Chapter 539 Astralton City (3) Persuasion
Gideon and Nicole were having dinner at this gorgeous restaurant.
They were all lovey-dovey, making the place feel super cozy.
Cecilia noticed Gideon's wine glass was empty and leaned in to pour him some more.
"Thanks," Gideon said, being all polite.
When he said thanks, he wasn't just throwing it out there; he looked at her with respect, his voice all soft.
Cecilia laughed. "No problem, enjoy."
After she finished pouring, Cecilia stepped back, giving them some space.
Gideon turned his attention away from Cecilia.
Right then, the sweet sound of piano music filled the room.
Gideon got up and offered his hand to Nicole for a dance.
They swayed gently in the romantic restaurant.
Cecilia stood off to the side, watching their sweet moment.
She'd read some gossip about how Gideon and Nicole had a great relationship. Even though Nicole was now a diplomat, her family was pretty average. People often called their love story a Cinderella tale.
Given Gideon's status, many thought Nicole was out of his league.
Cecilia used to think, like most people, that they were together because they really loved each other. Now, it seemed their feelings were real, but it might also be a strategy by the Hotchner family. Basically, to make everyone think the Hotchner family had no big ambitions. If they did, Gideon would definitely marry someone of equal status.
Like Lyra from the Monroe family, if she got married, it would be to a big shot.
Cecilia was lost in thought when she saw them finish their dance.
Nicole whispered something to Gideon before leaving the restaurant, probably heading to the restroom. Gideon then calmly went back to his seat.
He picked up his knife and fork, cutting his steak with elegance.
Cecilia stepped forward to refill his wine glass.
"Ms. Lockhart, why don't you sit down and we can chat?" Gideon suddenly suggested.
Cecilia's hand shook.
She spilled some wine on the table.
"Sorry about that." Cecilia apologized.
"It's fine." Gideon looked up at her. "Having you serve me for an evening is quite an honor, Ms. Lockhart."
Cecilia laughed.
She truly didn't know when Gideon had recognized her, but she didn't feel embarrassed.
After all, her main goal was to talk to Gideon. Any way to get there was fine.
"Sit." Gideon pointed to the seat Nicole had just left. "She's gone."
Cecilia was surprised.
She hadn't expected Gideon to send Nicole away so directly.
"There are some things I think you'd rather discuss with me alone," Gideon said bluntly.
Cecilia didn't beat around the bush either.
She sat across from Gideon and said, "Hi, Mr. Hotchner. I'm Cecilia, the heir to the Lockhart Group and Alaric's wife. I came to see you today because I need your help."
"Go ahead." Gideon smiled, looking all humble.
Of course, Cecilia knew not to take him lightly and that he wouldn't give her much time.
She got straight to the point. "Alaric was framed and imprisoned. I believe you know who's behind it. I have proof of Alaric's innocence and hope you can help get justice for him."
Gideon put down his knife and fork.
He wiped his mouth gently and said, "The Yakurosean Empire is a country of law and order, everything is fair and just. Since you have evidence, why do you need me to get justice?"
"The evidence I have only clears Alaric's name; it doesn't nail the real culprit. But if you dig deeper into the case, you could catch the mastermind."
"You're talking about Dominic," Gideon said.
Cecilia was a bit taken aback.
Then she pulled herself together. "Looks like you know quite a bit about this case."
"Just killing some time, so I took a look," Gideon replied.
"Yeah, it's Dominic," Cecilia confirmed.
Gideon said, "Dominic is now the son-in-law of the Monroe family, which means he's part of the Monroe family," Gideon said, looking at Cecilia. "If I go after Dominic now, it means I'm going up against the Monroe family. Ms. Lockhart, you should know that the two major noble families in the Yakurosean Empire have coexisted peacefully for a century. Are you trying to stir up trouble between us?"
Cecilia pressed her lips together.
She knew it wouldn't be easy to convince him.
Gideon continued. "I feel for your situation. But there are many things I can't control."
With that, Gideon stood up, ready to leave.
The fact that he gave Cecilia a chance and directly refused her was already the most he could do.
Beyond that, he was powerless.
"Mr. Hotchner, what if I said I could force you to preside over this trial?" Cecilia called out to him.
Gideon's brow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I can use public opinion to push you into presiding over this trial. It won't make the Monroe family think you're deliberately intervening, and it won't cause conflict between you and the Monroe family," Cecilia said confidently.
"How can you do that?" Gideon was a bit curious.
Cecilia explained. "In the first trial of this case, I will have the lawyer accuse Dominic. Whether there's evidence or not, Dominic will be implicated. Once he's implicated, all forces related to the Monroe family will automatically avoid suspicion. At that point, public opinion will push the Hotchner family to preside over the case, and you are the most suitable person in the Hotchner family."
Gideon asked, "If you can do that, why come to me alone?"
"You can choose to delve deeper or not." Cecilia laid it out clearly. "I hope you will delve deeper."
"Delving deeper means going against the Monroe family, doesn't it?" Gideon asked.
Cecilia said, "I believe you are a man of integrity."
"Ms. Lockhart, if you were in my position, you would know that there are many things I can't control." Gideon refused thoroughly.
Cecilia was somewhat at a loss for words.
Gideon said, "Ms. Lockhart, I admire you, and even Alaric. But I'm sorry, I can't help you with this."
"To the Hotchner family, isn't this an opportunity?" she said.
Gideon's eyes narrowed.
"The Monroe family has been arrogant for so many years, and the Hotchner family just lets them be?" Cecilia said, "Now the Hotchner family can stop the Monroe family's tyranny in the fairest way. Isn't this the best way for the Hotchner family to establish its authority?"
Gideon fell silent, as if contemplating something.
Cecilia continued. "Dominic may not be a great talent, but he is still much stronger than the average person. The Kingsley family's assets are not much, but they still surpass ninety percent of the people in the Yakurosean Empire. And now the Monroe family is using Dominic and the Kingsley family to monopolize the economic market. Now it's Alaric, next will be the Whitaker family, then our Lockhart family and the Everhart family. Eventually, all four major families in the Yakurosean Empire will be under the Monroe family's control."
Gideon looked at Cecilia.
Cecilia spoke each word clearly, "Are you just going to stand by and watch the Monroe family's power grow to the point where they can control everything?"