?Chapter 283:
Observing Aelfric’s serious expression, Neil and Derek grew apprehensive. After a brief silence, Neil said, “The Peridot Consortium is feared because its leader has cultivated strong ties in both official circles and the underworld, amassing considerable wealth. Any small business that crosses them is doomed to bankruptcy. But…”
Neil nced at Aelfric and continued, “The top four families aren’t intimidated by the Peridot Consortium, are we?”
Aelfric cut to the chase. “Do you know who leads the Peridot Consortium?”
Neil was caught off guard. The identity of the organization’s leader was a mystery to many, including him. The Peridot Consortium wielded immense power, but the extent of its influence remained elusive. The leader was highly enigmatic, never appearing in public. No one knew their gender or background.
After a brief silence, Neil shook his head and admitted, “I don’t know who the leader of the Peridot Consortium is.”
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“Your understanding seems superficial then,” Aelfric said. “While the Peridot Consortium appears to be a business association, it harbors secrets. Its true scope, including its various industries and underworld circles akin to Remy’s Undercity, remains unknown. Its influence likely extends globally, itswork vast and inscrutable. It’s an enigmatic and formidable entity, discouraging even the top four families from direct confrontation.”
Derek interjected, “If the Peridot Consortium is so formidable, why does our Daniels family maintain its top rank? Aren’t we stronger?”
Aelfric smiled, recognizing Derek’s youthful naivete. “Derek, the Daniels Group, led by Connor, is indeed the most powerful. The top four families could rival the Peridot Consortium. But why are the top four families so afraid of the Peridot Consortium? Because if they were to fight each other, both sides would be weakened, which would only benefit the other families. Who would want that?”
Derek understood and nodded. The Peridot Consortium wasn’t overwhelmingly powerful, but no organizations were willing to directly confront it, as doing so would weaken both sides and allow other organizations to benefit. The top four families in Blebert maintained a facade of friendliness while engaging in covertpetition. If one family suffered significant losses, the others would seize the opportunity to gain advantages.
Despite Derek’s family coborating with the Warren and Brock families against Connor, this alliance was likely temporary. Once Connor was dealt with, the families would revert topeting against each other. While the three families were linked by marriages, their rtionships were driven by mutual interests rather than genuine familial bonds. They would readily turn against each other when their interests diverged.
Reflecting on this, Derek felt a profound sense of sadness and istion. Since bing Neil’s son and joining the Daniels family, he had no one he could fully trust, not even his own parents.
Aelfric currently showed kindness to Derek because of his affection for his younger sister. However, if Derek ever became a threat to Aelfric, Aelfric would likely treat him harshly or even kill him.
As long as he could envision the future, Derek saw the rest of his life as Aelfric’s puppet. If he didn’t ascend to the highest position, or at least a position higher than Aelfric’s, he would forever remain a pawn for Aelfric, devoid of dignity or freedom.
As Derek contemted his future, Aelfric suddenly addressed him with utmost seriousness
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