Mario is dead. Just as they say, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. With Mario gone, his followers, whether loyal or just observing, now face a new choice—where to align themselves.

It’s obvious, even without thinking hard, that not many would choose to go down with Mario. The only ones left with the credentials to wrestle with Justin are Mario’s son and Justin’s remaining brother.

In the past, these intel gatherers all knew who the truly capable person was. Now, with Justin having taken Mario out under the most unlikely circumstances, is there really any other choice for the Cicero Family besides Justin?

Yet, the desperate struggle of Mario’s die-hard followers must be prevented, no matter if it’s by Justin himself or with the aid of Gao Yang and Grand Ivan. Justin needs to take control of the Cicero Family as soon as possible.

Gao Yang and Yarebin met up and with just a few words, concluded that they must ride the momentum and eliminate the remaining threats swiftly.

Justin was soon invited in, and the three sat down together to strategize for the upcoming actions.

"Mario is dead, and his most trusted and loyal bodyguard is still likely in France, leaving Mario’s base in Italy empty. This is a good opportunity."

Gao Yang was exhausted, yet he needed to quickly resolve all the troubles, so he looked at Justin and said, "You should now be able to use the Cicero Family’s intelligence channels. If you’re going to start eradicating Mario’s remaining forces, surely many would be eager to provide you with information."

Justin nodded and smiled, "Of course, whether they were passive observers or my previous adversaries, or even Mario’s loyalists, they can see the situation clearly now. Those who don’t want to die will declare their loyalty to me through their actions."

Gao Yang exhaled and said, "Then quickly find out where Mario’s son is. We should act fast, and strike while Mario’s main aides are still in France, hitting his lair first."

Justin hesitated for a moment and said, "Now?"

Gao Yang sighed, full of helplessness, and said, "Now, right now. Listen, buddy, I’m very busy. We have a lot to do in Somalia, and our plan in Yemen is reaching a critical phase. If you say you can handle the remaining issues yourself without any problems, I really don’t mind leaving immediately."

Justin waved his hand and said, "Forget it, we still must have a few intense battles ahead. I literally have no personnel I can use right now, so I need your help."

Gao Yang said seriously, "Besides manpower, what else do you need?"

"Money. I need some startup funds, but not for too long. Once I take over the Cicero Family’s wealth, money won’t be a problem anymore. But short-term, I need funds. Sometimes you can’t always run on empty promises. I think two hundred million should be enough."

Gao Yang scratched his head and said, "Make the call now. You don’t have to hide anymore. Ask about the whereabouts of whoever you think needs to be dealt with. I’ll wire you the money and help sort out the last few issues. Once everything is set, we’ll withdraw, and you’ll be able to handle the rest yourself."

Justin spread his hands and said, "It’s really embarrassing; I have to rely on you to do everything. Anyway, let’s talk about the future."

Justin leaned back and said seriously, "The first thing I’ll do after taking over is to seal off your intelligence."

Gao Yang looked at Justin. Justin smiled and then said quietly, "When dealing with you, I haven’t kept any information on paper or in computers. So before now, the intelligence about you only I know. The Cicero Family might occasionally pay attention to you, but they wouldn’t dedicate too much effort. However, things are different now. Mario was surely gathering all the intelligence he could on Satan. Once I take over, I’ll destroy all the intelligence related to you and Grand Ivan, or hand it over to you."

Gao Yang said seriously, "Of course, that’s the least you could do. I was held by Mario for several days. To him, I have no secrets left. I have no doubt that once he has the chance, he would spread my identity to the world."

After speaking, Gao Yang leaned in toward Justin, speaking softly, "Buddy, I don’t mean to disrupt our good relationship, but I must say, clear my path for me. Don’t let anything troublesome linger. If you find anything uncontrollable, like if Mario has already handed my data to the CIA, and we just don’t know it yet, then you must find a way to help me resolve it. If you can’t, at least inform me."

Justin smiled and said, "Is that what you’re worried about?"

Gao Yang whispered, "That’s my only concern."

Justin pondered for a moment, shook his head, and said, "You shouldn’t worry too much about that. Mario didn’t know much about Satan; he probably wouldn’t think to seek help from the CIA. Anyway, we’ll know once we swiftly deal with his remaining forces."

Gao Yang waved his hand and said, "It’s a bit too early to talk about this now. You haven’t even finished the task, yet you’re thinking about the future. It’s not good. We should stay grounded and focused. Quickly make the calls. We need to leave for Italy tonight."

Justin, holding the phone, smiled and said, "I have to talk about the rewards in advance. Otherwise, I’m so embarrassed. I have to let you see some benefits coming your way, right?"

This time, Justin made his calls openly in front of Gao Yang and Yarebin, as with Mario dead, him taking control of the Cicero Family was almost a certainty.

This means Justin is no longer a defeated subordinate, but the head of the Cicero Family, one of the most powerful people in the Underworld, on equal standing with Grand Ivan.

At this point, Justin indeed needs to demonstrate that the changes in circumstances won’t alter his relationship with Gao Yang and the others. He wants to show goodwill and assure them he won’t forget what Satan has done for him.

Justin made several phone calls in a row, and then waited for several return calls in succession. From this moment on, the world almost has no secrets from him.

Soon, Justin said to Gao Yang, "Mario’s son is in Italy. Frank is still in France, but he’ll be bringing Mario’s body back to Italy tomorrow morning. As for Mario’s lair, there’s no problem; it’s already been scouted out—there aren’t many people there."

Gao Yang waved his hand and said, "Compile the intelligence into written reports. I’ll arrange the manpower. Let’s move quickly to clear out Mario’s remaining forces. Begin the operations."