Anderson sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I understand your position, Max. But I hope when the time comes, you'll remember the support we've given each other.""Of course," Max said with a sincere nod. "And rest assured, our door is always open."With the tension somewhat diffused, Max guided Anderson back into the ballroom. "Let me introduce you to some of our guests," Max said with a smile. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend."Trisha, standing nearby with Nathan, straightened as Max approached the mayor. "Trisha, this is Mayor Anderson. Mayor, this is my girlfriend.""Mayor Anderson, it's a pleasure to meet you," Trisha said, extending her hand. She knew she would have to interact with influential individuals at this event, so she steals herself."The pleasure is mine, Miss," Anderson replied, shaking her hand. "I've heard many good things about you.""Thank you, Mayor," Trisha said, smiling warmly. "It's wonderful to finally meet you."The two men moved away from Trisha a

The grand ballroom had an atmosphere that combined luxury with unease. Trisha and Lena shared concerned looks, feeling the heaviness of the evening's events weighing them down. The music continued to play, in stark opposition to the unease eating away at them."Trisha," Lena whispered, her voice barely audible over the chatter and music, "we need to keep an eye on Nathan. Something's seriously wrong."Trisha nodded, her mind racing. "Agreed. Let's stay close to him for the rest of the night. We can't afford any more surprises."They moved back towards Nathan, who was trying--and failing--to compose himself. His hands still trembled slightly, and his eyes darted nervously around the room."Hey," Lena said softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm, "Get it together Nathan. Look we're here for you. If you need to talk, we're listening."Nathan swallowed hard, his face pale. He was still apprehensive of Lena. He knew all too well that she only brought him to the ball so she could get c

Ferdinand didn't flinch. Instead, he took his position, his focus unwavering. Bucky lunged forward, desperation fueling his movements.Ferdinand turned just in time to meet Bucky's charge. The two men collided, and the fight began. Bucky threw a punch, aiming for Ferdinand's face, but the assassin ducked, countering with a swift jab to Bucky's ribs. Bucky grunted, feeling the air rush out of him, but he didn't relent. He swung again, this time connecting with Ferdinand's jaw."You should have stayed out of this," Ferdinand hissed, his voice calm despite the scuffle."Not a chance," Bucky growled, driving his knee towards Ferdinand's midsection.Ferdinand twisted, avoiding the blow, and brought his elbow down hard on Bucky's back. Bucky stumbled but caught himself, his eyes blazing with determination. He tackled Ferdinand, both of them crashing into a nearby table. Papers and glass shattered around them.Ferdinand's demeanor stayed strangely calm. He seized Bucky's collar and hurled hi

Lena's blood ran cold at Tommy's words, she tried her best to compose herself. But it was evident she was feeling the weight of the event as her hand trembled at the weight of her phone. Tommy and Bobby on the other hand were livid, for all their scheming, plotting, and planning on the demise of Max Lucky and his uncle Vincenzo of the Lucky family. They had just witnessed his death first hand and they didn’t even have to lift a finger. The ballroom was still a scene of chaos. The guests were being escorted out, and the as Lucky Corps men were on high alert. The night had taken a dark turn, and there was no room for hesitation."Tommy," Lena said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.Tommy responded "This isn't the time for your existential crises. We need you to make sure whoever shot Max completed the job."Lena couldn't pace her breath, sensing the gravity of the situation. She lets out the frustration and anxiety she had built up "You can't be serious, I thought you guys di

In the sterile, white-walled hospital room, the atmosphere was thick with anxiety. The constant beeping of monitors in the hospital room filled the silence as Trisha sat beside Max's bed, clutching his hand. His face was pale, his breaths shallow. Evelyn sat across the bed with wet tissues in her hand, Vincenzo stood near the doorway, his expression carefully composed."Trisha, you should take a break," Vincenzo suggested, his voice gentle. "You haven't left his side for hours. You too mother, it not good for your health.""I can't," Trisha replied, her voice strained. "I need to be here when he wakes up."Evelyn sighed, stepping closer. "I understand my dear. But you need to take care of yourself too."Before Trisha could respond, the door swung open and Lena entered, her face a mask of determination. She glanced at Vincenzo, then at Trisha and Evelyn."How is he?" Lena asked, her voice barely above a whisper."Stable, for now," Evelyn replied, her eyes never leaving Max's face. "But