After Darnell accepted the three gifts, the atmosphere among the group grew even more harmonious, signifying that the Apex now regarded him as part of them.
“Mr. Halford, there’s really no need to thank me.”
In response to Darnell’s repeated thanks, Luca laughed heartily and raised his glass.
“I had originally wanted to invite Mr. Halford into the Apex, but I knew it would be a waste of talent. Besides, I don’t have the ability to recruit someone like Mr. Halford. If you join us, only the position of the leader suits you.”
“In fact, I have considered stepping down and letting you become the leader. Truly, I’m not just saying this to be polite.”
When Darnell was surprised by Luca’s absurd idea, Luca spoke from the heart, “I really have thought about letting Mr. Halford take over.”
“I’m old now, and my health isn’t good. My tendons were severed before, and although they were reconnected, I can no longer wield a knife to kill. I’m essentially useless.”
Darnell smiled and waved his hand in response. “That’s not true, Luca. You’re still in your prime and have at least thirty good years ahead of you.”
“Besides, survival in the underworld doesn’t rely solely on brute force. Wisdom and experience are far more important. Many great leaders never set foot on the front lines, yet that didn’t stop them from building empires.”
“Let Callum and the others handle the battles. As long as you steer the ship, the Apex won’t sink.”
Callum chimed in with a smile, “That’s right, Boss. You’re not old at all.”
“Mr. Halford, you make a valid point,” Luca said, his eyes gleaming.
“But deep down, you know better than anyone that the strength or weakness of a gang’s leader has a significant impact on the entire organization. The leader is the soul and the essence of the group.”
“Rex is ruthless and kills without mercy, and his followers are all fierce and bloodthirsty.”
“Carlos Edmonds, the leader of the Crow dominates with an iron fist, killing his enemies impulsively, and his men are arrogant and fearless.”
Luca’s voice grew somber as he continued, “And me? I might not even kill a chicken, and so the Apex’s influence is declining.”
“What you might not know is when I was young, my ambitions weren’t limited to Northmoor or Whiteville-I aimed for all of Westergold, even the world. But now, I can barely hold onto Northmoor.”
“When I first entered the underworld, Rex was still selling hot dogs in Fayhurst.”
“Now he’s walking all over me, which just goes to show how incompetent I am. I fear that the Apex will be ruined under my leadership.” A hint of helplessness crept into his voice.
“That’s why I’ve been searching for a successor this year, hoping to ensure that the Apex can go a little further, at least to give my brothers some assurance.”
“I’ve considered a few candidates within the gang, but none of them seem suitable.”
Callum chuckled and said, “Boss, please count me out. I’m good at fighting, but I’d make a terrible leader. I can’t even manage being a group leader properly.”
As always, Callum remained loyal.
Darnell patted Callum on the shoulder. Indeed, Callum wasn’t suited for the role-he was too sentimental.
Luca then turned his gaze to Nick, his expression one of disappointment. “I had hoped this brat would pull himself together and mature within three to five years, but he’s let me down.”
“He’s good at drinking and chasing women, but when it comes to doing anything serious, he always falls short. And he’s been hanging out with Brian and Eliezer.”
Nick scratched his head and protested, “Dad, I stopped associating with them a long time ago. I even captured them.”
Darnell was taken aback. “You captured them?”
Nick grinned proudly, “They used to harm you and even tried to get me to go after you. Yesterday, I saw them getting drunk at a bar, so I had my men grab them and throw them on a boat to soak. Then I handed them over to you, Mr. Halford.”
“Whether they live or die is up to you. Consider it my way of making amends and venting some of your frustration for you.”
Darnell narrowed his eyes and then instructed, “Keep them alive for now.”
After Brian and Eliezer testified against Roberto, Darnell promised not to press charges against them. He hadn’t expected Nick to capture them.
“It’s good that you’re not associating with them anymore, or you’d be the death of me,” Luca said, his expression softening slightly.
He then turned to Darnell with a smile. “Ever since I met you, Mr. Halford, I’ve been thinking about inviting you to the headquarters of the Apex. Unfortunately, I never found the right opportunity.”
“Now, I don’t even dare to drag you into this mess. During my illness, the Apex has been losing ground, and we’ve lost thirty percent of our territory.”
“Our morale has taken a hit as well.”
Luca coughed twice and faced reality head-on. “Even if I recover now, I’m afraid it’s too late to turn things around. The Axe has more money, people, territory, and stronger connections. The Apex can’t compete.”
“So asking Mr. Halford to become the leader would only be doing you a disservice. That’s why the gifts are more practical.”
He sighed lightly, “I’m afraid we won’t make it through this crisis.”
“Luca, you’re being too hard on yourself,” Darnell said gently, offering comfort.
“Although the Apex’s resources and influence may not match the Axe’s, the cohesion and unity among the members are still strong. Don’t be so pessimistic.”
“You said it yourself-the leader is the soul of the group. If everyone sees you discouraged, how can they find the courage to fight?”
Callum and the others chimed in, “That’s right, Boss. We’re still in good shape.”
Luca exhaled deeply, thought for a moment, and then forced a smile, “You’re right. We can’t lose confidence until the very end.”
Darnell straightened up slightly, saying, “Although the Apex is in a tough spot now, as long as everyone works together, there’s still a chance to turn things around.”
“In fact, you could consider seeking external allies or forming alliances with smaller gangs. There’s strength in numbers. Not only would it ease the pressure, but it could also pose a threat to the Axe.”
“Rex is so arrogant that he must have many enemies. It wouldn’t be difficult for you to rally a few people to fight against him.”
Nick’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That’s right! Let’s find allies! Dad, why didn’t we think of that?!”
Luca snorted, “If I hadn’t thought of it, I wouldn’t deserve to be your father.”
“Mr. Halford, you might not know this,” Callum interjected softly. “There are indeed many people who hate Rex. Countless people want him dead, but right now, the Axe is at the height of its power. Anyone who wants to kill him has to weigh the consequences carefully.”
“Because they know that if they go against Rex, they either kill him outright or be wiped out by him.”
“So, without absolute certainty, his enemies won’t make a move.”
Gisselle added with a bitter smile, “In other words, if the Apex were in a position of strength, many would join forces to take down Rex.”
“But since Rex has the upper hand, who would dare to risk allying with us and provoking him?”
Luca laughed, “Mr. Halford, forget about all that. Today is a day for celebration. Let’s drink, drink!”
“We’ll deal with the future when it comes. There’s always a way out. Besides, we’ve already dealt a heavy blow to Kimberly and the others today. That’s a significant hit to the Axe.”
Darnell clinked glasses with the three of them and then downed his drink thoughtfully.
As he set his glass down, a glint of light flickered in his eyes, and a faint smile played on his lips. “Luca, you already have a great ally.”
Luca was slightly puzzled, asking, “Who?”
Darnell stated calmly, “Seven Wolves.”