Empire of Shadows

The social environment of the Federation is very interesting.

The upper class can be stupid—politicians can't calculate double-digit multiplication, can't do triple-digit addition and subtraction, and their IQ may not even reach the lowest standard of ordinary people, or even be mentally disabled, but these things won't make them lose their power.

They can be bad—they can go against their conscience to do bad things, helping capitalists plunder wealth more and faster, and they can also promote some policies and regulations that make people's lives difficult, but this won't make them lose their power.

They can lie through their teeth and do many things that people consider excessive, but none of this will make them lose their power.

Only one thing is an exception: scandal.

From municipal councilors to the federal president and senators, a single scandal can make them ungracefully relinquish their power and then roll out of politics.

This is unbelievable.

Because the seriousness of a politician killing someone is not as high as a scandal. This is too wrong, but also too right.

The Federation's politics and politicians seem to be telling people what "power comes from the people" through practical actions.

The people turn an "ordinary person" into a politician through elections. If he makes the voters fully disappointed in him, then he can only lose power. It seems that way, and of course, it is.

Some people lose their jobs because there is an inappropriate lipstick mark on their face, and some people have to face the entire nation because their zipper is not zipped up properly.

No one knows how lethal a scandal is, but those who control these scandals know.

Or rather, the people who really push them out of power know.

Just like Councilor Williams at this moment, he has never been so shocked and surprised.

He knows how perverted those rich people in the Bay Area are, because from the current situation, he is also considered a member of the Bay Area.

So, he is even more aware of how they will be treated when these scandals are exposed.

Those people will be ruined in an instant.

The power they use to control this city will become the successor's tool to trample them into the mud, not giving them the slightest chance.

It's not just politicians who are like this, capitalists are too.

They can also kill people, and then use money, social status, hire the best lawyers, and bribe jury members to get themselves acquitted calmly.

They can even write an autobiography to tell people how they trample on the justice of the law and how they get away with it.

But they can't encounter scandals. Scandals will bring their value to zero, and the board of directors and shareholders will immediately abandon them.

So, in the Federation, you can do many things, ugly, stupid, bad, but never let these things become scandals.

Councilor Williams' open mouth gradually closed as his gradually calming heartbeat slowed. He supported his forehead with one hand, "I thought there was only one copy!"

He was referring to the copy that Councilor Wade took away and destroyed in public.

Everyone was curious about what was recorded inside, but no one dared to open it, including Councilor Wade.

After he got it in public, he directly destroyed it, and finally even the ashes were flushed into the sewer.

No one thought that Red High Heels actually had another copy!

Councilor Williams' expression was slightly strange. He patted his forehead, "I have to think about whether I have done similar things, that's terrible!"

But soon he said with a smile, "It seems not."

Lance nodded and said, "I believe that too."

Councilor Williams doesn't need to find Red High Heels or other escort services, because his current wife is many years younger than him. She has been with Councilor Williams since she was sixteen years old, and he has put all his energy on this "girl."

For him, that is indeed a girl.

He may have some social interactions, and some topless escorts are called when everyone is socializing together, but he doesn't need to specifically find escorts to solve his dual physiological and psychological needs.

He has it at home, and it's very safe.

"What are you going to do with these things?" Councilor Williams asked, "Give it to the newspaper, or give it to their enemies?"

Lance said with a smile, "This matter cannot explode all at once. I will break it up and select some people from it, some people who can be controlled by us and join us."

"As for those who cannot be controlled by us and are unwilling to join us, then let them be exposed!"

"As for who will do this, is there anyone more suitable than the mayor?"

Councilor Williams nodded in agreement after hearing this, and his eyes were full of appreciation for Lance, "Although it seems that you are doing this impulsively, your explanation now lets me know that you have a plan, this is not impulsive!"

"Then what do you need me to cooperate with?"

Solving the forces in the Bay Area is actually Councilor Williams's demand. If the Bay Area is not resolved, the situation after he comes to power will be similar to the current situation of the mayor.

If he feels too much, the Bay Area will deal with him.

And if he gives up these powers, then how can he make the Williams family greater?

Lance shook his head, "You just need to tell me who 'our people' are."

"As for Charlie, Hunter, and the Kodak family, I will take care of them."

Although Lance didn't say it in detail, Councilor Williams had already guessed that Lance would definitely go to see the mayor.

The mayor was directly defeated by the Bay Area, including him, and his future is almost over.

The Socialist Party has found him a job that has no real power, but doesn't seem so insignificant. If nothing unexpected happens, he will retire soon.

