American variety show: Sniper Elite

Chapter 161 Transfer of the First Power

Jaina nodded slightly and said solemnly, "Come with me to meet a few people. There is one middleman among them whom I must introduce to you."

"A middleman?" Beta raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled. "Is he one of ours?"

“No.” Jaina gently shook her head. “It’s an intermediary who works with us. This person is exceptionally capable, and you must meet him.”

Jaina led Beta through the corridor to the door of the conference room.

As Jaina led Beta into the conference room, castle security guards stood outside the door.

Several representatives from New York had already gathered inside. These people, who were affiliated with the Antonio family, were important figures in the power structure of the American East. They were like business partners in the family, or franchisees, making a living under the Antonio family's protection.

As the mother and son entered the conference room, everyone present rose to greet them. Following the formal announcement last night, everyone understood that the young man before them had been chosen by Jaina as the next successor.

Beta's gaze was drawn to one particularly striking man, who was at least two meters tall, his imposing physique resembling that of a standing tiger. Most striking were the metal strips embedded beneath his facial skin, gleaming under the light.

Jaina gracefully took her seat in the main seat, while Beta sat to her right.

"Welcome, everyone." Jaina looked around at the crowd. "I have come all the way to Antonio Castle during the Christmas season to attend this meeting. All of you here are key representatives and important figures of the Antonio family's influence in the eastern United States."

She paused briefly, then turned her gaze to Beta: "At the same time, this is also an important moment. From today onwards, the affairs of the eastern United States will be officially handed over to my son, Saron Wick."

Beta calmly stood up and nodded slightly to everyone present.

Jaina's gaze swept over everyone present: "Starting from my right, please introduce yourselves briefly. This will be the first step for the heir of the Antonio family to establish contact with you all."

Sitting next to Beta, a woman of about sixty years old gracefully bowed. She had striking blonde hair, obvious signs of cosmetic surgery on her face, and her taut skin gave off an unnatural stiffness.

“Anna Frank.” She smiled and extended her hand to Beta, her nails adorned with an exquisite French manicure. “The current head of the Frank family of New York. Our family is honored to have been entrusted with this important task by the Antonio family, serving as their official representative in the New York underworld.”

Beta shook her hand politely, feeling the slightly cool touch of her fingertips: "The Frank family is well-managed. I noticed this while I was living in New York; the underworld there is indeed more organized than elsewhere."

Mrs. Frank's eyes lit up with pleasure: "It is my honor to have your approval, Mr. Wick."

She nodded slightly, and the diamond earrings on her earlobes swayed gently.

As Mrs. Frank took her seat, the striking two-meter-tall man slowly rose. His imposing figure cast a shadow across the conference table, seemingly darkening the entire room.

“T. Blue.” His voice was deep and resonant: “An independent mediator. Currently, primarily serving the Antonio family, providing comprehensive mediation services.” As he spoke, the metal strip beneath his facial skin moved slightly with the movement of his muscles.

"Wherever the Antonio family is in trouble, that's where I'll be. Whether it's a dispute in the open or a conflict in the shadows, I can find a suitable solution. I have enough connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles to pave the way for the Antonio family."

When Blue spoke, Beta noticed the entire conference room was completely silent; everyone was listening intently. This natural awe confirmed that the giant's words were true; he indeed possessed convincing strength and connections. After Blue took his seat, the next person to rise was an old acquaintance of Beta's. The bald, black receptionist from the Continental Hotel in New York straightened his suit, meticulously buttoned his jacket, and then solemnly began, "I am here on behalf of Mr. Charles Weston, the owner of the Continental Hotel in New York. Due to the special provisions of the Continental Hotel's ownership system, Mr. Weston cannot easily leave the city where the hotel is located, therefore he has specially appointed me as his plenipotentiary representative."

Beta nodded in acknowledgment: "I've known Mr. Weston for a long time, and I'll visit him when I return to New York."

The Black receptionist bowed slightly: "The Continental Hotel in New York is always ready to welcome you, Mr. Wick."

Next to rise was a middle-aged man, whose appearance slightly surprised Beta; he was one of the New York governor's staff members. Beta hadn't expected the Antonio family's influence to be far greater than he had imagined, managing to establish connections with high-ranking state officials.

After her staff finished introducing themselves, Gianna calmly explained to Beta, “We have a long-standing and friendly working relationship with the governor. The state government needs to ensure the stability and order of New York’s underworld, while the Antonio family expects unimpeded access to official matters. This mutually beneficial cooperation model allows both sides to get what they want.”

She gently stroked the armrest of her chair and continued, "In New York, the underground order and the official system have always complemented each other. Our Antonio family happens to play the role of this balancer."

Beta nodded slightly in greeting, and the governor's staff returned the gesture before taking their seats.

The identities of the attendees subsequently became more diverse.

There were gang leaders and financial professionals. They represented various branches of the Antonio family's vast New York business empire, from Wall Street investment banks and insurance companies to high-end hotels and healthcare services.

Beta then truly realized the breadth of the family business.

In New York, the Antonio family has a presence in almost every profitable industry. Some of these businesses are wholly owned by the family, while others are effectively controlled through cross-shareholdings.

Even the most inconspicuous garbage recycling industry in New York City is operated by four seemingly independent companies, all of which ultimately benefit the Antonio family.

Jaina added at the opportune moment: "Remember, true power is not in how much darkness you control, but in how much business you can run in the sunlight."

She looked at her son meaningfully: "These will all be the empires you will inherit in the future."

After all participants had introduced themselves, the meeting moved on to the core agenda.

Gianna placed her hands on the table: "From this day forward, all of the Antonio family's businesses in the eastern United States will be officially transferred to my son, Saron Wick, for full management. I hope that you will all respect him as you would the future head of the family, and give him your unreserved support in all matters."

Jaina turned toward the conference room door and softly called out, "Kathalia."

A beautiful woman of mixed race walked in. Her honey-colored skin glowed under the lights, and her slender figure attracted everyone's attention. When she stood to Jaina's left, everyone present cast inquisitive glances at her.

“At the same time,” Jaina continued, “my son’s partner, Katalia, will return to New York with him. She will be Wick’s right-hand woman, assisting with all matters.”

The expressions on the faces of those present varied, but they quickly regained their composure. Beta noticed that when Katalia appeared, a thoughtful look flashed in the eyes of the giant named T. Blue.

(End of this chapter)