Chapter 430: We’re Going To War
"Talk to you again soon, Primo."
Ashley lowered her hand, her phone still in it. She let out a heavy breath and turned from the wall she had been leaning against, facing the funeral chapel once more.
Liza had already returned to her seat after speaking with several visitors.
The chapel was packed, even though only a few hours had passed since Tommy’s "death."
Powerful figures—people who had ruled the underground for decades—came and went in waves.
If Interpol ever raided this place... it would be like hitting the jackpot.
"Auntie," Ashley said as she sat beside her.
Liza turned to her with the same gentle smile she always wore. Despite her black veil, one could see it.
Ashley forced a smile in return, shame and guilt clawing at her throat.
It made her sick.
Just sitting beside Liza...
Pretending she had no idea that it was her own father who had caused this woman so much pain.
"What is it, dear?" Liza asked softly, her voice as warm and kind as ever.
That only made Ashley feel worse.
Somehow, Liza’s kindness hurt more than anger ever could.
"I won’t be able to stay overnight," Ashley said quietly. "I have some... work to do."
Liza smiled and nodded.
"That’s alright. You and Lucian have been with me since last night. You’ve helped me more than enough."
Ashley lowered her gaze.
Before she could end the conversation, Liza reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
Ashley looked up in surprise.
"Ashley," Liza murmured, patting the back of her hand before brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Rest whenever you need to, alright? Don’t push yourself too hard."
Ashley pressed her lips into a thin line before giving a small nod.
She lingered for a few more seconds before excusing herself when another guest approached Liza.
Quietly, she walked out of the funeral chapel.
The moment she stepped outside, she found Lucian, Gustav, and her men waiting.
"Leaving already?" Lucian asked as she approached.
Ashley smacked her lips before nodding. "There’s nothing more I can do here."
Lucian studied her face. It remained perfectly neutral. No one would have guessed the thoughts running through her mind.
"I see."
Deep down...
He wanted to stop her.
He wanted to tell her he could deal with both Memphis and Marshal himself.
Although Memphis would be difficult because the High Chamber would undoubtedly interfere.
Swallowing those thoughts, Lucian stepped closer.
He leaned toward her ear.
"Be careful," he whispered. "There is no victory if you die."
He slowly pulled back, holding her gaze.
Ashley met his eyes without hesitation.
"Don’t worry," she replied quietly. "I know."
For a brief moment, they simply stared at each other.
The silent exchange made everyone nearby glance between them in confusion.
Neither Gustav nor the members of Ashley’s faction knew what was happening.
They had only been told to gather because Ashley was leaving.
A moment later, Ashley broke the silence.
"Let’s go."
Everyone turned toward her. Red, Khan, and the others exchanged confused looks before shrugging.
Still, they bid Lucian farewell and quickly followed after her.
Lucian and Gustav silently watched them leave. Only after Ashley disappeared from sight did Gustav speak.
"Master... what are we going to do about Memphis?"
Lucian finally shifted his attention to him.
"I doubt his confidence comes solely from being a member of the High Chamber," Gustav continued. "I’m certain he has more cards to play."
Silence settled between them.
Simply knowing Memphis’s identity wasn’t enough.
If they openly moved against him, the High Chamber would protect him. Unless Lucian had enough evidence to have him expelled and punished.
Lucian blinked slowly as he studied Gustav’s troubled expression.
Then he tilted his head.
"Why would the High Chamber need to know?" he asked.
Gustav frowned.
"It would become troublesome if we involved them." He paused. "But if Memphis simply... disappeared?"
Gustav held his breath as he searched Lucian’s eyes.
A second later, he lowered his head.
"I’ll prepare everything tonight," he said. "Once we send Tommy off... everything will be ready."
Lucian nodded in satisfaction before instinctively reaching into his pocket.
When his fingers found only his phone, he froze.
"You quit smoking, Master," Gustav reminded him. "And I don’t think Madam would be very happy if she found out."
"Habit."
Just then, Gustav’s phone vibrated.
Seeing Lukas’s name on the screen, he answered immediately. He hadn’t even spoken when Lukas began talking.
Gustav’s expression darkened, his jaw tightened.
He looked at Lucian.
"Lukas already identified the shooter," he said quietly. "He’s following him now. From the sound of it... the shooter has already realized we’re closing in."
Lucian frowned.
"Send someone after Lukas." He paused.
The concern for Ashley was pushed to the back of his mind as his eyes turned cold.
"Make sure they bring him back alive."
Gustav nodded before speaking into the phone.
"You heard him."
*****
An hour later...
Project Green Building.
Red, Rum, Gin, Tank, Vodka, Khan, Nelek, Warriyo, and Rus sat idly inside the playroom.
"Uh..." Rum leaned comfortably against the back of his chair, both arms draped over the backrest.
"Does anyone know why we’re here?" His eyes darted between Red and Khan, the two most likely to know.
Red shrugged.
Khan simply shook his head.
"Damn it," Rum grumbled, his frown deep enough to touch the floor.
"Everyone on Master’s side is about to have all the fun." He sighed dramatically. "It’s going to be full of action. So jealous!"
"Quit complaining," Red said, leaning back as he propped his feet onto the table. "It’s better if we stay here. She just opened this office, and all this bullshit is already happening."
Khan nodded. "I agree. Let’s wait and see what Madam has planned."
Rum looked back and forth between them with a sour expression.
Just as he opened his mouth to argue...
The door suddenly swung open.
Ashley walked in, a thick stack of files in one hand.
Everyone watched as she approached. Then, she dropped the files onto the table with a loud BAM!
"Madam?" Khan frowned as he picked up the first folder. "These are...?"
"Profiles of Marshal’s affiliates," Ashley replied. "Locations of his headquarters, both business and military."
"And everything you’ll need to dismantle Marshal Di Carpio’s elite forces."
Silence filled the room as she added.
"We’re going to war."
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