Chapter 476 Tacit Understanding and Suspicion
Elmer just shrugged, got up, and strolled out, tossing back, "You're making it too simple. Thinking you can just strong-arm Brady like that? Not even close."
Ethan frowned, watching Elmer's back. "What are you gonna do?"
"You started it, so I'm gonna stir the pot. No fun if the fireworks don't go off," Elmer said, vanishing from sight.
"Brady, you think you can just skate by? How long you think you can keep this up?" Ethan sneered, leaving the council chamber and heading to the courtyard out back.
Chloe being pregnant with twins was the hot gossip. Even Camila was stoked about getting two new siblings.
As soon as Ethan hit the courtyard, he heard Chloe and the others laughing. Jessie was soaking up the sun with Camila on the lawn. When she saw Ethan, Camila bolted over.
"Daddy, this place is awesome!" Camila jumped into Ethan's arms, her face lit up with excitement.
She'd been out cold when they arrived, and waking up in this cozy courtyard had her buzzing with curiosity.
"You like it here, Camila? This was my home too," Ethan said, picking her up and giving her nose a playful tap.
"I love it! Can we stay here forever?" Camila nodded eagerly, eyes full of hope.
"Well, we'll head back to Novaria in a few days, but we'll visit often. If you want, we can build a big house in Novaria too. How's that sound?" Ethan smiled, though a bit wryly. The Wilson family had teachers and schools here, but he wasn't planning on staying in this remote spot forever. If he could, he'd get the whole Wilson clan out of here.
"Everything sorted?" Jessie asked, noticing Ethan's good mood.
"Yeah, I set a trap for Brady. Should spring the day after tomorrow. Might get some unexpected results," Ethan nodded, a cold edge to his smile.
Jessie looked confused. Ethan leaned in and whispered, "If Zephyr finds out Brady messed him up, ruining his shot at Celestia Vale, what do you think he'll do?"
"Are you serious?" Jessie was shocked. She couldn't wrap her head around why Brady would pull something like that.
"Of course not. But I'm gonna make it look real," Ethan chuckled, waving to Trevor in the distance.
"What's up?" Trevor walked over, looking puzzled.
"You were right yesterday. I need this. Can you do me a favor?" Ethan said, tossing the Token of the Gods back to Trevor.
"What are you planning?" Trevor asked, even more puzzled.
Ethan quickly laid out his plan to swap Zephyr's spot, making Trevor frown.
"Isn't this against the rules? Raymond didn't give you that token for this," Trevor said, clearly not on board with Ethan's scheme.
"They'll go for it. I want this to be airtight. Just get my message to Celestia Vale," Ethan said, not bothering to explain more. Those Celestia Vale folks were sticklers for rules.
"Go on," Jessie nodded to Trevor.
Trevor had no choice but to pocket the token and head out of the Shadow Gang.
"Where's Elmer?" Jessie asked once Trevor was gone.
"He knows I set a trap for Brady, so he's pitching in. Sure, he's got a thing for being all mysterious and rocking that creepy mask, but he's not that bad," Ethan said, pouting.
"You two are getting along pretty well. That's good," Jessie chuckled.
"Yeah, it makes things smoother. He gets what to do without me spelling it out. But if I can't be sure of his loyalty, should I always be on edge?" Ethan asked, noncommittal.
"You don't trust him?" Jessie raised an eyebrow.
"It's not about trust. For now, our goals line up," Ethan shook his head, struggling to explain his dynamic with Elmer.
He always felt Elmer was hiding something, which made him wary. Sometimes, gut feelings weren't just random.
Jessie went quiet, a mix of emotions flashing in her eyes.
About an hour later, Ethan heard some commotion from the council chamber. He said goodbye to Jessie, Chloe, and the others before heading out.
When he saw Elmer again in the council chamber, he noticed a bit of blood on him, a sign he'd just been in a fight.
"Did you pull out the nails?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"Yanked out three, just to warm him up," Elmer said calmly, sitting down.
"Sounds like you left at least one," Ethan grinned.
"If I didn't, how could we put on a good show? What's the plan for the day after tomorrow? A straight-up showdown?" Elmer asked bluntly.
"Depends on how much Brady can take. If he holds out, I don't mind wiping his council from the Wilson family," Ethan squinted and sneered.
"Honestly, your style is nothing like your dad's," Elmer stared at Ethan for a few seconds, then laughed.
"You knew my dad well?" Ethan asked, playing it cool.
"Not really. Just saying your styles are different. If he were handling this, he'd probably take it slow," Elmer shrugged indifferently.
"But you're the impatient type," Ethan reminded.
"Yeah, I am. Can't help it; I've been pushed into it. I don't want to wait anymore," Elmer sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness and melancholy.
Just then, Eli walked in, covered in blood, his face cold and stern.
"Is it done?" Elmer asked calmly.
"Like you said, it's been delivered to the council's doorstep," Eli nodded.
"Good. Go change and keep an eye on things. Let me know if anything comes up," Elmer nodded, satisfied.
"Got it," Eli replied, glanced at Ethan, and then left the council chamber.
"We think alike," Ethan suddenly laughed.
"Isn't that what you wanted? I hope that after the succession ceremony the day after tomorrow, the Shadow Gang won't be just me," Elmer shook his head and smiled wryly.
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