Godfather

Corneon Catania was a kind-looking yet dignified old man.

His hair was gray, and he sat behind a mahogany desk. His suit was wrinkle-free, and he had the spirit of an old man who was not his age. If you only looked at his eyes, you would think he was a businessman in his prime.

Beside him crouched a golden retriever with glossy fur, which seemed fierce, only wagging its tail and showing obedience when Stone came in.

Within the gang, they all called him Godfather, because many high-ranking gang members were willing to have their children recognize him as their godfather in order to curry favor.

Martina is dead?

When Corneon spoke of his daughter's death, he showed no emotion, as if he were merely asking if the dinner was over.

"She died in the same way as Mackey, by that killer."

Stone said.

Lu Ban, Trist, and Xiya were at the door of the room, which was tightly closed. Only the five of them were inside.

Lu Ban found it strange that the godfather would not let his son come to report the situation, but instead went to Stone.

If he didn't know who Stone's biological parents were, he might have thought this was the godfather's illegitimate son.

"These three are the detectives investigating this case."

Stone gave a brief introduction.

"Tell me about your progress."

Corneon's voice has an undeniable sense of authority, which easily makes people feel submissive and humble.

This may be some kind of extraordinary power.

Lu Ban thought to himself.

Trist briefly explained the current investigation results, all pointing to the accident that had occurred at the House of Happiness.

After hearing Trist's description, Corneon remained silent for a moment.

"What methods do you think are needed to stop them?"

He asked Trist.

"I think it's difficult."

Trist answered truthfully.

"What drives him is hatred, Mr. Catania, and hatred is the most fervent of all motives. It is like a flame that will not go out unless it burns out everything that can burn."

"Then we have no choice but to put out the fire."

Corneon sighed.

"I will give you all the support you need to find this killer. You can ask Stone for any support you want, and he will give you everything he has."

Finally, he waved his hand, signaling the three of them to leave.

Stone led them to the banquet hall, where all the guests had already left. Only the crime scene was cordoned off, and the police arrived late, examining the body under the watchful eyes of the gangsters—a scene that was strangely ironic.

Stone was walking the big golden retriever, which nuzzled against Stone hand affectionately, looking very well-behaved.

"I have seen your investigation report. I never expected that the battle with the Sharp Blade Gang would end in such a tragedy. Therefore, I believe that violence cannot solve all problems; violence only breeds hatred."

He said, glancing at Lu Ban.

"I never thought I'd see you again."

In front of Lu Ban, Stone turned back into Stone, that naive boy.

How did you join the gang?

Lu Ban couldn't help but ask.

He never imagined that Stone would transform from such a frail boy into a strategist for the underworld, becoming part of the city's dark side.

"Because I could read, I started learning bookkeeping in the suburbs. Later, I don't know why, but I often had some inspirations in my mind. These inspirations could bring me a lot of benefits. Later, I became the manager of the shop, which was owned by the Catania Family. Later, I was appreciated by Sister Carol and was able to get in touch with the core members. Later, I became an adopted son."

Stone said frankly.

"An inspiration that popped into my head."

Lu Ban could probably guess that.

Just as Song Yunyan witnessed Du Danping's death, when some indescribable power intervenes in the world, the minds of those who witness it may be polluted to some extent. In foreign lands, knowledge can bring pollution, and thus pollution also exists within knowledge.

It was probably on that night that Stone came into contact with this forbidden knowledge, which changed his mind and allowed him to gain some unexpected things.

Such knowledge would enable Song Yunyan to achieve success in business, and naturally it would also allow Stone to thrive in the underworld.

The golden retriever moved closer to Lu Ban, its nose twitching as if it had caught a peculiar scent.

Puff puff—

It even licked the colorful stains off Lu Ban's body.

"You can't eat this."

Lu Ban gave a lecture.

The dog returned to Stone's side, feeling very wronged.

"I found this dog a while ago. It looks like someone abandoned it. It's strangely affectionate towards me."

He offered an explanation.

"That murderer can kill anytime, anywhere without prior preparation. You'd better be careful around you."

Lu Ban offered a reminder.

"I see."

Stone nodded.

"Mr. Catania seems to think highly of you."

Since there was nothing to eat, Xiya's mouth was finally empty.

"Because he thought I was capable enough. Although Corsica was ruthless, he had a serious tendency to violence, and my father thought he lacked flexibility."

Stone put it very subtly.

"As for Talia, being a woman, it's difficult for her to truly shoulder heavy responsibilities within the family, at least that's what her father thinks."

"I am well aware that my current situation is no safer than anyone else's. In addition to the assassins' attempts to kill me, the attitudes of the rest of my family are even more dangerous."

This young man possessed a maturity and composure that belied his appearance.

"In short, if you need any help, I can provide it. I'll have someone gather some intelligence on the Sharp Blade Gang tonight and send it to your Detective Agency tomorrow morning."

He left a message and his contact information, then left with the large, unleashed golden retriever.

"I just suddenly thought of something, which is when you said that the murderer can kill anyone, anytime, anywhere."

Trist watched Stone's departing figure and muttered to himself.

"What's up?"

Lu Ban was puzzled.

"Since he can kill anyone anytime, anywhere, and he is filled with hatred for the Catania Family, why didn't he kill Corneon or other family members after killing Madame Martini?"

Trist raised a point of contention.

"Does this mean that his actions are limited, that he can only appear under certain specific circumstances, and that he will try his best to avoid appearing in public?"

"This means he is someone who can be recognized by others and is easily identified."

"You didn't see his face, did you?"

Trist looked at Lu Ban.

"No, if I had seen it, that would have solved everything."

Lu Ban thought Trist was talking nonsense.

"But what if he doesn't know that you didn't see his face, and that he definitely thinks you're dead?"

Trist stroked his chin.

"If you reappear, will he be terrified and panicked, and thus take emergency measures, such as..."

"Kill me?"

Lu Ban's heart skipped a beat.

Oh no, I've become bait.

*

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