Chapter 1234:

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But none suffered more than the Axe Gang—its foundation had been shaken to its core.

“Mr. Rhodes, the Axe Gang is barely holding on. Once we finish absorbing our new territories, we should strike fast—bring in fresh recruits and wipe them out for good.”

During their journey back to the Dark Hills after the combat, it was Maren who brought up a bold suggestion to Orlando.

With their victory making headlines underground, opening recruitment now would draw in every stray fighter and ambitious drifter looking for a powerful gang to join. The Dark Hills could rise to the top of Delley with little resistance.

“That makes sense. I’ll bring this up with my father the moment we get back,” Orlando said, fully on board with Maren’s idea.

If they managed to take in what remained of the Axe Gang, no rival would have enough power to push back.

“I’ve always wanted to bring other gangs under our control, but Delley’s long-held traditions have made that nearly impossible. This time is different—we actually have the strength to do it.”

Ambition burned quietly beneath his smile. For someone like Orlando, staying confined to the Dark Hills would never be enough.

He’d waited for a moment like this. Now that it had come, there was no way he’d let it slip through his fingers.

“Do you already have something in mind, Ms. Morgan? If you’ve got a concrete plan, I’ll bring it up with my father.”

New 𝘸𝘦е𝗸𝘭𝘺 𝖼𝗁ар𝘵е𝘳ѕ 𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝖺𝘭𝗻оv𝘦𝘭ѕ.𝖼о𝗆

Orlando had grown to rely on Maren—her insight had become something he trusted without hesitation.

It wasn’t just loyalty. Maren’s performance in the arena had been nothing short of extraordinary.

“I’ve been thinking ahead.” Maren had been waiting for the right moment to speak. “Rather than launching a direct assault on the Axe Gang, we should rally other gangs to form a coalition. Together, we can take them down and divide the gains fairly.”

“Do you think the other gangs might try to turn on us once we make a move?” Orlando asked, his brow furrowing.

“That’s exactly the risk. Right now, we’re equals in their eyes. But if we grow too fast, they’ll see us as a threat. If we let everyone benefit from the fight, though, no one will stand in our way,” Maren said without hesitation.

“That’s genius!” Orlando brought his hands together in a sharp clap. “We cut the Axe Gang off from any support and take full control of the outcome.”

“Exactly. With everyone focused on eliminating the same target, the Dark Hills come out on top, and your name gains even more weight among the gangs.” There was no mistaking it—Maren genuinely cared about where Orlando and the Dark Hills were headed.

“I owe you big for this, Ms. Morgan! You have my word—once I take the lead in the Dark Hills, you’ll be the strongest voice right beside me!”

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