Chapter 691 Francis's Apology
After lunch, Gideon invited Harry to have coffee and chat in the lounge.
Cecilia was also there, occasionally chiming in.
The atmosphere was good, with no awkwardness or any noticeable tension.
At that moment, Gideon's phone rang.
Gideon glanced at it and said, "I need to take this call. Cecilia, can you keep Harry company for me?"
Cecilia's eyes flickered.
She knew Gideon's intention, deliberately giving her some alone time to talk to Harry about a deal that even Gideon couldn't close.
Gideon was truly cunning.
As soon as Gideon left, only Cecilia and Francis were left in the lounge, along with Augustus.
The three of them remained calm.
They all knew there were cameras in the room.
Cecilia suddenly stood up.
Francis looked at her.
"Harry, if you don't mind, could you accompany me for a walk outside? Since I got pregnant, sitting for too long makes my back ache. And the doctor told me that moderate exercise is good for the baby," Cecilia invited.
Francis nodded, "Of course, it would be my pleasure."
Cecilia smiled slightly.
She walked ahead, and Francis followed behind.
They walked one after the other to a quiet courtyard in the Hotchner Mansion.
There were also cameras in the courtyard, but they were farther away, and the sound was too low to be heard.
At this moment, in a small pavilion, Gideon was holding a glass of red wine, looking meaningfully at Cecilia and Francis in the courtyard.
"What are you doing here?" Francis asked in a low voice.
"Alaric sent me here," Cecilia replied.
Francis was somewhat surprised.
Cecilia had guessed that Alaric wouldn't tell Francis many things.
"How did you get involved with Gideon?"
"I have to socialize. With such a large fortune, being too low-key would attract more attention. So I make occasional appearances, and once, Gideon noticed me. Gideon wants to win over the wealthy but doesn't dare to go too far. The four major families in Serenovia City are too ostentatious, and the Monroe family is already watching him, so he doesn't dare to act rashly. He set his sights on my wealth, but Alaric doesn't want me to get too deeply involved with him, so I keep a certain distance."
"Got it," Cecilia responded, understanding the background. She asked, "Do you know the real reason Gideon called you here today?"
"What?" Francis also knew it wouldn't be simple.
"He wants to buy your island for $20 million," Cecilia said bluntly.
Francis laughed sarcastically, "He's really dreaming."
"The condition is, if I can help him close the deal, he will guarantee my safety. In other words, as long as Gideon is alive, I won't die if Alaric can't protect me."
Francis's face turned grim.
"Don't feel bad. I understand the mission you all bear. I don't want to be a sinner to the Royal Family of Whitaker either."
"I'm sorry," Francis apologized.
Cecilia was slightly stunned.
"I didn't expect Alaric to really use you as a bargaining chip."
"I said, I understand."
"But can you accept it emotionally?"
Cecilia's throat moved slightly.
"I don't want you to hate Alaric. He's really in a difficult position."
"Okay," Cecilia didn't want to say more.
She understood Alaric.
But she didn't want to truly understand him.
A bit of resentment made her stronger.
"Let's not dwell on it. Alaric and I will handle our issues. The focus now is on how to make Gideon believe you will sell the island without suspicion," Cecilia frowned.
Francis nodded. He wasn't someone who let emotions cloud his judgment.
Cecilia actually felt somewhat lucky.
At least it was Francis she encountered. With anyone else, such harsh conditions would be impossible to meet.
They walked a bit further, both feeling heavy-hearted.
Cecilia said, "Let's go back. If we stay out too long, Gideon will get suspicious."
"Alright."
They returned to the lounge together.
Gideon saw them come back and naturally sat in the lounge waiting for them.
"I came back and you were gone. Where did you go?" Gideon asked casually.
"Took Harry for a walk in the courtyard to enjoy the scenery."
"Harry, did you like the scenery?" Gideon asked.
"The Hotchner Mansion has beautiful scenery," Harry complimented.
"But it's nothing compared to your island," Gideon said bluntly.
Francis's face changed slightly. He said, "Gideon, we've known each other for years. You know, I put a lot of effort into acquiring that island. Don't get any ideas."
Gideon's eyes flickered as he looked at Cecilia.
Cecilia nodded, "The deal failed."
Gideon smiled.
It was hard to read his expression, but it seemed expected.
"I was just joking with Cecilia. Didn't think she'd take it seriously," Gideon said, brushing off the topic, "Have a seat."
Francis sat down.
Cecilia deliberately yawned and said, "Mr. Hotchner, Harry, it's getting late. I'll go rest and not disturb your conversation."
Gideon nodded.
Cecilia left.
She knew Gideon would definitely come to her alone.
Sure enough, ten minutes later, Gideon walked into her courtyard.
By then, Cecilia had changed into her pajamas, her hair flowing naturally.
She lay lazily on a recliner, looking relaxed.
She seemed no different from usual.
But at that moment, Gideon was momentarily stunned.
He felt Cecilia looked like a cat, seductive and alluring.
"Mr. Hotchner?" Cecilia called him.
Gideon snapped out of it.
His face turned slightly red.
But it seemed like an illusion.
He controlled his suddenly racing heart and said, "Are you giving up just like that?"
"Harry thought I was joking," Cecilia said sarcastically, "I also think I'm ridiculous."
"Are you angry?" Gideon asked.
He was surprised at himself for asking.
Did he care about Cecilia's feelings?
"I wouldn't dare," Cecilia said coldly, "Since we made a deal, I'll accept everything that happens, including many inequalities."
Gideon suddenly fell silent.
Cecilia thought he would at least mock her.
They stared at each other in silence.
Gideon suddenly said, "Get some rest."
He turned to leave.
"Mr. Hotchner," Cecilia called him.
Gideon turned back. "Have Harry stay for dinner. I'll think of another way."
Gideon frowned slightly.
Cecilia hadn't given up?
He thought he had hurt her pride this time. "Alright," Gideon said coldly, "I'll give you one more chance!"
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