Looking down at the groups of more than thirty cousins, all chatting and laughing, Diss's previously sour mood improved significantly.
These were the future new blood of the family!
Today's party was not only to host the special guest Niel, but also because starting from tomorrow, the Lucchese Family would officially be under his control.
As a member of the new generation born after the family's decline, Diss had always harbored a dream in his heart: The old era was buried in the memories of the elders, and this city, drunk on wealth and splendor, needed to welcome the godfather of a new age!
This might have been somewhat arrogant.
But what is the difference between a person without dreams and a salted fish?
The path is walked one step at a time!
As long as he dealt with Niel, he would gain the support of the Buiano Family, lead the new blood of the family into the black market, win favor from the big shots, and no longer be subjected to the ridicule of clowns!
Remembering the humiliation he had endured recently, a violent glint flickered through Diss's eyes. He picked up the champagne in his hand, toasting towards the portraits of his ancestors hanging in the hall, and drank slowly.
A few breaths later, a crisp CRACK from shattering glass, followed by a heavy THUD, caught the attention of those at the not-overly-noisy party.
A girl who was chatting with her companions about the latest cosmetics glanced towards the source of the noise from the corner of her eye, her pupils shrank, and she exclaimed, "Cousin Diss!"
As the rest heard the commotion, they instinctively looked towards Diss's seat of honor.
The next moment, exclamations rippled through the crowd.
Someone, remaining calm, rushed forward immediately to check on Diss.
Pupils dilated, pulse and heartbeat ceased.
The person who had calmly checked him finally lost his composure and exclaimed, "Quick, call the family doctor for emergency treatment!"
The grandfather and grandson, who had been enjoying a lively conversation, stopped their chat when they heard the disturbance outside.
The authoritative elder furrowed his brows and signaled to his grandson, "Dick, go and see what's happening outside!"
Dick nodded and briskly left the room.
A moment later, he rushed back into the conference room at an even greater speed, his panic clear as he stammered, "Grandfather, Big Brother... Big Brother had a heart attack and died!"
The old man shot up from his seat like an enraged lion, a storm brewing, yet forcefully suppressed.
Clenching his trembling fists, he enunciated firmly, "Call all of your uncles back immediately. Have them bring people to surround the estate. Starting now, no one is allowed to leave!"
Dick's heart skipped a beat. "But they're demanding that we..."
The elder glared fiercely at his grandson, his fist slamming onto the sturdy conference table. "We of the Lucchese Family are merely lying low to recover our strength, not completely wiped out! If that pack of fools dares to come at us, then wipe them out!"
This punch felt like it landed on Dick's heart.
His complexion turned pale as he nodded and left the conference room in a hurry once more.
Only after his grandson left did the elder slump back into his chair, looking up at the beautifully sculpted ceiling above, a trace of helplessness in his eyes.
He was merely making a gesture for the members of the family.
A dead man was already dead.
If his eldest grandson really died from an assassination, he wouldn't risk mutual destruction to draw the attention of those other groups hiding behind a façade.
But as the head of the family, he was obligated to display a firm stance to calm people's hearts.
At this moment, the elder even hoped his eldest grandson had truly died of a heart attack.
Though he knew the chances of that were slim.
As he thought of this, the elder felt a sense of powerlessness.
In these turbulent times, his sons had either died or been put away.
Of the remaining grandchildren, Diss was impetuous, Dick was overly cautious, and the youngest granddaughter, Dim... better left unmentioned.
The elder had hoped for Diss to take over his position, with Dick supporting from below, complementing each other, working together to lead the Lucchese Family back to its peak.
Now Diss was dead. He himself was old.
With only Dick, it would be difficult even for him to lead the family through the current crisis.
What was to become of the Lucchese Family's future?
For a rare moment, doubt flickered in the elder's eyes.
The elder who had stayed up all night awaited feedback.
The Lucchese Family's exclusive Sweeper spoke, his expression grim, "Head of the Family, after preliminary inspection, Young Master Diss shows no external injuries. Based on the symptoms, Young Master Diss died from an acute heart attack. By the time the family doctor arrived with equipment, it was already too late for resuscitation. If you desire a more accurate result, we must perform an autopsy."
The elder opened his tired eyes and spoke gravely, "Let Diss leave whole. Was there anything unusual at last night's party?"
The Sweeper hesitated but nodded. "Head of the Family, last night..."
He reported the incident between Dean and Niel.
"Laine's grandson?" The elder, hearing of the close relationship between Niel and Dean, and that Dean was only twenty-two yet already a Captain of Detectives in the Los Angeles Police Department, brightened at the prospect.
A twenty-two-year-old Captain wasn't appointed solely based on ability.
He was very aware of the Laine family's current situation.
Therefore, this normally obscure Dean must have strong backing, and coupled with his own not insignificant capabilities, he had achieved such a position.
He was also Niel's suspected boyfriend.
The difficulties facing the Lucchese Family this time might well require relying on this Dean to mediate and manage.
With this in mind, the elder looked down at his subordinate. "Did he stay on the estate all of last night?"
The Sweeper shook his head, a touch of envy in his voice. "We can confirm he didn't. He and Miss Niel... well, things didn't quiet down in their area until three or four in the morning."