"We will deliver the goods via ship. Just send your men here at the agreed time." Paolo De Luca grabbed a map and pointed at a spot in the west of Maharlika.
Arlan stared at the map and stared at Krizia to ask for her opinion.
Krizia knew the meaning of his gaze so she spoke. "Mr. Roa, this part of the ocean is near our territorial waters. However, China has been active in this area because of a dispute over an island rich in oil and other minerals. It would be troublesome if they encounter our cargo."
Arlan furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing this.
Paolo was also taken aback by her words. "I apologize, Mr. Roa. I didn't know that your country has a dispute with China over an island..."
"That's fine. How about you we meet here instead?" Arlan pointed at a location near Catanduanes which was east of Maharlika.
Paolo pondered deeply before nodding his head. "We can do that. Our family has a branch in Singapore and it should only be a ten-day travel."
Arlan smiled. "Then it's decided. I'll send my people to retrieve the shipment there." Arlan extended his hand towards Paolo.
Paolo chuckled as he grabbed his hand. "It's great doing business with you, Mr. Roa!"
Arlan paid a partial amount of 500 million USD which was half of the total payment. He would only pay the remaining half after receiving the goods. This was what both parties agreed beforehand.
After receiving the payment, Paolo chatted briefly with them before he bid farewell. Ben Hidalgo sent him off at the entrance of the building.
Krizia slumped on her chair as she heaved a sigh of relief. "I was so nervous out there."
"You did great." Arlan patted her shoulder.
"Boss, it feels weird that the De Luca Family didn't mention anything about Leandro Manzano's case. I thought that they would make things difficult for us." Khalon muttered in a solemn tone.
Arlan nodded his head in agreement. He also expected some sort of resistance from the De Luca Family, but Paolo never showed them such treatment. In fact, it was the complete opposite. "Maybe they treated us respectfully because of the friendship between Ben and Paolo." He muttered in doubt.
"Ridiculous!" Arlan heard Winter's cold voice over the communicator in his right ear.
"Did you find out anything?" Arlan asked after hearing her comment.
"Mn. I learned something interesting after I checked the De Luca Family's database. It turns out the Cassano Family and the De Luca Family had a major issue over the ownership of a conglomerate in Korea. They have been at odds since then and they even secretly sent assassins to deal with each other. There are even signs that the Cassano Family would leave La Cosa Nostra." Winter muttered coldly.
"Oh? This is a good thing for us. At least the De Luca Family won't cause us trouble since they are busy dealing with the Cassano Family." This was a good news for Arlan's group. They had been on edge lately because the Cassano Family might intervene in their negotiations.
"However... You have to leave as soon as possible, the Cassano Family already heard about your presence in Italy..." Winter warned.
Arlan frowned upon hearing this. "Khalon, let's move to a different hotel. Find a discreet place for the group."
"Yes, boss!" Khalon bowed before he left the building with five bodyguards.
Thirty minutes later, Winter's voice echoed in his ears. "The Consigliere of the Cassano Family is moving to your location!"
Arlan stood up as soon as he heard her words. "What?!"
"We need to leave now!" Arlan muttered to Krizia. He then communicated with Khalon and the soldiers and told them about the situation.
Krizia anxiously followed him out of the building. They regrouped with Khalon and the others in front of the building across from their hotel.
"Boss, I found a hotel 3 kilometers from our location. It has a bad reputation so no tourists go there. We can temporarily stay there until I find a better place for us." Khalon muttered.
"Alright. Take us there." Arlan nodded his head as he entered the car that was rented by Khalon earlier.
The others also entered their vehicles.
The group quickly left the area and headed to the hotel mentioned by Khalon. It was located in the periphery of the city and there were fewer people around the streets.
"Boss, they are behind us!" Khalon muttered as he stared at his side mirror. He noticed several suspicious-looking SUVs and sedans.
Arlan hurriedly communicated with Winter. "How many people do they have?"
"I don't know their exact number, but based on their vehicles, there should be around thirty to forty people. You guys should be careful. They seemed to be armed." Winter reported.
Arlan's face fell. His people weren't armed because of the security check at the airport. They also didn't have the time to acquire some weapons. Arlan didn't even bring his Prototype Energy Pistol. The only weapon he brought was the blue cane in his hand which could transform into a fearsome sword.
Krizia nervously held his arm, trying to seek some comfort from their predicament.
Arlan gently rubbed her hand and muttered. "Don't worry. We can still handle them."
The group made several detours in hopes that they would lose their pursuing enemies. However, their distance slowly decreased as the chase continued.
"Stop the car somewhere quieter." Arlan muttered.
Khalon stared at Arlan through the rearview mirror and saw his cold eyes. "Yes, boss!"
Soon, they arrived in a deserted alley that was already far from their destination.
Arlan got down from the vehicle and said to the soldier sitting in the front seat. "Protect her."
Khalon and the other soldiers alighted their vehicles as they took out anything that could be used as weapons.
Arlan studied the surroundings while waiting for their enemies.
The place was surrounded by old abandoned buildings and behind them was a dead end. There were only two paths to enter the narrow alley. Arlan told the soldiers to block both paths with their vehicles.
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