The Mafia Empire
Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Dignity

The reason was simple: they demanded a return to the previous high wages and benefits, refusing to bear the costs of the brutal business competition. Within a month, Dorfalk Cement Company, which once held over 65% market share, shut down due to labor issues. The market was devoured, and the once mighty cement king declared bankruptcy.

The enormous market and leftover assets were swiftly swallowed by the crocodiles of the capital market. Dorfalk himself, once so high and mighty, leaped from the top of the Empire State Building, leaving behind a pool of dark blood to mark the end of his brilliant life.

This wasn't just a problem for Dorfalk—it was a problem nearly all capitalists had to face. Workers, supported and manipulated by labor unions, now had the power to stand up to and oppose capitalists. If a labor union felt that a capitalist had harmed the interests of its members, they would organize protests and strikes in retaliation.

If the situation worsened, they might even prevent union members from working at that company's factory, leaving the enterprise without any workers.

But does this mean that labor unions are now on equal footing with capitalists?

Not exactly, because capitalists have money and people.

Money needs no explanation, but "people" refers to those forces that cannot be seen—gang members, or vagrants who are unemployed and idle. These individuals can use threats, intimidation, and even violence to prevent strikes and protests, sometimes going as far as threatening the lives of union leaders to force them into submission. Of course, the most common method is still simply bribery.

Heidler didn't have many people at his disposal. He was under the watchful eyes of the Ordinians, and if he used his own people to do these things, he would certainly be caught. Therefore, he urgently needed someone to become his sharpest knife, someone who could do what he dared not.

The Fellowship Association presented a perfect opportunity. Heidler had money, and he didn't mind spending it. As long as it helped him achieve his goals, no amount of money was too much.

Thus, Heidler was eager to meet Julian and support the development of the Fellowship Association as soon as possible.

The establishment of the Fellowship Association didn't attract much attention. Even if Heidler and Julian met, it wouldn't stir up any controversy. But if the Fellowship Association grew and began attracting attention from certain factions, meeting with Julian later might raise suspicion about Heidler's motives.

So, the next morning, just as Julian stepped out of his dormitory, he saw two men in suits.

"Someone wants to see you. Come with us," one of them said. He had short hair, wore gold rimmed glasses, and his refined suit gave him the air of a successful person. Although he spoke to Julian with a smile and a polite tone, Julian, ever sensitive, noticed the hidden contempt and disdain in the man's eyes. Julian had lived through a decades long dream and had met countless people like this.

Still, Julian wisely didn't show any reaction. The man's clothes and accessories alone were worth more than all of Julian's savings combined. In a society where capital reigned supreme, money was the measure of a person's success and strength. Julian didn't yet meet this standard, and since he hadn't offended anyone like this before, he assumed he was safe.

Nonetheless, he called Graf to join him, and the two of them boarded last year's model of the Xuma, a car with a convertible roof.

The car's interior was spacious. Once the curtains were drawn, the cabin was cut off from the outside world. The refined looking man continued to smile his false smile as he spoke. "My name is Lamas. At Mr. Heidler's request, I've come to take you to meet him." He shook his head slightly and added, "When speaking, don't look directly into Mr.

Heidler's eyes unless he permits it. Don't shout or use vulgar language. When you speak, don't use street slang or curse words."

"Before you speak, think carefully about whether your words are appropriate, whether they clearly express your meaning. Enunciate as much as possible, and avoid using body language. Maintain your dignity."

Julian's outward demeanor remained unchanged, but deep inside, a fire was raging. He turned to Mr. Lamas with the same fake smile and nodded.

Lamas, satisfied, smiled in return, unaware that he had already made an enemy of Julian—a mortal enemy.

Every word Lamas spoke was, in Julian's ears, an insult, a denial of everything he possessed, a malicious slander. Lamas was trampling on his self respect, his dignity, and his pride. His condescending gaze, as if looking at trash, pierced Julian's soul. Julian swore that if given the chance—no, he would make sure of it—he would get his revenge.

But not now.

While Julian simmered with anger and humiliation, Graf, ignorant as ever, listened intently and nodded enthusiastically, filled with excitement.

Graf's case had been resolved thanks to Mr. Heidler's intervention, sparing him from a long prison sentence. He felt deeply grateful to the man he had never met, even thinking of him as the protector of all Guar people. After all, why would such a high status figure help a nobody like him otherwise?

In silence, the Xuma slowly pulled up in front of an estate on the outskirts of Ternell. After exiting the car, Mr. Lamas opened the door for them and gestured toward the main entrance. "Someone will take you to meet Mr. Heidler. I have other matters to attend to.

Farewell."

After taking a few steps, Julian suddenly stopped and turned around. He caught a glimpse of Lamas wiping down the seat where they had sat with a handkerchief, which he then threw to the ground.

Julian took a deep breath, suppressing the sudden surge of anger and humiliation. He didn't realize it yet, but the experiences from his dream were quietly reshaping his worldview and personality.

"What's wrong?" Graf asked, nudging Julian with his elbow. "You don't look so good. Did you stay up too late last night? For heaven's sake, we're about to meet Mr. Heidler—you need to pull yourself together."

Julian couldn't help but respond sarcastically, "So, should I roll up my tail like a stray dog?" The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted saying them.

Graf was stunned for a moment, then shook his head. "Once you meet Mr. Heidler, you'll understand what kind of man he is."

Julian remebred a saying from his dream: "Those with different paths cannot walk together."

He glanced at Graf and said no more. He took a deep breath, straightened his back, and walked into the estate with the posture of a victorious general.

As he gazed at the exquisitely manicured gardens and the well dressed gardeners tending to the green foliage, his thoughts drifted far away.

No one will trample on my dignity and force me to smile in return!

No one!