Chapter 526: The Choice Is Still Yours, Son.

"Were you talking about the Secret Society?"

A brief silence settled over the living room as the two men held each other’s gaze.

Tommy’s brows rose ever so slightly. "You’ve heard of it?"

"It’s already known in the underworld," Lucian replied knowingly, which didn’t surprise Tommy.

Rumors had circulated through the underworld for years—a legend no one had ever been able to confirm. Still, people continued to whisper about it.

Lucian drew a deep breath. "Years ago, I met someone who claimed the Secret Society was real. He never told me outright that he was a member, but his demeanor suggested that he probably was."

Of course, Lucian hadn’t fully believed him.

People controlling the world from behind the scenes? It sounded like the plot of a novel. Still, Lucian hadn’t completely dismissed the possibility of its existence.

After all, where there was smoke, there was fire.

"Something happened a few months ago that reminded me of him," Lucian continued. "When I collapsed because of my condition, someone left crucial information on Raka’s doorstep. That information saved my life."

Without it, Lucian believed he would have succumbed to the poison that had been slowly killing him.

He and Ashley rarely talked about it, but he was certain it still crossed her mind. It just so happened that the stranger’s actions had helped them, so they had no reason to believe it was the work of an enemy.

"It might sound strange, but he was the first person who came to mind," Lucian remarked. "After all, that man told me he would return the favor someday. Besides, I’ve always felt as though someone was watching me from afar."

Tommy let out a chuckle. "If this person truly belongs to that organization, I wouldn’t be surprised."

"Hmm?"

"I don’t know much about the Secret Society aside from the fact that it exists and wields unimaginable power," Tommy explained. "Its members could bring a country to ruin with a single order—or make it prosper. They have people everywhere. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to assume that some world leaders are members."

Even as he spoke about it, he knew how fantastical it sounded.

"And if this Memphis person is trying to gain access to it, then he has gotten several things wrong," Tommy continued. "One of them is believing that I can get him through their doors."

Lucian leaned back. "I doubt he’ll believe you if you tell him otherwise. Speaking of which... have you told Madam Liza about the possibility?"

"No, not yet." Tommy shook his head. "But don’t worry. I’ll talk to her about it. Actually, I came down here because there’s something I want to discuss with you."

Lucian said nothing and waited for him to continue.

"More than half of Dominion has become legitimate, hasn’t it?" Tommy began.

"Yes," Lucian nodded. "At this pace, it might take another full year before the entirety of Dominion becomes legitimate."

Thanks to the legal investments Lucian had made over the years, much of their money now flowed through legitimate channels. After all, Dominion’s funds had originally come from their illegal dealings.

Lucian’s efforts to transform those illegal businesses and funds into legitimate ones hadn’t gone to waste.

"I’ll help you," Tommy offered, watching as his son-in-law raised his brows. "As long as Dominion remains part of the underworld, things are bound to get ugly."

He paused, looking Lucian straight in the eye.

"I still have contacts who owe me favors. They could help hasten the process." Tommy offered him a faint smile. "It might not be enough to make up for everything I should’ve done for my daughter, but it’s a start."

The process of making Dominion entirely legitimate had taken so long because there was no easy way around the law. Despite Lucian’s connections, it was a delicate process that required patience. He also needed to stay away from any major conflict in the underworld.

"By the end of the year, Dominion will be a legitimate company," Tommy declared with certainty. "But before that happens, Lucian, I have a question for you."

Tommy’s expression darkened.

"I don’t like this Memphis person, and my instincts tell me he’ll never allow Dominion to leave the underworld."

Lucian remained silent, but deep down, he shared the same sentiment.

Memphis hadn’t been a threat until recently. Moreover, Marshal’s confession about Memphis’s plan was deeply concerning.

According to Marshal, Memphis intended to take control of Dominion’s forces to build a larger and more powerful organization. Marshal had agreed to help him because Memphis promised him a place in this alliance of powerful criminal organizations.

Since Tinie, one of High Chamber’s elite soldiers, had joined Memphis, it wouldn’t be surprising if other members of Dominion had already jumped ship.

Amid Lucian’s thoughts, Tommy’s voice pulled him back to the present.

"My question is... do you still believe Dominion is yours?"

Another wave of silence fell between them as Lucian’s brows rose. Tommy, meanwhile, carefully studied his expression.

"If someone in such a high-ranking position managed to infiltrate Dominion and persuade one of your strongest soldiers to pull the trigger on me, how many others have already sided with him?" Tommy asked.

He leaned forward and rested his arms on his thighs, keeping his eyes fixed on Lucian.

"How much control do you truly have left over Dominion?"

Lucian didn’t answer.

Of course, the same question had been troubling him. He had asked himself this over and over again during the past few days. But hearing it from Tommy filled him with a strange sense of urgency.

"Son, you are a smart man—one I truly respect," Tommy remarked. "You’re also the man my daughter chose. I don’t want to overstep merely because I discovered that Ashley is my daughter, but... is the part of Dominion you have yet to legitimize still worth holding on to?"

He sighed and pushed himself to his feet.

"Whatever you decide, I’ll support you and help you in every way this old man can. That includes helping you obtain the necessary documents and approvals you need... or helping you walk away from all of it right now."

Tommy offered him a wry smile. "The choice is still yours, son."