Chapter 9 - Chapter Nine

They arrive at a hidden safehouse, tucked away in an industrial part of the city. Inside, Alex leads Lucas to a room lined with maps, photographs, and documents that detail Leonardo's vast empire.

"Is this what my father built?"

Lucas mumbled looking around in

amazement.

"Every piece of it. Your father wasn't just

a business man. He controlled the underground, Mafia, politics and 

everything." Alex uttered, nodding

slightly to his question.

Lucas takes a deep breath, realizing

just how much he never knew about

his father, feeling dismayed.

"I never knew it was this big." Lucas 

quietly intoned.

"That's because your father kept it

 hidden from you. He wanted to protect 

you from this life." Alex mumbled,

consoling Lucas.

"No. He wasn't trying to protect me but 

rather, he was just selfish and afraid."

Lucas lashed out in frustration.

"Your father Loves his family more than

anything in this entire world. He talks 

about you each day that passes. Your

father will rather die, than let his 

blood go. 

He was making plans to bring

You in. Before that faithful day, that

changed the history of this empire.

The empire that was once Terrifying 

to any ear that

Hears the name. An empire that causes

Men to tremble and go out hiding,

Without any cause. 

They infiltrated the mansion killing

Your father's wife Elena and their

unborn child. That alone changed Mr.

Leonardo's mind from bringing you back. 

He became a different man. vowed to 

avenge and clear the empire from all

enemies, and make sure it's clean before bringing you in. 

The same enemies made the assassination

attempt on your father."

Alex mumbling clinching his fist, with

mixed feelings. Grieve and rage.

Lucas being anxious and in grieve

Calmly intoned after listening to Alex 

Revelation. "What do you mean by 

Assassination attempt. I thought they

killed him."

"Before we proceed forward there is 

something you need to know."

Alex uttered. His expression growing 

serious

"What is it?" Lucas asked being

Curious. 

"Your father, Leonardo. Is not dead."

Alex pausing, then slowly mumbled.

Lucas stares at Alex, his mind racing

"Not dead? But I saw the reports. The

funeral. Lucas uttered in shock

"The world believes he's dead. That was

 the plan. But during the assassination attempt, he was gravely injured. He's 

been in a coma ever since." Alex reveals,

filled with pain

Lucas mumbled being overwhelmed 

"And you kept this from me? All this

 time?"

Alex firmly intoned.

"For your protection. If word got out 

that Leonardo was still alive, his enemies would come after him. The fewer people 

who know, the better." 

"So while I have been hiding away, he's

been lying there helpless?" Lucas 

uttered in frustration.

"Helpless, but alive. and now, it's up to 

us to make sure he stays that way."

Alex spills out, warning Lucas.

Lucas paces the room, processing the shocking news. His fists clench as anger

and resolve runs through his mind. 

"Then we bring them down. All of them. Whoever tried to kill my father, they are 

all going down." Lucas said pounding

his fist to his palm, being restless.

Alex nodding feeling excitement in his

mind seeing the kind of high morale, 

displayed by Lucas. And thought in 

his mind. 'This is the kind of person

i really need by my side to take down

this men.

"That's what I have been preparing for.

But first, you need to understand how this world works. It's not just about strength, Lucas. It's about playing the game."

Alex smirked.

"I'm ready to learn. Tell me what to do."

Lucas mumbling in desperation.