After the operation, Evelyn immediately led each member of her clan to Deeps Island. Despite the passing time, Evelyn rarely slept, her entire focus dedicated to establishing the Davis Headquarters in the safest location imaginable. Aware that they could be attacked at any moment, Evelyn ensured that their new base remained untraceable, hidden from the world's prying eyes. She called upon her forces and her sources, orchestrating a meticulous defense strategy.
As everything began to settle into place, Evelyn still couldn't find peace. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of her family. She kept herself relentlessly busy, refusing to give herself a moment to dwell on her emotions. She couldn't afford to cry or waste her tears until she found the real culprit behind her family's demise. Each day was a battle against grief and anger, but Evelyn remained resolute, driven by the need for justice and the protection of her clan.
"You are waiting for someone, Evelyn?" Antonio walked to Evelyn in the Hall and asked expectantly, his footsteps echoing softly in the grandeur of the hall.
"Hmm," Evelyn replied, her voice barely more than a whisper, her eyes fixed on a distant point.
"May I know?" He politely asked, his tone gentle, filled with genuine concern.
"My friend."
"Archie Valc?"
"... Yes."
"Since last month, I was actually expecting him to come. Strangely he didn't." Antonio's brow furrowed in concern, his gaze searching Evelyn's face for any hint of distress.
"I stopped him. I didn't want him to come when we were in the middle of such danger." Evelyn's voice was soft but resolute, her eyes finally meeting Antonio's.
"But now I believe I can call upon him. I need him."
Antonio's expression softened, understanding the weight of Evelyn's decision.
"And we need you, Evelyn." Antonio's voice was filled with sincerity, his eyes conveying the depth of his trust in her.
Evelyn turned to Antonio. She understood what he meant. She knew how much he trusted her. After Archie, Evelyn could trust her life to Antonio. He was not just the most trusted person to her dad but also the uncle with whom she grew up. She always looked up to him. The bond between them was unbreakable, a beacon of trust and mutual respect amidst the chaos of their world.
They were still in the middle of their discussion when a group of men, with ages ranging from middle-aged to elderly, walked into the hall, their footsteps echoing with purpose. Antonio and Evelyn turned to them, their expressions filled with suspicion and anticipation, awaiting an explanation for such an unexpected intrusion. The air seemed to thicken with tension as the men approached.
"Evelyn, what are you going to decide now?" George Wills asked.
"The Deeps Island is unknown to anyone in our clan or to outsiders. We'll stay there for the time being until we regain our footing," Evelyn said.
"What do you mean? Now you want us to hide as well?" George retorted.
"After what we did, there's a chance they might strike again. I can't risk the safety of our people," Evelyn stated firmly.
"And who are you to decide that?" George pressed.
"If you can recommend a better option, then please, Mr. Wills, do so," Evelyn responded calmly.
"So, you think you're capable of being the Mistress of our clan? Do you think you can lead us?"
Evelyn remained silent, her expression steady.
"See... She can't even answer the simplest question. How can we trust her to lead?" George sneered.
The room fell into an uneasy silence. Antonio scanned the faces around him. Some were contemplating George's words, while others seemed uncertain, their faith in Evelyn yet unproven.
Antonio sighed deeply and spoke up. "Because when no one else dared to take the throne, when no one else dared to take the responsibility to protect us, Evelyn stepped forward. She not only protected us but also fought the enemy and earned victory. It's been four weeks since Master's death, and still no one from any clan has come after us because of her. That night, she didn't just protect us or avenge our clan; she made sure every Mafia clan knew that the Davis family still stands firm and powerful, even in the worst situation."
Evelyn looked at Antonio with gratitude. Although she never desired the throne, she wanted to protect her clan for her father and brother.
"Antonio is right. Evelyn led a crucial and dangerous operation to victory," Brian Skeetar agreed.
"Moreover, she has always taken care of our Operation Intelligence Unit. Her hacking skills are unmatched. How could we not trust her?" Garry, one of the men, added in support.
"Being the heiress, she is the only one who can lead us," another chimed in.
"And she has proved herself worthy of this throne," concluded another voice from the crowd.
Evelyn stood tall, her resolve strengthening with each endorsement. She might not have sought this role, but she was determined to fulfill it for the sake of her clan.