Chapter 175
He ordered Vernon to repeat every word of the recent conversation between the two, leaving nothing out.
When Vernon mentioned that Celestine had asked, “What if he’s already married?” Gideon’s gray eyes narrowed, half–closed in thought.
This was the second time today he’d heard Celestine bring up the idea that he might be married.
What exactly was going through her mind? Was she just imagining things–or had she misunderstood something?
Gideon’s lips curled into a sudden, inexplicable smile.
Vernon, already nervous, nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight.
This is it, he thought, panic rising. Have I been too honest? Is this how I get silenced? After all, none of Miss Selwyn’s words sounded remotely like she had any feelings for the young master.
“That’s enough, I’ve heard enough,” Gideon said at last, leaning back in his chair and abruptly shifting the topic. “Where are we with the Fordham family project?”
Relieved to return to familiar territory, Vernon exhaled quietly. “Sir, the Fordhams are currently negotiating a partnership with Luminance Shipworks. The contract should be finalized soon.”
“Luminance?” Gideon’s gaze sharpened. “That’s the branch my aunt’s husband oversees, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Good. Call my aunt in a bit–tell her her favorite nephew misses her.”
Gideon’s tone was utterly flat
Yet hearing such words from him sent a chill straight down Vernon’s spine.
Here we go, he thought. The young master is about to start playing his games again.
Recently, the Fordham family had been pouring resources into a new maritime shipping investment.
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Chapter 175
Once their deal with Luminance Shipworks went through, the costs of running their luxury cruise liners would be at least halved.
Alistair Fordham was paying close attention to this project. Almost every day, he had Harrison Fordham check on its progress.
They were on the verge of signing the official contract.
That morning, Harrison burst into the study, utterly disheveled and looking twenty years older. “Sir, bad news–the deal with Luminance has been snatched out from under us.”
“What?” Alistair slammed his cane against the floor. “Does Luminance really think I’m some washed–up old man? Decades ago, they didn’t even have a foothold in Portside City! And now they dare break their word?”
He was fuming. This was the project he’d put the most heart into since his recovery, and now they’d been played for fools.
Harrison pressed a hand to his forehead. “They’re working with the Prescott Group instead–it’s their in–laws.”
Alistair went rigid. In his mind’s eye, he saw a pair of cold, gray eyes.
That boy!
He’d already had people look into what Gideon had been up to in Portside City these past few days. After hearing about the rooftop restaurant incident, everything suddenly made sense–Gideon’s hostility wasn’t so inexplicable after all. “Idiot! Utter fool! Do those two things on your face work for anything besides breathing? You just believe whatever you hear, no trust in your own wife! How is this family supposed to have any peace?”
He hurled his teacup, shattering it at Chester’s knees.
Chester knelt, back ramrod straight, lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re right, Grandfather. I accept your reprimand.”
“Ha! I’ve lectured you a thousand times, and nothing ever gets through! Do you have any idea how much revenue this lost project will cost us? Will you ever let me rest easy? You used to be the child I worried for the least–do you remember that?”
Alistair was so enraged he could barely catch his breath. The people around him hurried over in concern.
He waved them away and pulled a pill from his pocket, swallowing it dry.
Chapter 175
For the first time, Chester’s stoic expression cracked. “Grandfather…”
When he was younger, Chester had never been the favored child of the Fordham family. But Alistair had always been his idol, his guiding star–unyielding, decisive, always out of reach. It was Alistair who saw potential in him, who fought against all opposition to lift him up. Even now, sitting in this position, it still didn’t feel quite real.
“If you want this old man to live a few more years, stop dragging me into these messes. And cut it out with that little actress! No more entanglements, you hear me?”
