Empire of Shadows

Our

You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/

“We are friends!” Lance reiterated this point. “Friends should help each other!”

Vaughn also nodded and said, “Yes, friends should help each other.” He paused, then scrutinized Lance, who generously allowed it.

“You look a bit different from before, some changes, Lance. I don’t know how to say it…”, a storm had formed in Vaughn’s mind, wildly churning his thoughts, “It’s like… you’re more noticeable than before, more confident, more…”

He made small, emotionally progressive gestures with his hands. “In short, you’re better than before!”

Lance accepted the comment calmly. “Because we have all grown.”

He leaned back on the sofa. Vaughn had taken the money, so he didn’t need to pressure Vaughn further.

This was a crucial turning point in social interaction. If the other party yielded to your pressure, and you continued to apply it, they would doubt the meaning of their compliance, thereby questioning their own actions.

Once doubts arise, at some point, the seemingly insignificant thought of “Is what I’m doing right or wrong?” will turn into “I shouldn’t be doing this!”Many things happen this way, so Lance quickly released the pressure. Leaning back on the sofa, appearing somewhat lazy, immediately lightened the atmosphere. Coupled with the topic of “friends,” it felt as if they truly were old friends.

Vaughn also felt the subtle change in atmosphere, and this change made him subconsciously realize that being friends with Lance had benefits.

He asked casually, yet as if seeking information, “How do you plan to run the dockworkers’ club?”

“Many workers have been asking me about it recently. I have to reveal some information to them, don’t I?”

The workers’ club was undergoing renovations, causing a lot of commotion. Everyone was curious and wanted to know what new things would be inside and when it would open each week.

Not to mention them, Vaughn himself was very curious.

Lance brushed his eyebrow with his index finger. “It has things they like inside: cheap fried chicken, and affordable beer.”

Vaughn whistled. “They say stricter enforcement orders are coming soon, and someone might come looking for trouble for you.”

Lance shrugged indifferently. “They only want the workers to toil from morning till night, not even giving them a moment to relax, and even forbidding them from having a drink to relieve their fatigue!”

“That’s not fair, Vaughn. We have the right to drink. God hasn’t taken it away, so why should these capitalists and politicians take it away?”

Vaughn couldn’t help but laugh after hearing this. “We all know that, but they are the Federation government.”

Actually, he didn’t think there was anything wrong with selling beer. “Just be careful, but the workers will be happy about this.”

The price of beer outside was too inflated. If they could buy affordable beer here, it wasn’t just about saving them money.

At least seven thousand native Federation working-class people, their collective strength was something even the mayor had to acknowledge.

Besides these, there were also some free song and dance activities, some small amusement park-like attractions, and some competitive activities with prizes.

For example, an arm-wrestling competition, held monthly on an elimination basis, with the winner receiving a hundred dollars in prize money.

Or a vocational skills competition, or something else.

Vaughn listened with great interest. “They’ll definitely love this, but have you considered that doing this will put a lot of financial pressure on you?”

“Just these prizes alone, you might have to spend thousands of dollars every month. Then there are your operating costs, maybe three or four thousand, or even four or five thousand dollars a month just to keep it running, but you won’t be able to earn anything from it.”

Lance stated his thoughts without hesitation, because at this moment, Vaughn was definitely on his side.

By the time Vaughn wanted to switch sides later, it would already be too late.

“My goal isn’t to make money here, but to prevent others from competing with me. I can afford to lose five thousand dollars a month. If they want to make money off the workers, they’ll never be my match!”

Vaughn found it hard to understand after hearing this. “Although I don’t quite get it, Lance, I can promise you that if you can do what you say, you will become the most popular person on the docks, bar none!”

Not long after, Lance left, and Vaughn’s secretary came in to clear the coffee cups.

“What did you two talk about?” she asked.

There was a sparkle in her eyes.

Vaughn probably understood her thoughts and knew what she had seen. “Lance donated a sum of money to us.”

“Us?” The secretary placed the coffee cups on the tray, repeating the word, instead of “the union.”

“Two hundred dollars. I’m thinking about whether we should buy gifts with these two hundred dollars or distribute them directly.”

“But there are too many union staff members. If we distribute it, everyone will get at most two dollars.”

“But something costing two dollars looks better than just giving them two dollars.”

The secretary retorted, “Why should everyone get something?”

Vaughn raised an eyebrow. “I’ll consider it.”

On the way out of the docks, many people, including some native Federation workers, greeted Lance spontaneously. Lance didn’t know them, but they still greeted him.

Along the way, many people looked at this unfamiliar but popular gentleman and would always ask those who knew him out of curiosity.

When they learned that this was the recently trending “Mr. Lance,” they all remembered the young man.

Elvin and the others were waiting for him in a car outside the docks. Today was Ennio’s final court hearing.

