40. Message from old friend

As Logan Hamilton sped through the city streets, the powerful engine of his car roaring beneath him, he glanced down at his phone, vibrating with a message from his old friend—the same one who had reached out earlier. Reading the message, Logan allowed himself a rare smile. It was a short but heartfelt note, acknowledging the offer of help: "Thanks, old friend. If I need anything, I won't hesitate to ask."

For a moment, Logan's mind drifted back to the earlier meeting with the world's top crime lords. He knew that if he had humbled himself and asked for assistance, most of them would have been inclined to lend a hand, if only to curry favor or settle old debts. His business dealings with them, after all, were not just about money but about relationships built over years of mutual respect, negotiations, and shared interests. In their world, power wasn't just about the money or territory you controlled—it was about the alliances you forged and the loyalty you inspired. And Logan had always been particularly good at that.

But this wasn't just another business deal. This was about his sister, and to Logan, that was deeply personal. He couldn't bring himself to lean on others for something so close to his heart. He believed that as her brother, it was his responsibility to handle the matter directly. His expression hardened, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as he thought about the situation. Logan was determined—he would resolve this himself, using his own hands and his own resources.

He knew the true strength of his empire, the sheer size of his organization. Logan's gang was a vast network of enforcers, soldiers, and loyal followers. It was a force so large that it dwarfed his fourth brother Ethan Hamilton's operation. While Ethan's crew was smaller and more specialized, with each member a highly trained elite, Logan's numbers were overwhelming. He had legions at his disposal, a necessity given the extensive territory he controlled and the many businesses—bars, nightclubs, casinos—that required constant supervision and protection.

As Logan's car weaved through the neon-lit streets, he couldn't help but reflect on the differences between his operation and Ethan's. Ethan prided himself on quality over quantity, his men the best of the best—silent, efficient, and deadly. Each was a master in his own right, capable of handling even the most delicate of tasks. Logan respected that, admired it even, but his world demanded a different approach. He needed the numbers to maintain his dominance, to keep his empire's heart beating and his business ventures thriving.

He knew that if things escalated, he had the firepower and manpower to make his enemies regret ever crossing him. But it was more than that. This wasn't about showing off his strength or calling in favors from powerful allies. Logan felt an overwhelming sense of duty, a fierce protectiveness that went beyond business or strategy. This was about family, about the bond he had with his sister—a bond forged in blood, in loyalty, and in the painful memories of the past.

Logan's phone buzzed again, pulling him back to the present. It was another message from his old friend, this time more direct: "Logan, you know we've got your back. Whatever it takes. And believe me, whoever messed with your sister won't know what hit them."

Logan typed a quick response, keeping his tone casual even as his mind raced with plans. "Appreciate it. I've got this for now, but if the time comes, I know who to call."

He slipped his phone back into his pocket, his eyes narrowing as he looked ahead. Logan was resolute—no one was going to hurt his sister and get away with it. He would protect her, no matter the cost, and he would do it his way.