The Whisper of Opportunity
It began with a report slid across Arthur's desk by Jessie.
"Cartel politics in Mexico are shifting," she said. "One of the major families just lost its patriarch. Power vacuum. The CIA's scrambling to install their preferred successor."
Eva added, her eyes locked on scrolling feeds, "And Washington's already laundering billions through the region. Infrastructure, oil, mining… all wrapped in bribes."
Arthur leaned back in his chair. "So America's shadows want a puppet. Which means we'll give the region something better—an emperor."
The Council of Empresses
That night, the inner circle gathered in the Ashford mansion. Each empress took her place at the long mahogany table, maps and documents spread before them.
Aurora traced the trade lines with her manicured finger. "Whoever controls Mexican energy exports can hold half of North America hostage."
Carmen added, "Media control is weak there. Corruption is out in the open. If we step in, we can spin Arthur as a savior while the old powers look like predators."
Bianca tapped her pen thoughtfully. "But you'll need legitimacy. These people won't bow to a foreign billionaire unless you give them a reason."
Jessie smirked. "That's where we come in. The Ghost Network handles the dirty work. Remove the wrong heirs, eliminate rivals, protect the chosen allies."
Arthur listened, silent until the debate died down.
"Then it's settled," he said finally. "We test our empire's reach. If we can bend Mexico, we can bend the continent."
The First Deployment of the Ghost Network
Jessie personally led the operation. Ghosts infiltrated Mexico City under the guise of contractors, journalists, and aid workers. Their mission: identify leverage points—corrupt officials, cartel bosses, generals with hidden vices.
One week later, Arthur had dossiers on nearly every player in the Mexican power web.
A general addicted to gambling.
A politician hiding offshore accounts.
A cartel lieutenant with a secret family in Houston.
Arthur chuckled as he flipped through the files. "Men like these don't need bullets. They need reminders."
The Dinner in Mexico City
Arthur arrived in Mexico quietly, no motorcade, no fanfare. Instead, he hosted a private dinner at a secluded hacienda with three of the most influential figures in the country:
Minister Raul Cardenas, who controlled energy contracts.
Lucio Herrera, the grieving son of the cartel patriarch.
Isabella de la Vega, a fiery journalist-turned-activist who had unexpectedly risen as a voice of reform.
Over wine and steak, Arthur spoke plainly.
"Washington will treat you as tools. They'll strip your land, your people, your dignity. I offer you something different: partnership. Wealth beyond imagining. And the chance to step out of America's shadow."
Lucio eyed him warily. "And what's the cost?"
Arthur smiled faintly. "Loyalty. Nothing more."
The Show of Power
Words alone weren't enough. Arthur needed spectacle.
That night, as the meeting concluded, Eva triggered a controlled leak through Mexican media:
Offshore accounts belonging to Raul's rivals.
Secret CIA memos plotting to destabilize Lucio's cartel.
Leaked recordings of politicians mocking Isabella's movement.
By dawn, the country was in chaos. Protests erupted. The old guard looked vulnerable.
And every faction realized one thing: Arthur Ashford had information no one else could access.
The Empresses in Play
Aurora hosted private salons in Mexico City, inviting rising elites to mingle under the Ashford banner.
Carmen coordinated a media blitz, rebranding Arthur not as a foreign invader but as a visionary investor promising renewal.
Eva disrupted CIA communications, feeding them false reports while ensuring the Ghost Network stayed one step ahead.
Jessie eliminated a rival cartel cell overnight—three assassinations, clean, untraceable.
Within weeks, Mexico's elites stopped whispering "Who is Arthur Ashford?" and began whispering "How do we serve him?"
The CIA's Frustration
Back in Langley, Director Harlan fumed.
"Every operation we run in Mexico collapses," he barked. "Funding disappears. Our allies flip. Our enemies outmaneuver us. Someone's cutting us off at the knees."
His deputy hesitated. "There's only one name that keeps coming up, sir. Ashford."
The director's face darkened. "Then he's no longer just a nuisance in Washington. He's a rival empire-builder. And rivals must be destroyed."
Arthur's Reflection
One night, Arthur stood on the balcony of the hacienda, Isabella at his side, the city lights glittering below.
"Mexico was just a test," he said softly. "If we can bend this nation, then North America will fall piece by piece. Washington's leash ends here."
Isabella looked at him, half in awe, half in fear. "And after North America?"
Arthur's gaze never left the horizon. "The world."