Logically, such a case should have been sentenced on the 25th, but at that time, Lance and his group hadn’t completely dealt with Heller, so Lance asked lawyer Robin if he could delay it for two days.

He wanted to “say goodbye” to his three brothers, which was also a kind of… ritual?

For lawyer Robin, as long as the money was in place, nothing was too difficult to solve.

Even if there were difficulties, he would create opportunities to solve them.

He applied to the court for a temporary adjournment on the grounds of “supplementing evidence.” With all crucial evidence and testimonies already closed, there was actually no need to delay for a few days.

Even if he had new evidence, it wouldn’t lead to Ennio’s acquittal, nor could it further reduce the sentence.

You knocked someone unconscious, almost killed them, and you’re only sentenced to six months. What more do you want?

As the defense lawyer, do you want to find evidence to extend the defendant’s sentence?

So, if the outcome wouldn’t change, the judge could disagree.

But seeing that it was proposed by lawyer Robin, and given their previous phone call, the judge allowed him to supplement evidence, thus delaying it for a few more days.

And today was the last day of the hearing. The judge hadn’t expected such a simple case to be delayed again.

As Lance and others entered, the judge, prosecutor, and even the court police couldn’t help but notice these people dressed identically.

Lance had even customized small black lambskin gloves for them, which, as long as they didn’t smile, would exert a lot of pressure!

As the proceedings began, standing up and sitting down, those in the back rows were all Lance’s people.

Ennio stood in the defendant’s box, greeting everyone with a glance and a slight nod, his face showing no fear.

Conversely, the person in the wheelchair in the plaintiff’s section was already sweating!

If this case hadn’t been a public prosecution, he would have dropped it!

After the judge re-examined the previously verified evidence, testimonies, and confirmed that the plaintiff was willing to forgive the defendant, he carefully reviewed the new evidence provided by lawyer Robin—

He had spent fifteen dollars to get signed testimonials from three of Ennio’s neighbors, stating that “Ennio is a very kind young man who loves to do good deeds.”

The judge rolled his eyes after reading it. He glared at lawyer Robin from afar, then placed these three pieces of evidence with the others.

“…Based on the above evidence, Ennio is found guilty of assault!”

“Stand up…”

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment and one hundred twenty hours of labor for aggravated assault, but the court accepted his surrender, active compensation, and the victim’s forgiveness, along with no prior record and being a socially recognized kind person, allowing for parole after three months.

But the prerequisite was that he did not cause new trouble during his incarceration!

The judge’s gaze lingered for a moment on the young people in the last rows of the courtroom, as if to memorize their faces, then gave lawyer Robin a subtle nod before leaving the courtroom.

The atmosphere immediately lightened. Lawyer Robin walked to the back row, not caring about the looks from others, and shook Lance’s hand. “I hope I didn’t fail your trust. He can apply for parole in three months, and the cost of parole will only be a few hundred dollars.”

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem for you!”

Lance responded, “A brilliant defense. Although I don’t quite understand it, I know I was captivated by your defense. You are at least a convincing person, Lawyer Robin.”

He said this, then pulled out the final payment from his pocket and handed it over.

Looking at the two-thousand-dollar check, Lawyer Robin smiled so wide his mouth almost couldn’t close. “Actually, cash would have been fine too.”

Two thousand dollars. He could easily find a reason to mix this money into legitimate funds and spend it. Of course, this was just his way of expressing that he didn’t mind receiving illicit money.

For people like Lance, it was more like a way of expressing closeness.

You earn illicit money, and I’m willing to accept illicit money. We’re on the same side!

“We’ll work together again. Next time, I’ll give you cash.”

The two shook hands. Lawyer Robin smiled and bid farewell to Lance, telling him everything was arranged, and also reminded him that they could see Ennio again at the parking lot behind the courthouse.

Of course, if they had a lot to say, it would be best to give five dollars to each of the court police officers and the driver responsible for the escort.

A few minutes later, three court police officers and the driver stated they needed a cigarette break before leaving, giving them time.

At first, when he saw Lance, Ennio was somewhat excited, but soon his face was filled with shame. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” Lance asked.

Ennio shook his head. “Many things. If I hadn’t gotten into trouble and come in here, I would have definitely been there that day. Maybe we could have lost two fewer lives, even one would have been good.”

“Everyone faced such great trouble, but I could only be locked up here, not helping at all, and even needing you to find me a lawyer.”

“Lance, I feel like I can’t even face you all.”

Lance smiled and punched him gently in the shoulder. “The future is still long!”

“We have time and opportunity. You’ll have a chance to do something for us, and don’t forget, you’ll be putting your skills to use soon.”

Another high-ranking cadre from the Camille Gang had surrendered. He wanted to use his prison sentence and time to escape Lance’s pursuit.

