The moment the Magistrate left the Clark Family gates, the Clark Family Patriarch stopped smiling.
The old man had appeared calm throughout the confrontation, but the instant the city guards disappeared beyond the street corner, his expression hardened into something entirely different.
Every elder present immediately recognized that look. The Patriarch wasn't worried about today's confrontation. He was worried about what would come next.
Without wasting a single-moment, he immediately began issuing orders. Messengers rushed out of the estate one after another. Secret communication tokens were activated. Trained hawks carrying sealed letters filled the skies above the city.
The Clark Family's allies quickly received messages carrying only a few simple words. The family requires support. Those few words alone were enough.
