Charles looked down at the list of gang-members provided to him by the receptionist. 174 to be exact! He had to fool a hundred and seventy-four people in order to kill Stuart, while the hundred and seventy-fifth happened to be Stuart himself.

It sounded almost impossible, but if he was in a position to execute his plan, it was right now. He walked towards the elevator and pushed the button. Charles felt a tight knot in his chest. A knot that was desperately hiding Alex behind the apparent veil of his profound identity. The dream had rattled him more than he had expected. Was it just a dream or was Violet trying to give him a message?

No! He couldn't ponder over that idea now that he was so close. He forced his mind to concentrate on the task ahead of him while the lift doors opened and he entered. A few moments later, the lift welcomed him to the top most floor with a low chime.

The steel doors opened and he saw an unexpected visitor there. A visitor that he had not forgot, but had no idea that he'll be meeting her today, or ever again.

Elizabeth was sitting on the sofa seat that Charles had sat on when he was first brought here while Stuart smoked a cigar in his usual chair behind the desk. Elizabeth had set the chairs in such a way so she could rest her legs on the other one. Her face was almost as beautiful as it was back in the day, only that it was even more vibrant now. But Charles knew only too well what sort of person was masked behind that pretty face.

"Ah, Charles! What a present surprise. We were just about to have breakfast. Why don't you join, now that you've given us the pleasure of your presence?" Stuart beamed pleasantly. Charles's emotions that were dimmed by Violet were now being ignited further at the sight of both father and daughter sitting there and enjoying their merry life.

"Sure!"

He reached the table and his eyes locked with Elizabeth's. Even this early in the day, she had not missed applying eye-liner. She batted her eye lashes softly and smiled.

"Allow me to introduce you both. This, Charles," Stuart motioned towards Elizabeth. "is my daughter Elizabeth. And this, Ell," He motioned now towards Charles "is Charles. The new deputy I was talking to you about."

Elizabeth extended her hand out that was held by Charles after much contempt. His rage burned even higher at her soft touch. He could not manage a smile, but made sure that his blue eyes looked right into hers.

"Please, sit Charles." Elizabeth motioned towards the seat that was previously comforting her legs. "I have so much that I want to talk about with you." Her voice had become more seductive with passing time.

Elizabeth took out a cigarette from her pocket and held it to her lips before lighting it. She then handed the pack over to Charles.

"Sorry. I don't smoke." Charles said monotonously.

Elizabeth exhaled smoke.

"Impressed. Very impressed. How come?"

"Quit ten years ago. Haven't touched one since."

"That's quite a drastic change. I am sure though, that one more won't hurt. After all," She tilted her head towards him. "I'd be honored to be the one with whom you break the streak."

Charles's chest now seemed to be encasing boiling water. He looked at her for a moment before thrusting the pack of cigarettes back into her hand.

"If I don't smoke. It means I don't." He sounded resolute enough so Elizabeth did not push forward.

Stuart saw the tension building up in the environment so he decided to pinch in.

"Well, then. Breakfast, shall we?" He motioned to his right where Charles noticed a small circular table was placed with steaming food already placed upon it.

All three of them stood from the table and made their way towards breakfast. Three chairs were already placed around so they sat.

"Sir, I came here for an important notice." Charles spoke as soon as they sat. Elizabeth's bright and arresting eyes viewed him with much interest.

"Sure, sure. But nothing's more important than food. Surely it can wait." Stuart spoke with his mouth half full.

"I want to get it done as soon as possible." Charles said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Okay then." Stuart put down his knife and fork. "What is it?"

"I think it's time for us to excel. Time to kick everyone else out of business."

Stuart frowned. "How come?"

"Everybody else's either too weak to compete now or have left the area and started off business elsewhere. We're the only strong force in the continent now. I think we need to step through everyone left."

Stuart considered his point for a while before speaking.

"And how will we do that?" He dabbed his fingers with the handkerchief and listened intently now. Suddenly he had lost all appetite. Elizabeth peered at him with much appreciation.

"There are only two other gangs left that might be considered as a small force at least. 'Tyrants' and 'Omens'. 'Scorpio' could be included as well but I doubt they have the manpower left to pull off any threat to us."

"Go on." Stuart pressed his hands together on the table.

Charles leaned forward and stared into Stuart's highly interested eyes. Then whispered.

"We can get them in one go. Today! They're having a meeting at Stephen's house, the leader of 'The Omens'. Kill their top leaders and I doubt they have the unity left to regroup. One single strike and we'll be the lone warriors in the arena."

Charles sat again with his back against the chair, but he did not break the eye contact that he had established with Stuart. He had learned this during his school days; eye contact was essential while telling a lie.

Stuart's lips curled into a malicious smile.

"I remember planning a similar ambush once....quite some time ago, it was. Probably ten odd years. Ambushed Arthur's gang. Strong competitors they were. But well...turned them into rubble back then. You've heard his name right? Arthur? He got real big in armaments smuggling so had to deal with him."

Charles felt as if invisible knives were stabbing his chest, spurting boiling blood all over him.

"Yes. I've heard of him...quite a lot."

"Well then I take it as you were quite well aware of the business even before you joined it." Stuart smiled. "But I need time for consideration. Can't just go forward with such an abrupt plan."

"Sure...but the meeting's about to start at 1. And it's 9 already."

"Very well, very well. Now let's continue breakfast." Stuart looked hopefully back at his plate, but Elizabeth's eyes were still fixed on Charles.

"I am not hungry. Already ate. I just wanted to come and discuss this. Hope you take the right decision." Charles stood up from the table but was interrupted by Elizabeth.

"Have we met before? Because I think I know those eyes." She said in deep thought.

Charles closed his eyes at the thought of her.

"No. I am afraid we haven't."

And with that, he walked towards the lift and left. Stuart took out his cell phone and dialed a number.

"Hello. Yeah call Phill to my office. Tell him I need to have a word."

Elizabeth stood up feeling numbness in her mind. She thought she could see someone behind those bright blue eyes. After saying that she's sick, she left the table for her room. Ten minutes later, Phill entered.

"Have a seat." Stuart was back at his office table and was now motioning towards one of the sofa seats. 

"Yes sir." Phill sat and remembered Charles's words that he had said to him less than an hour ago.

"You know you're one of my most trusted and senior members..."

"Yes sir, I am aware of that." Phill had no idea that everything would flow this well according to plan.

"So I need you to tell me something. I believe you are up to date with matters of other gangs."

"Yes sir. Ask me whatever you wish."

"Is there any meeting being held between the Tyrants and Omens today at 1?" Stuart asked with an expression that could not be deciphered. But Phill knew what to say.

"Yes sir, there is."

 "Well then. Get ready for an ambush."

-2 more chapters left... there's such a deep sense of accomplishment that I am about to complete my first novel :')