Chapter 640 Trouble (2) Beautiful women are the root of all evil

Alaric just stood there, eyes locked on Tomas, not saying a word.

"You've been in the State Office long enough, and you're smart. You must've figured out that Dominic was working for me, especially since he was married to Lyra," Tomas said straight up.

"Yeah," Alaric admitted, not holding back.

Tomas went on, "Now that Dominic's gone, I need someone to take his place. And since his death is tied to you, it makes sense for you to step in."

"I'm honored," Alaric quickly responded.

"Let's skip the chit-chat. Are you in or not?" Tomas asked, sounding a bit impatient.

Alaric hesitated.

Tomas waited a few seconds, then got more serious. "I don't have time for indecision."

"I'm just wondering if I can meet your expectations. I might not be up to the task," Alaric said.

"Don't doubt yourself! I don't pick people who can't handle it," Tomas shot back, clearly not willing to admit he might've made a mistake with Dominic.

Dominic had skills, sure, but he wasn't quite on Alaric's level. Still, Alaric didn't agree right away.

"What's on your mind?" Tomas asked, sensing Alaric's hesitation.

"I need to talk it over with my wife," Alaric said honestly.

Tomas laughed, a bit mockingly. "Alaric, some decisions you have to make on your own. Don't let a woman hold you back."

Alaric didn't argue, but he didn't agree either.

"You know what bugs me about you?" Tomas asked.

"Tell me," Alaric replied.

"You put too much stock in emotions, especially romantic ones," Tomas said sharply. "I've been watching you. You're smart, capable, and wise. You've done great in Harborvale; you're a rare talent. But if you want to move up, you need to cut some emotional ties."

Alaric stayed quiet.

"Go home and think about it," Tomas said, showing he wasn't desperate for Alaric's answer.

"Okay," Alaric agreed.

"But remember," Tomas added, "if you want to climb higher, you need to weigh things carefully. Women don't see the big picture like men do. If you listen to her, you'll ruin your future. Women like a comfortable life."

Alaric didn't respond.

"If I were you, I wouldn't even tell my wife about this. You don't want her to hold you back or worry. As a man, you have responsibilities," Tomas continued.

"One last thing, the people I choose either become my subordinates or they're useless," Tomas said coldly. "I don't leave loose ends."

Alaric met Tomas's gaze.

The threat was clear.

Tomas seemed pleased with Alaric's reaction. "Think it over carefully."

"No need to think," Alaric suddenly said.

Tomas smiled.

"Choosing you is an honor. I'll follow you wholeheartedly!" Alaric declared."You're the right choice!" Tomas said, looking pleased. "Alaric, you'll see soon enough that you made the right call today."

"Thanks for trusting me," Alaric replied.

"In a month, I'll move you from Serenovia City to Astralton City. You'll be working right by my side," Tomas said. "Get ready."

"Got it," Alaric responded.

"Go back and get things in order," Tomas added.

With that, Alaric left, his bodyguards trailing behind. The office door clicked shut behind him.

Tomas's sinister smile lingered in the room.

From behind a partition, Lyra stepped out.

She walked over to Tomas, her tone a bit sycophantic. "Dad, you're the best. When I went to Cecilia, she shut me down right away! It still ticks me off."

"To get big things done, you have to deal with men. Alaric, since he doesn't want just a cushy life, clearly has bigger dreams. He couldn't say no," Tomas said confidently, like he knew this would happen all along.

"But he was really hesitant just now. If you hadn't pushed him, he might've backed out. You don't know how much he likes Cecilia. If she says no, he'd definitely back out!" Lyra pointed out.

"You've been with me for years; how can you still not read people?" Tomas said, a bit exasperated but still gentle with Lyra. "Do you think Alaric kept stalling because he really needed Cecilia's opinion? He was just testing how serious I was about him. Someone like me approaching him, he'd naturally be cautious."

"Got it! No wonder he agreed so quickly just now!" Lyra said, finally understanding.

"Alaric is very capable," Tomas said coldly. "Used right, he's a great asset; used wrong, he could be a nightmare."

"Since he's your subordinate now, he'll definitely be used well," Lyra assured.

Tomas nodded, confident.

In everything, he was naturally superior to the Hotchner family.

Lyra sneered, and Tomas gave her a curious look.

She grinned slyly, "Cecilia always brags about her perfect relationship with Alaric. I can't wait to see if he'll choose power and status over her!"

Tomas looked indifferent. "If you want to see that, I can make it happen."

"Thanks, Dad." Lyra was thrilled.

She never felt grateful to Cecilia.

The way Cecilia made her lose Dominic and her child, she would pay back tenfold!

Meanwhile, Alaric sat in his car, looking a bit grim.

He hesitated for a moment and then called Gideon.

"Tomas met with me tonight," he said straight up.

"Did you agree?" Gideon asked.

"Yeah," Alaric replied.

"Did he suspect anything?" Gideon pressed.

"Probably not," Alaric responded.

"Good," Gideon said shortly, "Stay in touch."

"Got it," Alaric said.

After hanging up, Alaric sighed heavily.

He had always wanted this day to come sooner, not just to end this situation but also to get revenge. Yet now that the moment had finally arrived, he found himself grappling with some concerns.

Indeed, beautiful women were the root of trouble!

Deserted Wife Strikes Back
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