy, but this was different. He couldn't offend those based at his destination. The West family villa… wasn't that where Dustin was? The headquarters wouldn't be sending him there for a friendly visit. Confronting Dustin was a death sentence. After a tumultuous internal struggle, he conceded. "I will comply immediately!"
That night, Margaret's call mobilized three distinct forces, converging simultaneously on the West family villa.
Inside, Dustin sat in the villa's living room, listening to reports from West family members.
"Master Fox, since acquiring the Aquila family's wealth, the West family's influence has skyrocketed. We rival Lannopolis's great families, soon to be on par with the Chandlers!" Lucius exclaimed joyfully.
Dustin, immensely powerful, nodded. The West family's loyalty wouldn't go unrewarded. "Prepare yourselves. Begin seizing the Chandler family's businesses and market share," he instructed calmly.
The family members were stunned. The Chandlers were Lannopolis's premier family! Had Dustin already eliminated them? How? When?
Their shock was interrupted by a breathless announcement: "Master Fox, the villa is surrounded! This is an emergency!"