Honestly, this was a very good idea, but he shouldn’t have surrendered in Golden Port City. If he had surrendered in a neighboring city, like Creekside City, or somewhere else, he would have been fine.

But surrendering here gave Lance this opportunity.

Ennio nodded. “I will deal with him and avenge our brothers!” His tone was firm and resolute. Besides him, there were Ethan and another person.

Three people dealing with one person; this wouldn’t be difficult.

Lance gave him a hug. “When you encounter provocations inside, endure them first. We are not foolish hotheads. Wait until you all come out!”

Ennio nodded. “I know what to do. Preserve our strength.”

Then it was the turn of the others, who hugged him and wished him a safe return with honor.

The court police and the driver didn’t care how long they talked, because Lance had given them ten dollars each.

From here to the state prison was over 170 kilometers. They could easily find an excuse to make up for any time discrepancies.

When everything was over, Ennio got into the escort vehicle. The court police, including the driver, warmly bid farewell to Lance—”Goodbye, Mr. Lance!”

After the escort vehicle disappeared at the end of the road, the group finally exhaled heavily and returned to their car.

On the way back, Elvin brought up the matter of recruiting people at the docks today. “Today, I’ve already spread the word, and many people are very interested.”

“But I think we shouldn’t recruit just anyone.”

Lance nodded. “Some are just trying to get by; we don’t want them. Also, I need to make sure that every person we recruit has proper roots and background.”

“Have them state their connections in the Empire, and then have someone you know check them out. I don’t want any little rats with fake Imperial accents sneaking in.”

Elvin sounded a bit surprised. “Will people try to infiltrate a small family like ours?”

Lance shook his head and said, “Small?”

“Not small at all, Elvin. We took down the Camille Gang. Although we used some tactics and didn’t directly confront them, we did it.”

“We’ve earned the right to be at the table, or perhaps the right to sit at the edge of the table. We’ll face more unseen competitors, risks, and opportunities.”

“We’re no longer small fry in the pits. Perhaps in the mouths of important figures, we’re no longer ‘that guy,’ but people with names and identities.”

“So, don’t underestimate yourselves!”

Elvin chuckled. “Sounds great. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Do it quickly!” Lance urged again.

In the evening, as the firm was preparing to close, William (Patricia’s father) arrived. This was his first time visiting Lance’s firm, and he was immediately shocked by the crowded scene outside!

He had seen some labor dispatch companies, and they were usually quiet, but here, it was almost overflowing with people!

So much so that there was no room to stand inside the office; most people were standing outside the door.

What struck him even more was that these people were all wearing uniform blue work clothes, and he felt a sense of pressure when some of them looked at him.

“Lance, there’s a guy named William who says he’s your friend…”

“Let him in.” Lance didn’t know who it was, but if he claimed to be a friend, then he certainly was.

When William entered, Lance realized which William it was.

“There are too many people here!” William took off his hat and scarf, placing them on the coat rack, but he didn’t take off his coat.

“You disappeared for a while. Pat was very worried about you.”

Lance scratched his head. “I hope I didn’t scare her.” He paused, then slightly lowered his chin, asking William the purpose of his visit.

“I heard you guys took down thousands of the Camille Gang…”

Lance was nodding through the first third of the sentence, but when the words “thousands of people” appeared, he raised his hand. “Who told you I took down thousands of them?”

“Everyone’s saying that!” William said, as if it were obvious.

Actually, he didn’t believe it at first, but with everyone saying it, he gradually became half-convinced.

Half-conviction often forms the basis of belief, and when he saw so many blue-collar workers outside the law firm, he believed it even more.

Lance rolled his eyes. “There aren’t even two hundred of us combined. You guys are exaggerating too much. No wonder everyone I saw today seemed so enthusiastic.”

“So you weren’t thinking I was so good!”

“You were afraid I’d suddenly go berserk!”

William immediately realized that the number was inaccurate, but his attention wasn’t there. “Whether it’s hundreds or thousands, at least you dealt with the Camille Gang.”

“Who did you align yourself with?”

He suddenly asked a question that caught Lance off guard.

After two seconds being stunned, he opened the cigarette box on the desk, took out a cigarette, and lit it. “Why do you ask?”

William also took a cigarette from the box, frowned at the cigarette label, then pulled out his lighter and lit his own. Both men leaned back in their chairs, smoking and conversing.

“From the moment Charlie only mentioned eliminating the Camille Gang to the media, I knew someone had spoken for you.”

“I’m not looking down on you, Lance. You might be able to know people at that level, but they wouldn’t speak for you unless you gave them something.”

“I thought it over and over, and there’s only one possibility.”

“Who did you align yourself with?”

(End of this chapter)

***

Additional chapters: /caleredhair