Meanwhile, in another part of town...
Mr. Frederick ended a phone call just as Elijah Simons walked into the room, his face as hard and hostile as always.
"Good morning, Elijah. How are you today?" Mr. Frederick asked with a practiced smile.
"I’m fine," Elijah grunted. "But I’ll be better once Gilbert and his family are destroyed."
Mr. Frederick arched a brow. "Is that all you want?"
"I want the Blue Moon pack under my control. I want to be Alpha," Elijah declared, laughing cruelly.
Mr. Frederick leaned forward. "And how do you plan to make that happen?"
"I was close during the last attack," Elijah said proudly. "I would’ve taken them all if not for those damn people in white garments with their faces covered. They ruined everything."
Mr. Frederick’s expression didn’t change. "So what’s your next move?"
"I need to meet with my men. Rework the plan," Elijah said, clearly already forming one in his mind.
"You’ll have everything you need," Mr. Frederick assured him. "My support, my men, and full access."
Elijah paused. "Why are you helping me? What do you gain?"
"I have my reasons. Gilbert has painted himself as a saint for too long. But I know the real man—and I swore he would pay."
Elijah grinned. "I like you. You didn’t even ask what he did to me. You just agreed. That’s loyalty. I’ll return the favor—Gilbert and his family will fall."
Mr. Frederick handed him a sleek phone. "Use this. The only contact saved is mine."
Elijah accepted it. "Thank you, friend. I’ll keep in touch."
Mr. Frederick nodded. "Keep a low profile. They’ll still be watching for you."
Elijah laughed as he left the room. "Let them watch."
As the door closed behind him, Mr. Frederick picked up his wine glass and whispered to himself:
"Now, Gilbert... let’s see how you handle chaos. Your worst enemy is coming, and while you’re distracted, I’ll be striking where it hurts the most."
He raised the glass, smiling innocently.
"Let the show begin."