As the loser of this battle, he will definitely be willing to take revenge on the group that directly cut off his future in the last period of his political life.

He will be like a crocodile lurking under the water, choosing someone to devour, and then giving these people a fatal blow.

Councilor Williams, who already had a complete idea in his mind, couldn't help but laugh, "You are an interesting person, Lance, do you want to invite your wife and their family to come over together?"

Lance considered it for a moment, and then called William. This "Councilor William" only has a few letters less than "Councilor Williams", but there is a huge difference in power and status.

This is a signal of goodwill from Councilor Williams. William can obtain a stable and not-so-low position in this newly born interest group.

William agreed quickly to Lance's invitation. He met William, Emily, and Patricia before dinner.

With the two families and Lance, everyone deliberately approached each other, so the whole dining process was exceptionally pleasant.

When Councilor Williams learned that Emily was pregnant, he also took the initiative to mention that he could be the child's godfather, which is a great thing.

Even if Councilor Williams may not be able to last until the child grows up, James is still there, Arthur is still there, and they, as "brothers", will take care of him.

Everyone is happy!

On the way back in the evening, William's expression became serious again.

"I heard you are going to war with the Bay Area?"

Patricia was driving the car, Emily was sitting in the passenger seat, and William and Lance were sitting in the back.

In fact, there were still cars guarding in front and behind, but it was obviously not appropriate to find an outsider to be the driver at this time.

Lance drank some wine. After drinking, he liked to smoke. The weather in Goldport City was no longer so cold, and the wind was not as biting as in winter.

Nature is amazing.

In autumn, when the temperature was still in the teens, the wind that blew was like tiny, dense needles, which could penetrate clothes, penetrate flesh and pierce into bones.

At this time, even though the temperature was only a few degrees, the wind that blew was still very cold, but there was no longer the biting coldness, because spring was coming.

William looked a little worried, and the two ladies in front also noticed the conversation between the two people behind.

"It's not about going to war, it's just about cleaning up a group of people before the garrison arrives."

Lance flicked the ash, and some ash fell on his sleeve. He blew it casually, "Now our time is tight, the military may come to Goldport City in the second half of the year."

"Originally, our plan was to wait until Councilor Williams came to power before taking action to eliminate these people who were at odds with us."

"It's just that the plan has been brought forward."

"Just do your own thing, don't worry too much about other things."

He looked back at William, "Soon, everything will return to calm."

Lance had a complete plan, so William didn't ask any more questions. Sometimes, the more you know, the better it may not be.

The group returned to William's big house, this high-end villa located in the Empire District.

After getting this house, William did not carry out new renovations on it, but only renovated some areas.

Mr. Jobaf, although this person sometimes has a little problem, he is still very qualified in terms of aesthetics and decoration.

The whole house looks very grand and the layout is also very comfortable.

After saying goodbye in the living room, the two couples returned to their respective rooms.

After taking a shower, Lance lay on the bed, and Patricia rode on him wearing a silk nightgown.

Silk is a very magical fabric. Obviously, there is silk between them, but it gives people the feeling that there is nothing between them.

"Will it be very dangerous?" Patricia asked.

Lance shook his head, "I am the Boss, if I need to do it myself, it will only be at the moment of my final victory that I will personally take action."

"At other times, I just sit in the office, answer the phone, or socialize everywhere."

As he spoke, he embraced Patricia, "Don't worry, everything is under control."

After a few days, Bandi finally made up his mind to eliminate the Lance family for the peace-loving citizens of Goldport City.

Everyone can attest that they are definitely not doing it for themselves, but for the peace and tranquility of this city.

Of course, the Bay Area also played a significant role in pushing things forward. Bandi had been in the Bay Area for the past few days.

Many celebrities and politicians in the Bay Area gave him some guarantees, such as helping him expand his political influence more quickly, helping Fleming run for city councilor, and even nominating Fleming as a candidate for mayor in the future.

Once Fleming can become a city councilor or a candidate for mayor, or even become the mayor, then the suffering now will be nothing.

At that time, he can directly cut off Fleming's connection with the family, and he will be a clean federal politician.

Federal people believe in this—a father is a father, and a son is a son.

The father's sins have nothing to do with the son. As for the father using the money from his crimes to support his son, giving his son a better environment and foundation, there is no direct connection.

You can't think that a father did something wrong by doing what he should have done, nor can you think that a son enjoyed what he should have enjoyed. It seems that in all problems, only the victims are wrong.

Doing this looks simple, but in reality, it requires a lot of effort.

