Chapter 49: A Network Of Destruction

As I sat at the head of the expansive conference table, the room was filled with the faces of those I had bent to my will: Hawke, Ruiz, Lee, Duvall, Graves, Holt, Chavez, Blake, and Ortiz. Each one of them was silent, their eyes darting nervously between one another, unsure of what was to come next. The room's atmosphere was suffocating, heavy with the weight of my command.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I began, leaning forward slightly, my fingers steepled. "It's time we cut Cassandra off from the lifeline that keeps her empire afloat. Her businesses, her sources of money, her influence—they all end today."

The group exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to speak. They'd learned by now that resistance was futile.

I tapped a button on the small tablet in front of me, and the room's central screen lit up with a detailed map of Cassandra's operations: red dots scattered across the city, marking drug warehouses, money-laundering fronts, illegal casinos, and more.

"Each of you will play a critical role in dismantling her empire," I said, my voice calm but firm. "But this isn't about merely looking the other way or seizing a few assets. I want complete obliteration. These businesses aren't just to be stopped; they're to be destroyed beyond repair."

I turned to Hawke first. "You're the smartest among them. You'll coordinate the operations from the shadows, ensuring each step is flawlessly executed. Use your political influence to restrict resources and force inspections where it'll hurt most."

Hawke smirked, his calculating eyes gleaming. "Consider it done."

I shifted my gaze to Ruiz. "Governor Ruiz, I want you to use every legal weapon at your disposal. Push through legislation that makes it impossible for Cassandra to rebuild her enterprises. Increase taxes on her industries, enforce stricter regulations—anything to suffocate her financially."

Ruiz nodded sharply. "She won't recover from this."

I turned to Lee and Duvall. "You two will target her urban development projects. Make sure every permit is denied, every inspection fails, and every contract falls through."

They both nodded, though Duvall hesitated slightly. I narrowed my eyes at her until she lowered her head in submission.

"Graves," I said, shifting my attention to the police commissioner. "You'll deploy your officers to raid her establishments. I want every illegal operation shut down and every employee arrested. No one walks away unscathed."

Graves straightened in his seat. "Understood."

"Holt and Chavez," I continued. "You'll handle the narcotics side of things. Coordinate with Graves to ensure no drugs make it to the streets. I want every shipment intercepted, every supplier caught."

"Yes, sir," Holt said, while Chavez gave a curt nod.

"Blake and Ortiz," I finished, turning to the last two. "You'll handle public relations. Leak information about Cassandra's businesses to the media. Expose her for the criminal she is. I want her reputation dragged through the mud until no one in this city dares to associate with her."

Ortiz smirked, her confidence returning now that she had a clear task. "It'll be a pleasure."

As I finished outlining the plan, I stood and placed my hands flat on the table, leaning forward to ensure they all felt the weight of my presence.

"I've given you power, influence, and a second chance," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "But let me be clear: failure is not an option. If any of you even think about betraying me, remember what happened to Kenton. And trust me, his punishment was merciful compared to what I'll do to the next traitor."

The room was silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Each of them nodded, their loyalty—or fear—binding them to my will.

"Good," I said, straightening up. "Now go. Cassandra's time is up."

Over the next three weeks, the city became unrecognizable. Cassandra's once-dominant presence was systematically dismantled by the very people she had once trusted to protect her. Each piece of her empire fell like dominoes, leaving nothing but ruins in their wake.

And I watched it all unfold from the shadows, orchestrating every move.

Governor Ruiz began her assault with ruthless efficiency. The first step was introducing an "anti-corruption reform package," a set of laws designed specifically to suffocate Cassandra's businesses.

The laws targeted drug trade logistics, illegal gambling operations, and the use of dummy corporations. Ruiz gave fiery speeches on the steps of City Hall, condemning the criminal enterprises that had plagued the city.

"We will no longer allow this corruption to stain our streets," she declared to the cheering crowds, though her eyes were colder when they met mine in private.

Behind the scenes, Ruiz weaponized her connections, ensuring any legislation favoring Cassandra's business interests was blocked. Permits for warehouses were revoked. Tax loopholes closed. Cassandra's once-profitable enterprises were bled dry by endless red tape and inspections.

Lee and Duvall targeted Cassandra's urban development projects with surgical precision. It started with the denial of zoning permits. Lee, using his position as Chair of Urban Development, ensured that every project associated with Cassandra was delayed indefinitely. Construction sites were halted, leaving skeletal structures abandoned under the sun.

