"Neil Connor, former Chief of Police in Norfolk.
He was Jesse's right-hand man, and a pillar of his tough political image while he was mayor of Norfolk.
Now, Jesse has appointed him as the new Chief of Police in Richmond.
However, among the men he brought from Norfolk, two of them had previously taken our money in the Norfolk days.
They told me that Billy was secretly arrested by Neil five days ago.
And they said... Billy is about to break."
In Leo's dimly lit office—windows small, barely letting in daylight—Noodles delivered the report.
Leo was slouched in his Lucite leather sofa, his hands interlocked in front of him, his expression unusually serious.
"Give them another payoff—enough to disappear forever.
And have them deliver a message to Billy."
He sneered.
"A 'tough guy'? I'll make sure he turns into a soft egg in Richmond!"
Inside a barn on a farm at the outskirts of Richmond:
"Billy, your two guys already confessed.
You're facing forty-two charges—murder, bribery, and more.
At best, it's life in prison.
But if you turn state witness, I can get you out in five years.
I know what you're worried about, but don't be. That Valentino guy won't touch you.
By the time you get out, he'll be six feet under, with weeds on his grave."
Neil Connor tried to sound convincing.
"Get me a steak—medium rare. I'll decide after I eat."
Billy's tone was hesitant, torn.
Neil smirked. After years of interrogation work, he knew—when suspects started making requests, a confession wasn't far off.
He turned to his trusted scribe, Kian.
"Get him a steak.
I'm gonna take a nap. Damn, I'm exhausted.
Wake me when he's done. The mayor's waiting on news."
Half an hour later, Kian brought in the steak and placed it in front of Billy.
After days of eating slop, Billy's fingers twitched in anticipation. But just as he was about to dig in, Kian tapped the edge of the plate and whispered:
"Mr. Valentino sends his regards. Your gift is under the steak."
Then he placed the utensils down and quietly exited.
Billy froze. Hands shaking, he lifted the steak with his fork.
Beneath it—a photo.
A family portrait.
His parents, his sister, and his young son laughing on a beach—Billy's smile was instinctive.
But then he saw the red dots drawn on their foreheads.
He trembled uncontrollably.
An angel and a devil warred in his mind.
The angel told him to sacrifice for his family.
The devil whispered that he'd always been selfish. Why change now?
Once he got out and retrieved his hidden stash, what kind of woman couldn't he get?
What kind of kid couldn't he make?
Living—that's what mattered.
Smack!
He stabbed the fork hard into the steak.
Screw family. I'm surviving. That's it.
As the plate shook from his violent motion, the photo flipped over.
Two lines were written on the back.
"Many loyal brothers await you in prison."
"Your family will receive a $500,000 trust fund."
A threat. And a reward.
Leo hadn't given him a choice at all.
Even if he talked, and got into prison—could Neil really protect him?
Billy thought of the countless traitors he'd personally ordered executed behind bars.
Eyes shut, he shredded the photo and sprinkled the pieces over the steak—then began to eat.
At the ranch villa, in the bedroom, Neil suddenly awoke to odd lighting.
The sun was already setting.
"How long does it take to eat a damn steak?" he muttered.
Something felt wrong.
He rushed into the barn—and froze in horror.
Billy lay motionless, face down in the half-eaten steak, a dining knife lodged in his neck.
The wound had already begun to crust over.
He'd been dead for hours.
Furious, Neil roared:
"Kian! Jorn! Aidan!"
But the empty barn gave no response.
Late at night, in a luxurious villa in Monroe Park:
Yelena collapsed, drenched in sweat and ecstasy.
As Leo buttoned his pants, she grabbed his arm and asked,
"So late—where are you going?"
"Work."
In the Bentley, Noodles gave the report on Billy's death.
"Nice job," Leo nodded.
"Now that our new chief's got nothing to do, tell me—if the Lynchburg Gang just disappears overnight, what do you think Richmond will become?"
Noodles gave Leo a strange look.
"It'd collapse into chaos.
They might even call in the National Guard.
Also… you never used to strike first."
Leo smirked.
"Not possible. Harry pulled all kinds of strings to host the American Products Expo here in Richmond to salvage his pathetic approval ratings.
No way he'll let a bunch of bankrupt farmers cause a scene.
And as for not attacking first—
That's because we didn't have the strength before.
Now they're launching multi-front attacks, hoping to crush me.
But they underestimated my brain.
No matter how many directions they come from, I'll just hit one.
One at a time—annihilate them all."
The next day, Richmond City Hall:
"You're useless!
Can't even manage your own men!" Jesse shouted, jabbing a finger at Neil.
"Mr. Mayor, I used trusted guys from Norfolk.
I never thought they'd been compromised too."
Jesse sighed and waved it off.
"Forget it. If Leo were easy, we wouldn't be here.
He's taken care of his own gang boss—that weakens him.
While his gang's headless, let's move our Norfolk guys in.
If he retaliates—stall him, bleed him slowly."
"Understood, sir."
Just then, Neil's new henchman Liam burst in, breathless.
"Chief, it's bad!
Murders, robberies, and riots are erupting all over.
Citizens are reporting gang shootouts in multiple districts.
