All the top officers of the Donquixote Family were gathered.
Violet, Diamante, Trebol, Pica, Sugar… all the key members sat around the table. There was none of the usual laughter or joy. The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.
On the table, Monet's life card was still intact, but Vergo's had turned to ashes.
Doflamingo stared at the small pile of ash, his body trembling with fury.
"Hehehehehe… Vergo's plan failed."
Doflamingo let out a low, sinister laugh. His rage continued to rise.
Vergo's plan to recapture Caesar had failed completely, and he had been killed by Caelan.
Vergo wasn't just the product of 15 years of undercover work. He was a founding member, someone he regarded as family.
The artificial Devil Fruit operation tied to Kaido was the backbone of the family's business.
The massive blow to both emotional bonds and profits had made Doflamingo lose control. He was speechless for a long time.
Many of the officers looked at him silently. They all understood his pain and fury.
Among them, Violet lowered her head, seemingly mourning Vergo's death like the others.
But in her heart, she was rejoicing.
As the former princess of Dressrosa, she held no fondness for the Donquixote Family that had seized her homeland.
She hated Doflamingo, the main culprit, even more.
If not for her father's safety, she would never have agreed to become a dancer for the Donquixote Family.
Now that Caelan had killed Vergo, it brought her immense satisfaction.
If her father knew, he would surely be happy.
Once Caelan arrives in Dressrosa, I'll go find him and make a deal!
Violet thought to herself.
She had made this decision long ago—to offer the best of herself in exchange for Caelan's help in saving the country.
Violet secretly glanced at Doflamingo, deeply despising his twisted views on love.
Just as Violet was thinking this, Doflamingo spoke up.
Violet's expression hardened, and she looked at him with deep hatred in her eyes.
"I suppose you all know what happened at Punk Hazard."
"Caesar and Monet were captured. Vergo is dead. And Caelan is coming for us."
Doflamingo growled in a low voice. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was like a maddened bull.
Even if Caelan was as strong as a Yonko, it would not stop his thirst for revenge.
Originally, he had planned to lay low and avoid further attention.
Now, he wanted to go all out and fight Caelan to the death.
"Young Master, maybe we should retreat for now and rebuild elsewhere."
Diamante spoke with difficulty.
Caelan's strength was well known.
The Donquixote Family was no match for him.
"Yes, Young Master. We can't go against Caelan."
Trebol and Pica shared the same view. They both believed Caelan was unbeatable.
Sugar was visibly anxious. Her sister, Monet, was still in Caelan's hands, making it impossible for her to run.
"Run? Let's not even talk about the blood feud between us. Dressrosa is the foundation we built with years of effort. How could we abandon it so easily?"
"Besides, now that the artificial Devil Fruit production is gone, that lunatic Kaido won't let us off easy."
Doflamingo rejected their suggestion outright.
He didn't blame them for being afraid. He understood that their concern was for their own survival.
"Young Master, let's fight him."
Diamante and the others looked at Doflamingo with admiration. They were ready to die by his side.
This was their Young Master—the man who awakened Conqueror's Haki at the age of eight and was born to rule.
How could someone like him run away?
"This would be a last resort. We're not there yet."
Doflamingo shook his head.
Caelan's strength was overwhelming. Unless there was no other choice, he would not confront him head-on.
"Young Master, what are you planning?"
Diamante asked cautiously.
"Sugar. We still have Sugar."
"When Caelan and the others arrive, let Sugar stage a scene and look for an opportunity to turn him into a toy."
"If that works, even the so-called God Slayer will be nothing more than prey for us to butcher."
Doflamingo's eyes sparkled as he looked at Sugar.
With the powers of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, Sugar could turn people into toys—this was how he'd kept control of Dressrosa.
He believed even Caelan might be caught off guard.
"If that works, then we really do have a chance."
Diamante and the others agreed. Sugar's powers were tricky to handle. Only top-tier Armament Haki could counter it.
Even with conscious use of Haki, many of them could still be turned into toys.
Even someone like a Yonko might fall if they slipped up for a moment.
Sugar clenched her fists. She was determined.
Her sister, Monet, was still in Caelan's hands. She had to use her ability to save the family and rescue her sister.
"Diamante, Trebol. Have your men monitor Caelan's every move. Report the moment he gets close!"
Doflamingo was feeling the pressure.
He wasn't sure this plan would work, but he had no other option.
Diamante and the others responded in unison.
"Also, Violet. Stay close to Sugar, then go with her."
Doflamingo suppressed his displeasure as he gave the order.
Even though they hadn't slept together yet, he already considered Violet his woman.
What's more, Violet had a trace of that person's shadow, which made Doflamingo feel even more uncomfortable.
But if Violet joined the plan, Caelan would surely let his guard down.
Violet remained calm, though she was inwardly stunned.
According to Doflamingo's plan, there really was a chance Caelan could fall for it.
But with her involved, that plan would never succeed!
"All right, go prepare. Violet, stay for a moment."
Everything had been arranged. Now Doflamingo had something private to say to Violet.
Hearing this, the other officers left the room, leaving only Doflamingo and Violet behind.
"Ahem. Violet, don't actually give yourself to him."
Doflamingo suddenly said.
With Violet joining the plan, she would inevitably come into physical contact with Caelan.
A few minor touches were one thing, but giving her body to him? Absolutely not.
"What if he forces me?"
Violet pretended to look worried, secretly mocking Doflamingo in her heart.
The woman you're obsessed with is about to seduce someone else, and you still care so much.
"Even if he does, don't give in!"
Doflamingo said in a low voice.
"Fine, I get it. I won't give it to him."
Violet replied seriously, as if she truly wanted to remain pure for Doflamingo.
Doflamingo was finally satisfied and said, "That's it. Go practice coordination with Sugar."
Violet nodded and left the meeting room.
When the time came, she couldn't wait to see the look on Doflamingo's face when everything fell apart.