Duvall played her part by blocking federal funding. She ensured that every grant or subsidy Cassandra relied on was rerouted to projects unaffiliated with her network.

"Her people are scrambling," Duvall reported during a private meeting. "They're trying to bribe their way out, but I've made sure every door they knock on stays locked."

Holt and Chavez teamed up to dismantle the narcotics network. It started with intelligence operations—Holt's team intercepted drug shipments at the city's ports, while Chavez coordinated undercover busts on street-level dealers.

One raid stood out: an evening ambush at Cassandra's largest distribution warehouse. Holt personally led the charge, storming the building with a task force.

"We found over 1,000 kilos of product," Holt said during her debrief. "Cassandra's entire supply chain is crippled."

Chavez, meanwhile, ensured that any surviving dealers faced heavy crackdowns. By the time she was done, the city's streets were cleaner than they'd been in years.

Blake and Ortiz controlled the narrative. Using their media connections, they unleashed a relentless smear campaign against Cassandra. Every detail of her operations was exposed: money laundering, drug trafficking, bribery of officials.

Front-page headlines blared Cassandra's name daily, accompanied by damning evidence. Public outrage grew as citizens realized how deep her corruption ran.

"Her name's poison now," Ortiz said during a briefing. "Even her closest allies are jumping ship."

Blake used the chaos to spread fear among Cassandra's remaining operatives. False stories of impending raids and leaked investigations created paranoia, causing many to flee or turn themselves in.

Police Commissioner Graves brought the final blow. He orchestrated a citywide crackdown, raiding Cassandra's remaining businesses and arresting everyone in sight.

One night, Graves called me directly. "We got them," he said, his voice grim. "The last two warehouses are shut down. Over 300 arrests in the past week alone."

I could hear the exhaustion in his voice, but also the pride. Graves had always been a soldier at heart, and now he was fighting for something that truly mattered.

The plan was executed flawlessly, each piece moving in tandem. Cassandra's empire crumbled from within, her sources of income severed, her allies turning against her.

I monitored it all from my command center, watching the reports roll in. Every success brought me closer to the endgame.

But I knew Cassandra wouldn't take this lying down. She would fight back. And when she did, I would be waiting.

The Fallout

Over the next three weeks, the city became unrecognizable. Cassandra's once-dominant presence was systematically dismantled by the very people she had once trusted to protect her. Each piece of her empire fell like dominoes, leaving nothing but ruins in their wake.

And I watched it all unfold from the shadows, orchestrating every move.

Ruiz: The Policy Guillotine

Governor Ruiz began her assault with ruthless efficiency. The first step was introducing an "anti-corruption reform package," a set of laws designed specifically to suffocate Cassandra's businesses.

The laws targeted drug trade logistics, illegal gambling operations, and the use of dummy corporations. Ruiz gave fiery speeches on the steps of City Hall, condemning the criminal enterprises that had plagued the city.

"We will no longer allow this corruption to stain our streets," she declared to the cheering crowds, though her eyes were colder when they met mine in private.

Behind the scenes, Ruiz weaponized her connections, ensuring any legislation favoring Cassandra's business interests was blocked. Permits for warehouses were revoked. Tax loopholes closed. Cassandra's once-profitable enterprises were bled dry by endless red tape and inspections.

Lee & Duvall: The Silent Saboteurs

Lee and Duvall targeted Cassandra's urban development projects with surgical precision. It started with the denial of zoning permits. Lee, using his position as Chair of Urban Development, ensured that every project associated with Cassandra was delayed indefinitely. Construction sites were halted, leaving skeletal structures abandoned under the sun.

Duvall played her part by blocking federal funding. She ensured that every grant or subsidy Cassandra relied on was rerouted to projects unaffiliated with her network.

"Her people are scrambling," Duvall reported during a private meeting. "They're trying to bribe their way out, but I've made sure every door they knock on stays locked."

Holt & Chavez: The Shadow Enforcers

Holt and Chavez teamed up to dismantle the narcotics network. It started with intelligence operations—Holt's team intercepted drug shipments at the city's ports, while Chavez coordinated undercover busts on street-level dealers.

One raid stood out: an evening ambush at Cassandra's largest distribution warehouse. Holt personally led the charge, storming the building with a task force.

"We found over 1,000 kilos of product," Holt said during her debrief. "Cassandra's entire supply chain is crippled."

Chavez, meanwhile, ensured that any surviving dealers faced heavy crackdowns. By the time she was done, the city's streets were cleaner than they'd been in years.

