The Mafia Empire

Peter walked into the study, removed his coat, and reclined on the sofa. With his eyes closed, recent events churned continuously in his mind, leaving him somewhat exhausted.

Following Wood's death, the funds he provided monthly were temporarily missing, but more concerning was the sense of unease the mayor felt with Gador's death. At some point, things had gradually begun to spiral out of control—a worrying sign for someone like him, who made the rules. Even more troubling was that, amidst his uncertainty, the state tax bureau had dispatched an investigator to audit Ternell City's taxes. It was hard to say if this was somehow connected.

Adding to his distress was Vivian's sudden pregnancy—a tangled mess that left him feeling overwhelmed.

"Madam hasn't attempted to leave the estate these past few days, has she?" asked the mayor, savoring a rare moment of tranquility after his busy and intense work schedule. Under such pressure, most people would have crumbled, but Peter relished it; he was a man who chased power, right from the start and even now.

The butler, while hanging up the mayor's coat, responded, "As of now, Madam hasn't left her room and has only eaten sparingly."

"Has anyone visited her?" Vivian had numerous close friends—socialites of the city, whose husbands were either imperial officials or ambitious moguls in Ternell City. Men's social interactions were often intertwined with women's charms, so it wasn't surprising that not all of them returned home full of energy. This also made the city's elite women's circle somewhat chaotic.

Vivian was the most prominent figure in this circle, and her absence over several days was bound to raise questions, prompting someone to contact her and organize some gathering. These women were not to be underestimated—this was wisdom Peter had accumulated over the years. They might lack capabilities in serious matters, but when it came to creating trouble, they were experts. Vivian's gatherings and social circle were allowed and even encouraged by Peter, as, when needed, these women could yield substantial benefits for him. At worst, they wouldn't spoil his plans without reason.

"Sir, yesterday Madam Graf visited, but Madam excused herself, citing discomfort. Since then, no one else has come or attempted to visit," the butler dutifully answered. Being a butler was no easy task, and being a butler to someone of power was even harder.

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Peter nodded. "And the officers at the entrance? Had they left by the time I returned?"

"Yes, sir. There was a heavy downpour today, and they got drenched, so I invited them inside for a short rest. It seems they caught colds. To prevent spreading illness within the estate, I allowed them to leave after a brief respite."

"Well done!"

A cold is a peculiar ailment. It isn't particularly fierce; it won't render a person unable to stand or impair any bodily function, but it can still claim lives. The church had said that colds were a punishment from God—a trial for the soul. Each year, many people succumb to colds, returning to God's embrace. Strangely, even though the poor could seldom afford medicine, most managed to recover. In contrast, the wealthy, who used various precious medicines, would often, in a moment of carelessness, close their eyes forever.

Some say it's because the wealthy have dark hearts, which is why God judges them. This rumor lacks any basis or truth, and the authorities have denounced it, yet the powerful still believe it.

As a result, they strictly avoided exposure to colds.

Peter soon fell asleep, exhausted by his day-to-day responsibilities, but it was exhaustion he enjoyed.

Meanwhile, two junior officers had removed their uniforms. This recent meeting with Madam Vivian had offered Julian a tremendous opportunity but also presented an even greater crisis. Julian firmly believed that when someone faces repeated setbacks, they develop resilience and a desire to overcome. Perhaps some people would accept their fate and bow their heads, but he believed Vivian was not one of them.

She was born into the family of a governor, arriving in this world with a silver spoon, surrounded exclusively by nobles, politicians, and business tycoons. To her, the world might have always seemed this way—until she fell, tasting the bitter and astringent dirt. Only then did she see the world clearly.

Power, wealth, and prestige form this respectable world. To live respectably, to have everything go smoothly, relying on others is insufficient. Others may look up to you because of your husband or father, but ultimately, it's only a fleeting glance. In the eyes of these politicians, family is but a decoration for social responsibility; it cannot alter their purpose or ambition.

The only way to bring change is to immerse oneself, becoming one of them.

When Mayor Peter, the current governor, and all political figures must look up to her, her will would become theirs.

"If you wish to protect the child you're carrying, if you want even a semblance of love that, though false, appears genuine, Madam Vivian, then it's time for you to decide."

"You should not be a woman reliant on others for necessities; you should be a strong woman. Your tea gatherings, your social circles, would allow you to achieve in a short time what most people couldn't in a lifetime."

"I am not urging you to defy your husband or your father; I merely hope to see an exceptional woman rise independently, representing countless women in weaker positions and voicing their own."

While Peter slumbered in the study, Madam Vivian stood by the window, gazing at the enchanting post-rain moonlight, pondering Julian's words. She had to admit, Julian was quite persuasive, successfully stirring her rebellious spirit and desire to change her destiny.

As the night deepened, a question lingered in her mind.

If she were the mayor, or even the governor, would her life be as it is now?

No!

It wouldn't. As Julian said, even if it were false, Peter would grant her the life she desired!

Clenching her fist, she gently touched her abdomen, making what could be the most critical decision of her life.