We're out of officers—and new incidents keep popping up!"
Jesse's secretary rushed in too.
"Mr. Mayor!
The governor accidentally drove into one of the gang fights.
His driver demands immediate police assistance!"
Jesse and Neil shouted in unison:
"What the hell is going on?!"
Liam answered:
"Detectives say… it's because the Lynchburg Gang suddenly vanished.
The underground world of Richmond lost its leash."
Together, Jesse and Neil rushed with all available officers to rescue Governor Harry.
The governor was disheveled—bloodied but not seriously hurt.
A stray bullet had pierced his car and grazed his nose.
"Goddammit, Jesse!
Call in the National Guard!
These animals—these savages!" he fumed.
Even in the car, Harry ranted.
"I trusted you with Richmond, and this is what you give me?
You moron!
The American Products Expo is days away!
You want me humiliated in front of other governors?!"
Jesse played deaf at the mention of the National Guard—those militias were even worse than gangs.
Finally, Harry calmed a bit and asked,
"This has to be Leo, right?
What's your plan?"
"I've got gangs of my own in Norfolk.
Since Leo pulled out, I'll take over.
We block his plans and weaken his power base—all in one move."
Harry nodded approvingly.
"Good. But be careful—don't let him slip away again.
Frankly, you've done well.
His sudden aggression shows our pressure is working.
Keep it up.
The Cotton family is greedy—but we reward merit fairly."
"I understand, sir.
Also, I plan to push for control over the Veterans Mutual Aid Association.
Leo's been holding the leash too long."
"Smart move. You're growing."
Not far from their convoy, inside Valentino Company:
In the same shadowy office, William grinned while pointing at a map on the wall.
"Boss, you were right again!
Those Norfolk gang bosses are total leeches.
Most of them have never even seen $100,000.
Buying them off was child's play.
I even double-checked—offered it to two more mid-level guys.
They caved at just 50K!
They're headed out tomorrow.
See this highway?
There's only one gas station along it—perfect for an ambush."
Leo nodded, impressed.
"Do it. If it works, you'll be crowned the new king of Richmond's underworld."
The next morning, a grand convoy sped down the highway.
In the fanciest car, mid-pack, sat Ali—the Norfolk gang boss—listening to Liam lay out their takeover plans for Richmond.
"Boss, gas station ahead. Fill up?"
"Yeah, all of them.
Once we're in, we won't have time."
The convoy pulled in.
Liam and Ali stepped out for a smoke.
Something felt… off.
Too quiet.
One of the drivers tried to ease the tension.
"Odd—no other cars here today. Usually it's packed."
The words clicked.
Ali reacted first, kicking his driver in panic:
"Something's wrong! Get in the car! NOW!"
Too late.
Pineapple grenades rolled out from both sides.
Boom!
The gas station erupted in flames.
No one survived.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Chief Connor, open the door.
The mayor says it's urgent!"
Bang!
Neil slammed his smoking Zorro pistol on the desk.
A small hole now decorated his office door.
Silence returned outside.
In a corner, the phone—once on his desk—lay shattered in pieces.
Neil collapsed into his chair.
Piles of newspapers were scattered across his desk.
The headlines varied in style but shared a single message:
"Norfolk's Crime Fighter, Richmond's Disaster!"
"Unbelievable! Richmond Reverts a Century Overnight!"
"Can Norfolk's Tough Guys Handle Richmond?"
"Explosive Revelation! Highway Gas Station Bombing Kills Gang Lords!"
One article listed countless names, arranged in a pyramid—
At the top: Neil and Jesse.
Outside the police station, protestors chanted in unison:
"Down with Norfolk's Dogs!"
Bang!
The office door burst open.
Jesse stormed in, face livid.
"Get out."
As the sun set again, Neil drove alone on the highway back to Norfolk.
Just a week ago, he had arrived in Richmond full of ambition—
And now… he was being driven out without even seeing the man who beat him.
Suddenly, blinding headlights appeared.
Four vehicles blocked the road completely.
And there he was.
Leo Valentino—a face Neil would never forget.
"Mr. Valentino, what's the meaning of this?" Neil demanded, hand tensed over his gun.
Leo calmly replied:
"Nothing much.
Just wanted to ask if you'd like to work for me.
As Jesse's confidant, I'm sure you know plenty of secrets.
Secrets I'm very interested in."
Neil scoffed.
Even though Jesse told him to leave, Neil knew better.
That was Jesse's way of protecting him.
If Leo died, Neil could return.
Besides, Jesse knew where his family lived—betrayal wasn't an option.
Neil sneered,
"I don't know anything, Mr. Valentino.
I'm a veteran—captured in the war.
I've seen every torture imaginable.
But I never betray my comrades.
Try me."
Leo shrugged.
"Pity."
He turned, got into his car, and drove off.
Neil blinked—was that it?
Just as he turned to return to his car—
"Hey, Neil!"
He reflexively looked back.
The last vehicle's window rolled down.
A young man inside aimed a gun.
Bang!
"Boss, should we clean up the body?" William asked as he drove.
Leo replied flatly,
"No. I want them to see it.
It's a message: oppose me, and you'll pay.