Blake & Ortiz: The Architects of Ruin

Blake and Ortiz controlled the narrative. Using their media connections, they unleashed a relentless smear campaign against Cassandra. Every detail of her operations was exposed: money laundering, drug trafficking, bribery of officials.

Front-page headlines blared Cassandra's name daily, accompanied by damning evidence. Public outrage grew as citizens realized how deep her corruption ran.

"Her name's poison now," Ortiz said during a briefing. "Even her closest allies are jumping ship."

Blake used the chaos to spread fear among Cassandra's remaining operatives. False stories of impending raids and leaked investigations created paranoia, causing many to flee or turn themselves in.

Graves: The Hammer

Police Commissioner Graves brought the final blow. He orchestrated a citywide crackdown, raiding Cassandra's remaining businesses and arresting everyone in sight.

One night, Graves called me directly. "We got them," he said, his voice grim. "The last two warehouses are shut down. Over 300 arrests in the past week alone."

I could hear the exhaustion in his voice, but also the pride. Graves had always been a soldier at heart, and now he was fighting for something that truly mattered.

A Coordinated Effort

The plan was executed flawlessly, each piece moving in tandem. Cassandra's empire crumbled from within, her sources of income severed, her allies turning against her.

I monitored it all from my command center, watching the reports roll in. Every success brought me closer to the endgame.

But I knew Cassandra wouldn't take this lying down. She would fight back. And when she did, I would be waiting.

A Final Scene: Collapsing the Dominoes

Late one evening, I stood in the conference room with my team. The politicians and law enforcers I'd bent to my will sat around the table, each reporting on their progress.

Hawke spoke first. "Her influence in the political sphere is gone. No one's returning her calls anymore."

Ruiz added, "Her businesses are either bankrupt or under investigation. She has no way to fund her operations."

Graves leaned forward, his expression grim. "Her people are scared. The arrests have sent a message. They're scattering like rats."

I nodded, satisfied. "Good. Cassandra has nothing left."

As the meeting ended, I turned to John. "It's time," I said quietly. "We're bringing her to her knees."

John smirked. "She won't know what hit her."

System Notification:

Main Mission Progress: 99%. Final confrontation imminent.

Cassandra's empire was in ruins. But she wasn't done yet. I could feel it—she was planning something. And I was ready for her.

Meanwhile at Cassandra's base...

The air inside Cassandra's penthouse office was heavy with the scent of expensive cigars and desperation. For the first time in years, Cassandra Mendez, the Queen of the Underworld, was losing.

Her fingers trembled as she flipped through reports from her dwindling network. Each one carried the same grim news.

Raids. Arrests. Exposures. Bankruptcies.

She slammed the folder shut, her sharp nails digging into the leather of her desk.

"They've betrayed me," she muttered, her voice low and venomous. "Every single one of them."

Her once-loyal pawns—Ruiz, Lee, Duvall, Graves, Ortiz, and the rest—had all turned against her. Worse yet, they were now working for him.

That boy.

Her jaw tightened. How had a 15-year-old managed to dismantle everything she'd spent decades building? Cassandra prided herself on being untouchable, a mastermind who always stayed ten steps ahead. Yet now, she was backed into a corner, her empire crumbling around her.

Cassandra paced the length of her office, her heels echoing against the marble floor.

"What did he offer them?" she hissed to no one in particular. "Money? Power? No. I gave them everything! I made them!"

Her voice cracked, betraying the anger and fear simmering beneath her calm façade.

She replayed the events in her mind, searching for the moment everything went wrong. The politicians and law enforcers she had controlled with bribes and blackmail had turned on her seemingly overnight.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was one of her last remaining lieutenants.

"They've taken another warehouse," he reported, his voice shaky. "There's nothing left. Even our offshore accounts are being frozen."

Cassandra gritted her teeth and ended the call. She was running out of options.

And there was only one person left who might be able to help her.

Cassandra stared at her phone for what felt like an eternity before finally dialing the number.

It rang twice before a familiar voice answered, smooth and calm as always.

"Cassandra," Selena said, her tone neutral. "What a surprise."

Cassandra let out a bitter laugh. "Don't play coy with me, Selena. I know you've been keeping tabs on this...boy."

Selena was silent for a moment. "You mean William Right?"

"Yes, him!" Cassandra snapped. "I don't know how he's done it, but he's turned everyone against me. Everyone. And now I'm left with nothing. If you don't help me, Selena, I won't last another week."

There was a pause. Cassandra could practically hear the wheels turning in Selena's mind.

