Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

A gentleman is respectful toward everyone, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or social status. Empathy and the ability to put oneself in another's shoes are essential, promoting fair and kind treatment at all times.

The person standing before Stanley Johnston was every bit a gentleman, coming to address actions committed against him. It was understandable; after all, Stanley had tried to kill him multiple times without success.

In this kind of business, everyone has rules they cannot break. Stanley, despite his wealth and ambition to keep growing, understood the consequences of his actions. He always dealt with people courteously, but he realized something had gone wrong when he stopped being a gentleman.

He thought that Vito's help in ending Dante's life would be more than enough to leave no loose ends. After all, they were even employing elite soldiers of the High Order, so there shouldn't have been any issues.

But when Stanley Johnston learned that Dante was alive and that Vito had been killed the previous night, he prepared in advance for a meeting with the man whom even Vito couldn't defeat.

As Dante observed him, Stanley Johnston also studied the man who would likely end his life.

"I respect you, Mr. Stanley, but we both know this will only end one way for you. Do you understand that?" Dante asked after a moment of initial surprises, wanting to confirm that the man understood him.

"I'm open to negotiations," replied Stanley, the once-powerful man now as docile as a trained dog.

"The day is sunny, but winter is coming, and I don't want to kill you. Unlike Vito, I'll give you an out so you can live your remaining years in peace."

"Uh, that sounds good. What are you proposing?" Stanley's bittersweet expression remained unchanged, still exuding the air of a powerful mafia leader.

"I want you to transfer all your businesses to the Sons of Anarchy. I'll take your empire and slowly mold it into mine. Of course, you'll keep this mansion and a few million so you can live out your remaining years without begging," Dante said, knowing that while Stanley was a gentleman, he was no fool.

Killing Stanley wasn't an option because the transfer of his business wasn't something easily controlled, unlike arms trafficking.

If Stanley died, the ants in the colony would go wild, spreading cocaine across the city without control. That's why Dante would leave him in peace, as long as they reached an agreement where Stanley retired from the game.

It wasn't a bad deal for a man standing at death's door.

Hearing Dante's words, Stanley's expression showed regret.

"If you still believe you have a chance, you should think carefully. Right now, the Sons of Anarchy are the High Order's most important allies because if we fall, their sources of armaments will be affected," Dante continued, advising Stanley to make the right decision as the man remained silent.

"Do you have any idea of the empire I've built?"

"Of course. You're a man of great power, but that was in the past. Now, all you have left is to hand everything over to me." As Dante said this, he looked at the man beside him, who stepped forward with some documents.

"These are my vaults..." Stanley murmured, realizing that the vaults once protected by the High Order would now be transferred to the Sons of Anarchy.

He had lost the war, after all.

"Once you sign all the documents, you'll be out of any business. Be thankful I didn't kill you; there was no need for that," Dante said as he stood up after Stanley signed the papers.

Afterward, Dante planned to install cameras in all the places Stanley frequented. He would assign a team to monitor him 24/7.

Additionally, just in case, he would implant a GPS tracker in Stanley's body.

If Stanley decided to break the gentleman's agreement, Dante would kill him.

But that wasn't his main priority.

...

Once outside the mansion, Eddie, who had been waiting, approached and asked seriously, "Don't you really want to buy the mansion?"

"We both know you like this business, Eddie. You've got a venture in your hands that can take you to the top if you seize the opportunities that will come to you gradually," Dante replied, seeing that this man had the talent to go far.

"Well, you're the only one who sees that in me."

"Keep your brother out of the business; it's not a good influence for him. You've got talent, trust yourself more, and I'm sure you'll reach a point in your life where you'll thank me for getting you into this big business."

Dante's words made Eddie smile, though he knew he'd never thank Dante for forcing him into a business he wanted to shield his family from.

"Well, I hope to see you soon."

As Eddie walked away, Dante turned to the man beside him and said, "If he betrays me or even thinks of it, take him out."