The gates of the mansion didn't just open; they were flung wide the moment the security detail recognized the vehicle. As Ethan stepped out of the armored SUV, the atmosphere changed instantly. The guards, seasoned professionals who usually looked down on the elite, stood at rigid attention.

Everyone here knew who Ethan Blake was. In their eyes, he wasn't just a donor; he was the shadow behind the throne. There was a silent understanding among Thompson's staff that the Congressman was merely a puppet, and the young man walking across the marble foyer held all the strings. They bowed their heads in deep reverence as he passed, a gesture of respect typically reserved for royalty.

"Follow me, sir. The Congressman is waiting for you in his private study," said one of the aides, bowing slightly.

They guided him to a massive oak-paneled office filled with the scent of expensive cigars and old books. Thompson was standing by the window, but he turned immediately when Ethan entered, a wide, genuine smile spreading across his face.

"Ethan! My friend, you have no idea how good it is to see you," said Thompson, walking over to shake his hand with vigorous energy. "Ever since the auction, there has been a massive surge in my polling. It's like a tidal wave. Everyone—from the industry titans to the common voters—is throwing their support behind me. I can't thank you enough for the push."

Ethan let out a short, cold laugh as he sat in one of the plush leather chairs. "I'm glad to hear it, Thompson. It's amazing what a little show of power can do for a man's reputation."

With his new presence and the mysterious retreat of his enemies, everything was moving perfectly. His allies were gaining ground, and the vacuum left by Olympus was being filled by people under his control.

"It's more than just a push, Ethan. You've made me the most powerful candidate in the region overnight," said Thompson, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

"Just make sure you remember who built that platform for you," Ethan said the leader. "I didn't come here just to celebrate your poll numbers. We have work to do, and the city is currently... empty. It's time we start claiming the land that's been left behind."

Ethan leaned back in the plush chair, his gaze piercing. "I need you to push through the pending construction permits. We're starting large-scale development in the North End and expanding toward the city center. Olympus has abandoned the area, and I don't intend to leave that vacuum unfilled," said Ethan the leader.

Thompson nodded immediately, a smirk of self-importance crossing his face. "That won't be a problem. Even the current Governor has already contacted me; he's essentially handed over all authority. The old man just wants to retire quietly without any scandals—and, of course, with all the money he's managed to steal. That's why he's being so cooperative right now," said Thompson.

Ethan let out a dry laugh. "Excellent. It's good to know the rats know when to abandon the ship." Then, his expression turned ice-cold. "Tell me, what happened to our old opponents? The ones who tried to screw us over and actually managed to put me in prison."

Thompson turned serious and leaned over the desk. "Congressman Vance was declared dead. According to the official reports, he shot himself in the head after stealing a weapon from an officer who had him in custody at an interrogation center. It was incredibly strange, but I saw the footage myself—it looks natural, no edits. I'm certain he's dead," said Thompson.

"And what about Prosecutor Vance?" Ethan asked the young man.

"Currently in prison. A friend of mine, Prosecutor L. Wilson, brought solid charges against him; he found all the skeletons in his closet. Right now, they're leaning on him to make him do things for us. What do you think, boss? Should we keep him in there for life, or pull him out and turn him into our dog?" said Thompson.

Ethan didn't hesitate for a second. His eyes flashed with a long-simmering hatred. "I want to see him in prison forever. But first, I want to visit him personally to tell him that to his face," said Ethan the leader.

"He's at Lexington Federal Prison. I'll make sure you have total access," said Thompson. He paused dramatically, lowering his voice. "But there is someone else you must know very well... someone else currently under watch."

"Who are you talking about?" Ethan asked the young man.

"Vincent Halbert..." said Thompson.

Ethan's eyes narrowed with a cold, predatory fury, but a dark smile slowly spread across his face. "So, the idiot is finally in a cage. Why exactly is he there?" Ethan asked the leader.

Thompson leaned in, his voice dropping an octave. "We found proof that he was the one who financed the entire operation against you. Even the assassination attempt on your life inside the prison was organized by him. Under the pressure of our 'interrogations,' he has already confessed to everything. Absolutely everything," said Thompson.

Ethan let out a low, chilling laugh. "It seems the fool still doesn't understand his place in this world..."

"Jason gave me his name so I could track him down and break him, but he was already in custody for this," Thompson continued. "I assume this isn't the only thing you have against him. Could you tell me what else he did so I can deal with him appropriately? If he's to be our target, I want to know exactly how deep the blade should go."

Ethan stood up, the air in the room seemingly dropping in temperature. The casual facade he had maintained vanished, replaced by an aura of pure malice.

"There are no problems, Thompson. I have very specific plans for him," Ethan said the leader. "I want him alive. I want him very much alive for a long, long time. I want him and his entire family to suffer until they beg for a death that won't come. I want them to experience a level of pain they can't endure."

Ethan walked toward the door, his voice turning into a sharp, icy whisper.

"Those sons of bitches murdered my father," Ethan said the young man.

Thompson felt a shiver run down his spine. He had seen Ethan ruthless before, but this was different. This was a blood feud that had finally found its target.

"I understand, boss," said Thompson. "I'll make sure he's kept in a special wing. No one touches him until you arrive."

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