"And what exactly do you expect me to do?" Selena asked, her voice tinged with amusement. "You know William is no ordinary opponent. He's...special."

"I don't care how special he is!" Cassandra shouted, slamming her fist on the desk. "You're the only one who's ever gotten close to him. Use that. Manipulate him, charm him—I don't care! Just get him off my back!"

Selena's laughter was soft but sharp. "And what makes you think I'll help you? Last I checked, we weren't exactly on the best of terms."

Cassandra took a deep breath, swallowing her pride. "Because you hate to lose. And if William keeps this up, he'll take everything. Not just from me, but from all of us. This city will be his."

The line went quiet again, and for a moment, Cassandra thought Selena had hung up.

But then Selena spoke, her voice low and thoughtful.

"You're right about one thing, Cassandra," she said. "I don't like to lose. But I also don't like being someone's pawn."

Cassandra's grip tightened on the phone. "Selena, please. I'm begging you. If you don't do this, he'll destroy us both."

Selena sighed. "I'll think about it."

Before Cassandra could respond, the line went dead.

Selena leaned back in her chair, staring at the phone in her hand.

William Right.

Her mind wandered back to their first meeting at the café, the moment she locked eyes with him and felt the inexplicable pull that transcended logic or reason. He was just a boy then—or so it seemed—but she knew better.

Horus.

The realization had struck her like lightning the first time they spoke. His commanding presence, his piercing gaze, and the way he carried himself—it was unmistakable. William was the reincarnation of Horus, the ancient warrior who once brought order to chaos, a man she had loved in another life, another time.

Her feelings for him had never faded, even after centuries. But now, here he was again, standing at the center of a storm that threatened to consume the city.

Selena rose from her chair and walked to the window, her fingers lightly tracing the glass. Below, the city glimmered in the night, oblivious to the battle raging behind closed doors.

Cassandra doesn't understand him, Selena thought. She sees only a boy. But I see the man he was—and the man he's becoming.

The memories of their shared past washed over her. Horus had been a force of nature, a beacon of strength and conviction. But he had also been kind, gentle when the world didn't demand otherwise.

She remembered his laughter, the way his voice softened when he spoke to her. And though he now wore a different face and carried a new name, she could still see traces of the man she loved in every calculated move he made.

Selena's fingers hovered over her phone. She knew Cassandra was desperate, willing to do anything to hold onto her crumbling empire. But Selena also knew Cassandra was blind to the truth.

William isn't just dismantling her empire—he's shaping something far greater.

Her phone buzzed again, and this time she answered.

"Selena," Cassandra's voice was sharp and frantic. "Have you made your decision?"

Selena's lips curved into a faint smile. "I have."

"And?"

Selena turned away from the window, her expression hardening. "I'm not going to help you, Cassandra."

"What?" Cassandra's voice rose, laced with disbelief. "You can't be serious! If you don't help me, he'll destroy everything we've built!"

Selena's voice was calm, almost amused. "That's exactly why I won't help you. You don't see it yet, but William isn't just tearing things down—he's building something new. Something...necessary."

"You've lost your mind," Cassandra hissed. "You think he's some kind of savior? He's a child! A manipulative, power-hungry child!"

Selena laughed softly. "He's more than that. And deep down, you know it too. That's why you're afraid of him."

Cassandra's voice trembled with anger. "You'll regret this, Selena. Mark my words, you'll regret this."

Selena ended the call without another word.

Selena stood in silence, the weight of her decision settling over her. She had chosen William—not because of his growing power, but because of who he was.

She remembered the moment she first saw him in the café, how he had spoken with such quiet confidence, as though he already knew the world would one day bow to him.

She remembered the warmth in his eyes, the way they softened when he spoke to her, just as they had centuries ago.

And she remembered the vow she had made to herself all those years ago: To stand by him, no matter the cost.

Selena reached for her coat, her mind made up. She would find William—not as an enemy or a rival, but as an ally. And perhaps, in time, she could remind him of the bond they once shared.

As Selena stepped out into the night, the city stretched out before her like a battlefield waiting for the first shot to be fired.

And at the center of it all stood William, the boy who was so much more than he appeared, waiting for her to join him.

For Selena, there was no turning back now.

Back at Edward's Mansion...

System Notification:

New Side Mission: Selena's Loyalty.

Objective: Selena has chosen to stand with you. Strengthen her loyalty and uncover the truth about the shared past of the two of you!

Rewards: Max out Selena's loyalty meter, ???, Special event

Oh? Looks like I already have my answer to the question to whether or not Selena will choose to be on my side!