Chapter 674 Cruel Conditions
The sedan cruised back towards Whitaker Villa.
Halfway there, Alaric's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his face turning serious.
Cecilia noticed it wasn't just any call.
Alaric answered, "Mr. Hotchner."
So, it was Gideon.
Cecilia stayed quiet next to Alaric, but inside, she felt a wave of anxiety. Gideon calling Alaric couldn't be good.
After a brief chat with Gideon, Alaric hung up and said, "Gideon's in Serenovia City and wants to meet now."
"Now?" Cecilia frowned.
"I'll drop you off first," Alaric replied.
"Will you be in danger?" Cecilia asked.
"No," Alaric said confidently. "If he wanted to harm me, he wouldn't do it in Serenovia City. It's not his turf."
"Is there something going on between you and Gideon?" Cecilia asked, sensing something.
"Back in Astralton City, I helped the Monroe family a lot. To gain their trust, I genuinely assisted them. Naturally, this made Gideon suspicious. Even though I fed him information regularly, he's cautious and doesn't fully trust me," Alaric explained.
"So, he's calling you to make you choose sides?" Cecilia guessed.
"Probably," Alaric said. "Don't worry. Gideon won't harm me now. Whether I'm with the Monroe family or the Hotchner family, he won't harm me."
"I was thinking about the past..." Cecilia hesitated.
Alaric looked surprised. "What past?"
"Nothing," Cecilia smiled, changing the subject. She was just wondering if, in a past life, Alaric had really outmaneuvered Dominic. After all, if he could navigate between two powerful families, dealing with Dominic shouldn't be too hard.
The sedan pulled up at Whitaker Villa. Alaric escorted Cecilia to her room, then left with Augustus.
He headed to the spot Gideon had specified, dodging surveillance points to reach Gideon's private hideout. The place was so hidden that Alaric wouldn't have found it without guidance.
He walked into Gideon's study. Gideon was painting, his face unreadable.
Alaric stayed calm and greeted, "Mr. Hotchner."
Gideon put down his brush, picked up a handkerchief, wiped his hands, and said, "Sit."
Alaric took a seat. A servant brought him a cup of fine coffee. Alaric took a sip.
Gideon seemed casual, but he was testing Alaric. If Alaric hesitated to drink the coffee, it would mean he was wary of Gideon, suggesting he might have already betrayed him. Of course, drinking it without hesitation didn't necessarily prove loyalty. Some things could be faked.
Gideon took a sip of his own coffee and said, "This place is known only to a few people I trust completely—no one else knows about it. If there's any danger, this place will be my refuge.""I've lived in Serenovia City for 27 years and had no clue about this hidden spot. This place is definitely secure," Alaric commented, playing dumb to Gideon's hint.
Gideon gave a faint smile. Alaric was sharper than he thought.
"Alaric, I'm telling you this to show you that I trust you," Gideon said directly.
Alaric knew better. Gideon wouldn't show trust without a reason; there had to be more to it. He decided to play along and see where this was going.
"Mr. Hotchner, you can count on me. I'm absolutely loyal to you," Alaric said respectfully.
"Of course I trust you, but..." Gideon paused, eyeing Alaric. "What I don't trust is the Monroe family."
"Mr. Hotchner, please, speak your mind," Alaric replied.
"Tomas has gotten this far because he's capable. The people he picks are also capable, like you and Dominic. Even though Dominic lost to you, I had my eye on him. If you hadn't shown up, he would've done well. But let's cut to the chase. If I can make you loyal to me, Tomas can do the same," Gideon remarked.
Alaric looked at Gideon. The guy was clever, turning his distrust into Alaric's problem. This way, Alaric wouldn't feel too defensive and could accept it without straining their relationship.
"Alaric, I have high hopes for you," Gideon continued when Alaric didn't respond.
Alaric stayed silent. Anything he said now could be seen as defending Tomas. Silence was his best move.
"I have an idea," Gideon said, his tone serious.
Alaric knew this was the real reason for the meeting. Gideon wouldn't have called him over just to talk about trust and loyalty. Big players never relied on words alone.
"While you're in Astralton City, I can't control what Tomas might do to you. But if I have someone important to you here, I can make sure Tomas can't use them against you," Gideon said slowly.
Alaric's expression shifted. "If you're worried about me being influenced by the Monroe family, I can leave Astralton City," he said, meaning, "Don't drag the people around me into this."
Gideon shook his head. "No, your presence in Astralton City is beneficial to me."
"Mr. Hotchner, I always thought you were a man of principle," Alaric said.
"I am," Gideon replied, "As long as you're loyal to me, I'll give you everything you want."
"If you choose to rely on me, don't have any doubts. I hope you remember that," Alaric said.
"I get it, but there are too many things in this world that don't follow principles," Gideon stated firmly. "Alaric, let's not beat around the bush. You're smart enough to get it, so I'll be clear: while you're in Astralton City, I'll be taking Cecilia away."
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