. He was angry and frustrated about the failed resc

arrick worried about his mother's safety. He imagined h

their failure. "Carrick, I'm sorry. We

ed with frustration. "It's not your fault, Vi

den from Victor. He had the system with him. And besides, he want

on the desk. "We'll regroup, pla

m that he needed to build up his own force as soon as possible, or else taking down the Gal

ve been thinking... We can't take on the Gale family h

rrowed. "What ar

ge our strategy. I've been thinking about this nonstop since we got b

d thoughtful

or me to build my own force, separate from the A

talking about going up against one of the most powerful families in the cit

've been thinking about this for a while now, and I believe

rick. But have you thought this through? Building a private army takes time, money, and conne

y of it, Victor. I've been thinking about that too. I have a plan to

yebrow. "I'm intri

than money. I'll offer them a purpose. A chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. An

e on his face. "You've been thinki

nvinced this is the only way to tak

"Alright, Carrick. I'll support you.

eting Victor's ga

no won't hesitate to crush anyone who opposes him. A

ed. "I'll be careful

rstand your determination, but I have to express my concerns. Building a pri

r. I know the risks, but I believe it's the onl

he morality of it all? You're talking about creating a for

'm not naive. I know the world we operate in. Sometimes, d

iction, Carrick. But what about the loyalty o

handpick each member, ensure they share my vision. And I'll m

they'll stay loyal? Money and power can be great mot

insurance policy' comes in. I have something that will en

sity was pique

more beneficial for them to stay with me than to betray me." He didn't plan on telling Victor that the system has a soul contract t

ope you know what you're doing. This

ll support you, but please be cautio

n his eyes. "Thank you, Vic

ck at the door interrup

Victor ca

ved intel that Domino is mobilizing his for

m. "Carrick, it seems your pla