Editing Edward McHaggis (section)

=== The Great Breakup ===
On November 8, 2024, the Big Four assembled for a meeting, the atmosphere thick with tension. Edward opened the discussion by reporting the recent ambush on Billy and Jeff. But instead of solidarity, Alexa used the opportunity to question Edward’s competence, pointing to his declining power and lack of control.

The accusation enraged Edward. He lashed out, accusing Alexa of consistently undermining him and lacking faith in his leadership. Billy, fed up with Alexa’s cold demeanor, joined in. The two men argued with Alexa until Jim finally cut through the noise, urging calm. But the damage had already been done. The meeting adjourned with all four leaving bitter and fractured. The alliance was cracking.

Later that afternoon, Edward visited Jim at [[Videogeddon Arcade|his arcade in La Mesa]]. Over drinks and low lighting, Edward vented about Alexa, Claymore’s fall, and the general decay in their business ties. Jim listened, offering calm words and reassurance. He reminded Edward that Alexa likely just wanted to avoid another Bay Rebels situation. Edward nodded—but internally, he wasn’t convinced.

That evening, things took a darker turn. While on his way to a construction site in the Grand Senora Desert, Billy was approached by Aiden and Caroline. They laid bare a story of betrayal: they had been sent on a mission by Claymore but were ambushed and left for dead. Aiden claimed he called for backup—and Edward never responded. Aiden survived, but the experience left him feeling abandoned. Hearing their grievances firsthand and recalling all the growing issues within Claymore, Billy’s sympathy shifted. That same night, he called an emergency meeting of the Big Four.

The gathering was explosive. Billy was furious. He accused Edward of mistreating his staff and letting greed override their founding principles. He didn’t spare Alexa either, blaming her for growing distant and letting wealth corrupt what was once built on trust. With a slam of his hand on the table, Billy stood up and walked out. Edward followed. Despite Billy’s anger over Claymore’s collapse, Edward saw the alliance as unbearable. But before leaving, he turned back to Alexa and spat one final insult: calling her a bitch. Jim, ever the bridge between chaos and calm, stood as well. He saw no point in pretending the alliance could be salvaged—but remained on good terms with everyone as he quietly exited. Alexa, the last at the table, looked around the empty room. And then, she too left. The Big Four was no more.