The room buzzed with the low hum of murmurs as everyone exchanged glances.
Within this clandestine network, criminal organizations were symbolically represented by totemic animals... dragon, lion, wolf, and snake. Francisco Hilton, a formidable player in this sinister chessboard, bore the emblem of the snake.
Among those present was James, a key player in this intricate web of criminal enterprises. As he lit a cigarette, his gaze shifted to Andrew.
"Where is your phony friend?"
Andrew remarked, "He is completely immersed in his new PA."
"PA?" James questioned.
"Yes, he hires a female as his PA."
James chuckled and replied, "Ah, how intriguing. I believed he only permitted his depraved fantasies in his house, not his critical meetings."
Their laughter echoed in the dimly lit room.
"She looks lovely," Andrew commented.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, James probed, "Have you given her a good inspection?"
"Yes, but Francisco appears to be very enamored with his PA."
James, still savoring the conversation like a well-aged whiskey, posed an intriguing question, "Rather than his girlfriend?"
Andrew, exhaling a puff of smoke, responded, "That's what I think. He seemed to be watching her from head to toe."
James said, "Then I must meet his PA also."
A sudden hush fell over the assembly as Francisco Hilton made his entrance. The figure, emblematic of the snake in the underworld hierarchy, commanded attention without uttering a single word.
Francisco took a seat on the plush couch. He lit a cigarette with practiced nonchalance.
"Where is it?"
Andrew made a gesture towards the table, indicating the stash of drugs laid out as an offering.
Andrew presented small packets on the table.
As Francisco inspected the packet he held, the others were summoned to partake in the distribution. Andrew's casual invitation to indulge in the illicit substances was met with an eagerness that bordered on fervor.
The VIP Room was now enveloped in a haze of smoke.
The VIP room reeked of smoke and drugs. Andrew wiped the leftover cocaine from his fingers and leaned toward Francisco.
"Won't you try it, Francisco?"
"I am not into drugs, Andrew. You had better say how much you want."
Francisco tossed the packet indifferently onto the table.
Andrew blinked, caught off guard by Francisco's calm refusal to join in. He quickly recovered, eyes widening in surprise.
Francisco sat back, arms crossed, calm and in control. He waited for Andrew to speak.
"Can you see around you? They just become like hyenas. I am not a hyena. So, send all of it to my port, and you will get your money on time."
His words cut through the noise, sharp and clear.
James gave a sidelong glance at Francisco.
"Ah, okay," Andrew said as he cast a quick glance at James.
But James seemed not to want to start the main conversation with Francisco, so Andrew spoke out, "Francisco, we have another thing to discuss."
"Let's conduct this business quietly. We cannot conduct business here if we begin to fight."
"Say it clearly." Francisco exhaled a plume of smoke.
"All we want to do is our share, Francisco," Andrew said.
"If so, how?"
"What happens if I forbid it?" Francisco added a subtle threat into the dialogue.
James and Andrew exchanged glances. James clenched his teeth.
He turned to face Francisco.
Tension gripped the room. One wrong move, and everything could blow up.
James stood firm, eyes locked on Francisco. He hated the idea of bowing to anyone... especially him. He looked ready to make a move, his pride burning hot.
Francisco didn't flinch. He tilted his head slightly, a sly grin tugging at his lips. He said nothing.
In their dark world of silent deals and drawn lines, Francisco didn't need to raise his voice. The message was clear... he owned the ports. They weren't just business. They were power. And anyone who tried to take them would have to go through him.
James, sharp as ever, read Francisco's smirk like an open book. The silent challenge lit a fire inside him, pushing him close to losing control. Just when it seemed like a fight was inevitable, Andrew stepped in.
"Francisco, stop. Think about everyone here," Andrew said, his voice urgent.
"Everyone's matter?" Francisco replied with a mocking smile, twisting the moment to his advantage. His tone made it clear... this was business, not a playground for power games.
Andrew's face hardened. He wasn't here to entertain ego battles.
"Are we friends discussing business, or is this just some kind of party?" he asked, his tone cold and cutting.
He tilted his head slightly, fingers interlocked, as if weighing the mess of rivalries between them.
Francisco didn't flinch. He leaned forward, eyes locked on Andrew.
"Listen, Andrew," he said, his voice firm and calm. "If you stand in my way, I won't hesitate to shoot you. And I know you wouldn't hesitate either."
The room fell silent. His words hit hard... a sharp warning dressed in truth.
Tension crackled in the room. The quiet war between Francisco and James had pushed everyone to their limits.
But Francisco?
He stayed calm.
Cold.
In control.
"I'm done with this," he said, waving off the rising tension like it was nothing.