Chapter 423
After I spilled the beans, Declan frowned. "That's just low. Business competition should be fair, but this kind of dirty play is too much! I know a guy who deals with this stuff. Let me give him a call."
Declan pulled out his phone and dialed. "Yancy, it's Declan. Marry needs a favor. Cool, I'll leave it to you."
After hanging up, Declan said, "It's handled. But remember, competition is normal, just don't stoop to dirty tricks."
I replied, "Yeah, got it."
Declan nodded. "About the taxi association, I can make a call, but it might not help much."
He made the call, and after a bit, his face soured. "These guys are unbelievable!"
I asked, "What's up, Declan?"
"Nothing," he shook his head, "John, I can't help with the taxi association. They won't listen to me."
"Declan, you've done so much already. I really appreciate it."
"Even if I can't do much, I can tell you what's going on."
I listened closely.
Declan continued, "The taxi association is in chaos. The old president retired, and now the two vice presidents are fighting for control. Someone's promised to back one of them with resources."
I asked, "Is it about money?"
"Not exactly. This association isn't official, more like a grassroots thing, so my influence doesn't reach there."
"So, I should back one of them?"
"Exactly. If the other guy wins, future cooperation will be tough. You don't have much choice."
I nodded. "Thanks for the advice, Declan."
Declan smiled. "But the guy without support is tough to deal with."
"I'll figure something out." With Declan's help, I'd look useless if I couldn't handle it.
"Come on, let's wash up and get ready for dinner," Alondra said, setting the table. "I learned some new recipes!"
"Really?" I smiled, feeling appreciated.
After dinner, Declan said, "John, don't leave tonight. Alondra's got the guest room ready. Stay over."
I had a few drinks and felt tipsy. "Alright, thanks for the hospitality."
"We're family, no need for formalities." Alondra smiled.
Alondra and Declan went for a walk. In the study, Edward poured me some tea and sighed. "John, I talked to her like you said."
I asked, "What did she say?"
"She said she doesn't have feelings for me." Edward lit a cigar, looking down. "Am I not good enough? Even with Marry, I wasn't this hung up."
After a few more drinks, Edward got reckless. "Sometimes I just want to force her. I don't think she'd call the cops!"
I was shocked, breaking into a cold sweat. "Edward, don't even think about it. There's no going back from that. You know what kind of person Lauren is. She's been divorced for so long, and she's still not close to anyone. She's strong-willed. What if she can't take it and does something drastic?"
Edward looked horrified by his own words. "I was just talking, I’d never actually do something that awful!"
I thought, 'Who knows what you might do if you get drunk and lose control. Better safe than sorry. No, I need to warn Lauren. She should never be alone with him. It's too risky.'
"Take it slow, man. Even if you get Lauren, what's the point if she doesn't love you back?" I advised.
Edward smoked in silence. "Am I not sincere enough?"
"Do you really know Lauren? Do you know what she likes? What her interests are?"
Edward looked stunned. "I want to know, but she won't tell me."
"That's the problem. If you don't know anything about her, how can you make her like you? Even if you're sincere, it's like talking to a wall, right?"
"Yeah, you're right!" Edward nodded. "The problem is with me. Got any ideas?"
"I think Marry can help. Women talk more easily with each other. Plus, Marry's a vice president now and Lauren's boss. With your families being close, Marry can subtly gather info for you. What do you think?"
"Right!" Edward slapped his thigh. "Why didn't I think of that? I'm such an idiot! I'll call Marry in."
Soon Marry came in, and Edward explained. Marry looked puzzled. "Edward, she really has no feelings for you. Stop trying."
Edward looked annoyed. "Do you want to help me or not? You can't just watch me end up alone, can you?"
"Alright, " Marry said helplessly, "But I can't promise it'll work."
Edward grinned. "Just you saying that is enough!"
We chatted in the study for half an hour, then I went back to the guest room. Clean clothes were neatly laid out on the bed.
"I bought these according to your size. See if you like them," Marry said, blushing slightly.
"I'll take a shower first," I whispered in her ear, making her blush even more. She said, "You wish! I'm not keeping my door open tonight!"
After the shower, I felt a rush of heat, thinking about being with Marry later made me excited. I really hoped Edward and the others would sleep early so I could do what I wanted.
It wasn't until eleven o'clock that it quieted down outside. Just as I was about to sneak into Marry's room, Lauren called, "I miss you, I really want you, I want to have sex with you right now, come over!"
I said, "Is it urgent? I'm not available right now!"
"Hurry, I'm at the Sizzling Nights Bar, you must come quickly." Before she could finish, the call was cut off.
A wave of apprehension washed over me. Knocking on Marry's door, she said shyly, "Are you trying to make sure my parents know you came to my room?"
But I had no time to think about anything else. "Marry, I have something urgent. I have to leave. Please apologize to your parents for me. I won't be back tonight!" After that, I hurriedly left.
"Are you in a hurry?" Marry followed me downstairs, still wearing thin pajamas.
"Yes, I'm in a hurry. Go back, we'll talk about it tomorrow."
"Drive my car!" Marry handed me the car keys. I was stunned, and took the keys. "I'll leave now!"
Driving her car, I sped off. After about ten minutes, the car stopped at the Sizzling Nights Bar. This was one of the most popular bars in Sevan City, but also the most chaotic place.
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