Love is a dangerous game (mlm)

The alliance

(Alexandro's POV)

Groaning softly, I glance at the clock on the nightstand, only to realize that it's barely past 5 AM. An hour before my alarm is set to go off. I close my eyes for, I'm guessing 10 minutes, but I find myself unable to drift back to sleep. There's no point in trying to force myself back to sleep now. Might as well make the most of the early start, because there's a lot I have to do. I slip out of bed, going inside my walk-in closet. I stare at all my almost-identical suits, trying to decide which one I'm going to wear. Should I go with the classic black, or perhaps something a bit more daring, like charcoal gray?

After a moment of deliberation, I settle on a sleek gray suit. It's one of my best outfits, so I hope it'll impress everyone. First on the agenda is arranging a meeting with the rest of the gang members to break the news that I'll be taking over in my father's absence. It's not going to be an easy conversation, but it's one that needs to happen sooner rather than later. I practice my speech in the mirror, while adjusting my emerald green tie. When I'm certain of what to say, I make my way to our gang's headquarters. 

Since Lucas leaked the location of the place where we used to hold meetings, we moved here. The building looms before me, a towering reminder of the responsibilities that now rest on my shoulders. The first floor is a regular casino, but on the second floor there are multiple rooms for our meetings and also a few offices. As I step inside, I'm greeted by my father's consultant. I tell him to walk with me to my office, a place where we won't be overheard. I close the door behind me. "I've been thinking a lot about our situation, and I believe that the time has come for us to consider a new approach," I explain. "We can't keep going down the same path and expect different results. It's time to shake things up."

 I pause for a moment, allowing my words to sink in. The consultant nods, his eyes fixed on me intently as I continue. "That's why I've decided to reach out to the Ruby gang," I announce, my voice ringing with determination. The consultant's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, his expression reflecting a mixture of skepticism and intrigue. Before he can react, I begin to list a few arguments. "I know it won't be easy, but I believe that by joining forces, we can strengthen our position." The consultant considers my words for a moment, his expression thoughtful. There's a moment of silence as the weight of my idea hangs in the air between us. 

My strategy is completely different from my father's, so I understand his doubting. The consultant tells me that he's  happy to help me, but I must be aware of the risks. I offer him a grateful nod. We immediately begin to work out a plan. Someone will reach out to the Ruby gang tonight to arrange a meeting with their boss and me. In the mean time, others will provide me with valuable insights into the inner workings of the Ruby gang. Their leader's personality for example, their tactics, their strengths and weaknesses. It's crucial information that will help me navigate the upcoming negotiations with confidence.

As my associates set to work, I sink into my chair, my mind buzzing with anticipation. There's no time to waste. The success of our plan depends on careful preparation. I look at the watch Lucas gave me. It's time for me to give a speech to all the important gang members. I walk to the meeting room, my heart pounding in my chest. The room filled with around thirty people, including Rosaline. I smile at her while I walk to my designated seat, the place where my father used to sit. I clear my throat to get everyone's attention. When I see everyone's eyes fixed on me, that's when the nervousness starts kicking in. 

"Thank you all for being here today," I begin, my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. They are a different type of butterflies than the ones I feel when Lucas is around. "As you all know, my father, our leader, is currently recovering in the hospital. In his absence, it falls to me to step up and lead our gang through these challenging times." There's a murmur of agreement from the crowd which makes me feel better. I really hope they don't know why their boss is in the hospital. I continue my speech with my hopes for the future. I mention an alliance, but I don't tell them with who yet. I understand that the mention of the Ruby gang may stir up mixed emotions among some of our members.