But for the sake of these people's promises, he'll give it his all!

The two were discussing where to start when Fleming and Stone walked in from outside.

"We got a message from the Pasleto family."

Bandi and Gauri stopped talking. They looked at the two children who came in. Bandi was a little helpless, "You shouldn't get involved. Although no one saw it, someone might use these things to criticize you in the future."

"My idea is that you should go to Gold State now, whether it's to study or do something else, just stay away from the war here."

Fleming shook his head, "I am a member of the family, a very important member. Anyone can leave, but I can't."

"You don't have to worry so much, there won't be any problems!"

He emphasized his tone a little, "If I have to watch you guys fight Lance and the others here, while I hide in Gold State drinking and making merry all day long, I can't do it!"

Bandi sighed, but his eyes held comfort. This was his son, not shirking his responsibility, although he shouldn't have to bear these things.

"Okay, tell me about your news."

Fleming said, "I know some people from the Pasleto family. Before... you know, we often played together."

"I heard that the fuse for Dover's betrayal of the family was that his bar was taken away by Lance."

"I haven't been to his bar, but I found someone who knows where that bar is!"

"Lance and his people have invested a lot of money in this bar. If we need to let people know 'we're here,' then I think the best thing to do is to take down this bar first."

"It can continuously bring a lot of funds to Lance, and it also has a very important symbolic meaning. It is the beginning of the Lance family's intervention in the wealthy area."

"We can not only limit his funds, but also severely hit their morale. I think this location is suitable for us to fire the first shot."

Fleming slowly explained the reasons why he thought this was the most appropriate course of action. Bandi listened very carefully, and Gauri nodded constantly.

"Good idea, and our power in the Starlight District is very strong, so it's easy to deal with them."

"If we leave this thorn in our side, it won't be a good thing for us either."

"My suggestion is to pull it out!"

Gauri expressed his position, and everyone's eyes focused on Bandi. He picked up a cigar and took a puff, "Let's do as you say!"

Stone breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid that this uncle would give up this opportunity for those whitewashing ideas.

He immediately stood up, "I'll arrange the manpower."

Gauri nodded slightly, he was very relieved that his son was going to arrange it.

Bandi added, "Now that we've made a decision, we'll carry it out in the next day or two. The longer we drag it out, the more likely there will be problems."

The "action" after many years made Gauri feel that the blood that had cooled in his bones was boiling again. He had already begun to recall the passionate years!

However, the only difference is that they used to rush to the front, but now, they don't have such an opportunity.

Time really flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, their children are as old as they were back then…

Preparing manpower for the Bandi family is not like those small gangs, who have to call around to transfer people over, and may not even be able to gather enough people.

They only need one phone call to quickly gather enough people, as well as corresponding weapons, vehicles, and some people to handle the aftermath.

They scheduled the attack plan for the next day in the afternoon, before the bar started operating.

The reason for not choosing to pull out this thorn while the bar is open is to avoid accidentally injuring ordinary people in the crossfire.

The people who spend money in the bars in the Starlight District are at least middle class. If they are injured, it is very likely that the situation will develop in an uncontrollable direction—

Every middle-class family has a very broad network of contacts, and they can influence many people's perceptions and views on something.

Everything passed in anticipation.

Bandi didn't do anything all night, sitting in the exercise room emptying his mind.

Gauri sat in his gun room oiling those old weapons that had been with him for many years.

Fleming laughed and chatted with the young people in the Bay Area under the spotlight, vaguely talking about the possible changes in Goldport City in the future.

Stone arranged the gunmen and formulated the action plan and route.

At three or four o'clock in the afternoon the next day, four cars and two vans drove out of a hidden stronghold of the Koda family and headed towards Lance's only bar in the Starlight District.

The people in the car were both uneasy and very excited.

They were uneasy because they heard that the Lance family was the strongest and most resilient group of people in Goldport City in the past decade.

And they were excited because the legend of this rapid rise will be extinguished by the ice water of the Koda family!

The six cars quickly arrived outside the bar. From the outside, the bar was just an ordinary two-story building.

But they knew that this was the bar.

The guy in the front with the shotgun fired several shots at the area near the wooden door lock, and that part of the wooden door lock was almost completely separated from the door panel.

He took a step forward, raised his foot and kicked it hard, and the wooden door was kicked open with a bang!

This time they came with thirty people, just to completely destroy this bar.

The first few people rushed in with guns, and the others followed closely behind.

What they didn't notice was that after they entered the bar, a group of people suddenly sprang up around the bar...