The Francesco family's strategy was set in motion without delay. Vinz and Alicia's trusted inner circle expanded as they called in loyal contacts from both Europe and Southeast Asia. Some of these individuals owed their success to Vinz's unwavering support in the past, and now it was time for them to return the favor.
Under the leadership of Michel and Gary, the family security expanded from personal protection to offensive tactics. They would no longer stand by as simple guards; they now had a task that was clear and deadly—take down anyone who dared approach their family with hostility.
Michel and Gary began organizing reconnaissance teams to track down members of the Sombra Clan in Indonesia. Their operations were surgical, leaving no trace of their involvement. The bodyguards' skill in the art of deception and quiet assassination would soon be the unseen hand of the Francesco family's retribution.
Meanwhile, Julian and Dianne, although young, became more attuned to the world their parents inhabited. Alicia personally trained them in diplomacy, helping them understand how to influence people—making sure they would one day be capable of leading with both grace and cold logic. But their education was not just academic. Vinz made sure they understood the necessity of power: physical, political, and psychological.
It didn't take long for the Sombra Clan to notice they were being outmaneuvered. Rico Amaral, in his quest for revenge, began realizing that his every move was being anticipated by the Francesco family. Soon, a terrifying cat-and-mouse game ensued—one in which every misstep he made could mean the death of his organization.
Rico decided to escalate things further. He didn't just want to defeat the family; he wanted to send a message. And the Francesco family had something that he wanted—a valuable asset that could break them.
This asset wasn't just money—it was their reputation. If Rico could eliminate a key member of the Francesco family, it would send shockwaves throughout the global underworld, weakening Vinz's power and signaling to his enemies that the Francesco dynasty was ripe for the taking.