Chapter 477: Invitation

Li Mochen opened the door and found Alyssa, who had traveled thousands of miles to Los Angeles only yesterday, standing at the entrance. She handed him a gilded invitation.

"What's this?"

Li Mochen took the invitation and opened it, then frowned deeply: "The Purple Lily Charity Ball? The Purple Lily Charity Foundation?"

He asked with slight confusion: "Alyssa, do you think I should attend such an occasion?"

—especially with a match the day after tomorrow.

"I think you'd better not miss this one, and you'll need to prepare at least thirty million golden shields."

Alyssa said in a very serious tone: "This should be the initiation ceremony prepared for you by the high-ranking members of the Freemasons."

"She's right!"

At that moment, the space around the window beside them suddenly twisted. Anthony, clad in a gold-and-red magical armor, stepped out of the distorted space.

Li Mochen's lips twitched slightly at the sight, thinking that the security of this Hilton Hotel was still quite problematic.

Of course, this set of Light Demon No. 8 was indeed very powerful. It was asking too much for a five-star hotel to stop a powerful demigod who wielded divine authority.

"This charity ball is indeed specially prepared for you. And the Purple Lily Charity Foundation has always been the Freemasons' money bag."

As Anthony spoke, his armor receded layer by layer.

"Networking under the guise of charity, even eating, drinking, and having fun—these are favorite pastimes of many Freemason politicians. But this time, A Mo, you'll have to bleed a bit. Thirty million is too little; one hundred fifty million golden shields is a suitable figure. They'll hold a brief auction during the intermission."

Li Mochen frowned: "But why in Los Angeles?"

This wasn't his turf. He had looked into the Freemasons; their members usually joined at school or in their ancestral hometown.

For prestigious families like the Wiltons, their scions could typically secure a mid-level management position in a lodge.

"Because the President just happens to be inspecting Los Angeles, and you happen to be here too."

Anthony smiled: "Surprised, A Mo? Someone like you, who can take a position in the Grand Lodge right after joining, appears no more than three times a year. Usually, only the first heir of a supreme family is fortunate enough to enter the Grand Lodge directly. I was lucky back then to receive such treatment."

Li Mochen showed little joy; he had already understood: "It's Ms. Christie Brad, isn't it? Is this compensation for me?"

"The President has clearly realized his mistake. This is his gesture to you and to Conshuri. I think he won't intervene in your next war."

Seeing that Li Mochen showed no excitement, Anthony shook his head with a smile: "It seems you still don't get it, A Mo. The Freemasons have sixteen million members, covering the political and business circles of America. The resources a Grand Lodge officer can command are far beyond your imagination. To give the simplest example, in the upcoming Georgia election, you can influence the primary results of both the Conservative Party and the Civic Party through the Freemasons, strengthening your influence over Georgia's political scene. You need to know that due to the power of this organization, the vast majority of Freemason members remain loyal to it and seriously consider the opinions of the higher-ups."

"Besides that, there's financial power. The wealth controlled by the Freemasons through various funds and charitable organizations amounts to twenty trillion. Part of it is within your influence, which can make many politicians indebted to you. This kind of seemingly clean money is far more welcome than political donations from tycoons."

"And this time, that guy Lawrence Rockefeller fought hard for you. I won't reveal your specific position in advance; let's keep it a surprise."

As he spoke, he laughed and put his arm around Li Mochen's shoulder, pushing him toward the door: "But now, we need to get you and your assistant a decent outfit. This look of yours won't do, A Mo."

...

Meanwhile, in the Money Wing building in Manhattan, a gray-robed man wearing a mask silently entered Michelle Medici's office.

Along the way, Michelle's numerous bodyguards, assistants, and secretaries were completely unaware of his presence.

"I told you, don't show up at my workplace."

Michelle continued handling his business without even looking up: "My place is under 24-hour surveillance by the FBI. Don't you think I have enough trouble? If there's a next time, our contract can be terminated."

"I tried to contact you, but you turned a deaf ear to our request."

The gray-robed man sat down unceremoniously across from Michelle: "We need you to mediate the war between us and your son-in-law."

"Wow, incredible. I never thought I'd hear such words from a madman."

Michelle Medici looked up with a smile: "I warned you not to provoke him. Andre holds power in his hands that you can't afford to mess with. But you ignored my advice. So how's it going now?"

"Michelle, I took your warning seriously, but I can't make decisions alone within the Dragon Witch Cult."

The gray-robed man spoke without emotion: "The Dragon Witch Cult is not afraid of this war with him, but our plan is about to begin, and we can't afford any distractions."

"I don't think it will have any impact."

Michelle put down his pen and folded his arms across his chest: "Yarad, honesty won't hurt. I think you must know his situation now? The first heir of the Wiltons, his power has increased again, and I am very satisfied. I heard that half a month ago, you two had a demigod-level fight, right? Did you test the mettle of that Blood-Eyed Angel?"

The gray-robed man stared at him for a moment, then looked away: "Your son-in-law is also crazy. His indiscriminate strikes have made our local supporters very angry. Michelle, it was you who gave him the intelligence, wasn't it?"

"Me?"

Michelle gave a scornful laugh: "Groundless accusations! The one providing him with intelligence is the Light Demon Information Company under Light Demon Industries. Besides, the Wiltons' intelligence capabilities are among the top in America."

He waved his hand, looking impatient: "Enough with the unnecessary talk. I can help mediate, but as the loser, you must pay the price. You have to compensate for his losses, and that Blacktooth Clement—"

At the mention of that name, the gray-robed man's pupils contracted slightly.

"You must hand over that person."

Michelle said without any emotion: "I know his character. If he can't avenge his subordinates, A Mo won't easily end this war."