Neil had no more value—he wasn't a chief anymore.
A worthless man dead? No one's avenging that.
They're trying to make me worthless too.
And if they succeed…
One day, your boss will be lying on this same road, picked apart by vultures."
He closed his eyes, resting.
"William, when we get back, stabilize Richmond."
"Boss… but I thought our endgame was to force Jesse out as mayor?"
Leo sighed.
"Our enemies are clever.
They invited the President to the Richmond Expo.
I have to show some respect.
But not for free.
I made a small request—
For Jesse to apologize, personally.
To beg me to restore order."
He pointed outside.
"Look—he's already here."
Outside Leo's villa, Jesse paced nervously.
As Leo exited his car, Jesse begrudgingly approached.
He bent over stiffly, gritting his teeth.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Valentino.
I apologize for my actions.
Please… forgive me."
Leo mocked him.
"Oh? All I hear is resentment. Where's the sincerity, Mr. Jesse?"
"Don't push it, Leo," Jesse growled.
"Mmm?"
Leo's tone stretched—an unmistakable threat.
"You…" Jesse's face flushed.
But remembering Harry's ultimatum, he closed his eyes and said in defeat:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Valentino.
I was wrong.
I sincerely apologize.
Please… bring Richmond back to order."
Leo tilted his head.
"Fine. Then stop meddling in the Veterans Mutual Aid Association.
That secretary of yours, Dermot Ruaidhri, is buzzing around like a mosquito—annoying."
Perfect.
Jesse smiled inwardly.
He couldn't agree openly. But internally, he was thrilled.
Dermot would continue, even escalate, his work.
They had pulled in the President just to avoid giving Leo any more real power.
No more growth. No more strength.
Dermot's mission would continue at full speed.
Leo waved him off.
"Enough. Get lost. You and your damn secretary are equally annoying."
Back in the villa's study, Lucas reported:
"My contact at the Virginia Daily says another force is smearing your name.
Several major papers have stopped taking our money.
It's a bad sign."
"Here's another $500,000. Do your best.
We started late with the media—don't push too hard.
And what about the thing I told you before?"
Leo rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted.
Lucas hesitated.
"Not going great.
When they hear it's in the West, most media folks aren't interested.
Apart from Hollywood, there's nothing attractive about that place."
Leo nodded.
"Keep looking. Lower the bar. Even students like you—if they're smart enough."
"Understood."
Then Hans came in.
"Boss, Daniel needs rest.
The pressure from Iron Gate is insane.
If we stop taking loans, we'll face another siege from Lamb Company.
No new orders.
But if we keep borrowing, we'll owe enough to buy out three companies like ours.
If that leaks, we'll become the next Lamb—exposed.
Daniel thinks we've fallen into a carefully laid trap."
"You both think it's a trap?" Leo asked.
They nodded.
Leo smiled.
Seeing this, Hans gathered his courage.
"Boss… ever since the Westward push, you've changed.
You've grown arrogant, stopped listening.
You flirt constantly.
You act on emotion, not reason.
Like demanding Jesse apologize—just for pride, no benefit.
That's not you."
Hans closed his eyes, bracing for Leo's wrath.
But instead—Leo laughed louder.
"Good!
You see through the enemy, and you dare to confront me.
I'm proud of your growth.
But some truths aren't ready to be revealed.
Just know—everything I do now, even the behavior you find strange,
is part of the act.
To fool the enemy."
He turned to Hans.
"Tell Daniel—keep borrowing.
This won't last long.
Trust me."
Knock knock.
Noodles stepped in.
"Everything's ready."
"Let's go."
Behind the Pharaoh Bar stood a new eleven-story boutique hotel—built just last December.
Few knew it belonged to Leo.
Pharaoh was the biggest, most luxurious nightclub in Richmond—
Of course, it offered discreet 'services.'
Those took place in the hotel behind it.
Leo's team entered the suite on the 11th floor.
A girl lay half-naked, handcuffed to the bed.
Her lower half was covered in a towel—soaked in blood.
Next to her, a naked man sat on the floor, mumbling:
"I didn't… I didn't do anything… Why did this happen…?"
"Ah, Mr. Dermot.
So sorry we haven't officially welcomed you as the Association's Deputy Secretary.
I had no idea you'd commit such atrocities in my hotel.
This poor innocent girl… murdered by you.
For the record, we need some photos."
Leo motioned.
Noodles took out a spy camera and started snapping.
Dermot flinched at the sound, then lunged to grab it.
Two guards pinned him against the wall.
"Please, Mr. Valentino, don't…
Please! We've done this game for two weeks—nothing's ever happened.
I was drunk! I don't know what happened!
Please—I have a family!
I have a future in politics!"
He burst into tears.
Neil…
You stayed silent, but someone else always speaks.
Your death really was worthless.
Leo sighed.
He approached the broken man and said,
"I'll stop the photos—if you trade me Jesse's secrets."
Dermot hesitated.
Then mumbled something.
Leo leaned in—then widened his eyes and laughed out loud.
"You said what?! Jesse, the so-called tough guy… is gay?!
HAHAHA!
He's finished!
No—THEY'RE all finished!"