The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 198

Peter was even wiping his eyes as he spoke as if genuinely moved by how Shaun was sacrificing his reputation for the Baxters.

Shaun sighed and patted Peter on the shoulders. "Don't cry. It's enough that you understand. Everyone else will come around sooner or later. If I have to sacrifice my reputation for my father and the Baxters, then so be it.

"Let's head back to Bellington. I'll need to convince Lincoln first. Without his support, seizing power will be challenging."

As a powerful figure in Bellington's underworld, Lincoln commanded a large influence over the area. If he opposed Shaun, Shaun's plan could go awry.

But Shaun felt confident. After all, for the Baxters, Lincoln had agreed to keep Shaun's plot against Nolan under wraps. That alone showed Lincoln understood the bigger picture, and that perhaps he could be persuaded.

After all, Gregory had already endorsed Shaun as head of the Baxters, wanting him to have full control over the family.

…

Meanwhile, Lincoln still had no idea he had been targeted by Shaun. Baxter residence was now nearly deserted, with most of the staff dismissed. It left the place quieter than it had been in years. This stillness, however, brought no comfort.

Sitting in the gazebo, Archie looked out over the empty grounds with only a few guards remaining and sighed.

"Lincoln, can you understand why I made this decision?"

Lincoln was silent for a moment before smiling bitterly. "You have your reasons for your decisions, but I can't pretend it sits well with me. After all, the stakes this time are incredibly high. Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

"At the very least, Gregory will find it difficult to strike us in Bellington. I've also heard something that might give us a fighting chance."

Archie's interest was piqued, and he turned to Lincoln. "What did you hear?"

Lincoln lowered his voice. "It seems like trouble is brewing in Eastland. You've heard of Fang, right? He's one of the newcomers who abruptly rose to prominence in recent years."

Archie nodded. "He's ruthless and rose to prominence fast. They say he's the hotshot with the most potential in Eastern State's underworld. What about him? Is he the cause of the unrest?"

Lincoln nodded. "It has everything to do with him, and with Gregory. Fang's men have attacked nearly half of Gregory's territories in Eastern State. This means he's openly declaring war against Gregory."