Chapter 186: Old Favors.

  One by one, the familiar faces flickered into view on the screen—a seasoned senator, a high-ranking military officer, a notorious crime boss, and several others, their identities obscured by shadows and digital distortion. These were the powers that truly governed from behind the scenes, the puppet masters pulling the strings of society.   "Samuel," a gruff voice crackled through the speakers, its owner hidden behind a veil of static. "This had better be good. We don't take kindly to being summoned like common lackeys."   A murmur of assent rippled through the other participants, their displeasure palpable even through the digital haze.   Samuel cleared his throat, his steely gaze sweeping across the assembled figures. "Gentlemen, I wouldn't have called this meeting if the situation weren't dire. It's my grandson, Richard—he's gone rogue, threatening to dismantle everything I've built."   A chorus of scoffs and derisive laughter erupted from the video feed, the participants