Chapter 439
The man pondered this for a moment before a sly smile crept across his lips. “I remember Lydia mentioning that Bryan is particularly fond of a woman. Find her. Let’s use her as a test subject. It might just give Lydia the leverage she needs to expedite our plans and bring my son into the spotlight.”
The butler hesitated, uncertain. “Sir, Bryan is not someone to be underestimated. If we take his woman, he may react unpredictably.”
“React? How? Are you scared?” The man chuckled dismissively and clapped the butler on the shoulder with force. “We’re on my island, where I’m the law. Even with my notoriety as a top drug lord, global powers hesitate to touch me. Why would I fear an ordinary man?”
Laughing heartily, he radiated an air of supremacy. “I’ve never seen you afraid of anyone. I’ll meet Bryan myself if needed.”
Meanwhile, Eileen had been postponing a dinner with Roderick due to his unresolved marital situation with Denise.
However, when Roderick repeatedly invited her, Eileen finally agreed. They scheduled to meet at a chic restaurant close to the Freguson Group headquarters.
Aware of Eileen’s high social standing, Roderick took a day off from his food delivery job and invested in an upscale outfit, hoping not to make Eileen feel uncomfortable. Despite his efforts, he seemed slightly out of place in his new attire.
Eileen arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early. She spotted Roderick pulling up on his scooter and rushing toward the entrance. She waved to catch his attention.
“Eileen, have you been waiting long?” Roderick asked, slightly out of breath as he approached.
“Just arrived,” Eileen responded, her eyes briefly scanning his new outfit. She felt a mix of relief and sadness, seeing how hard he was trying.
Part of the reason Eileen had been hesitant about meeting Roderick was her unease over keeping Gabriela’s existence from him. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Roderick, but he was so closely tied to Judie, who had cleared his debts. That made him potentially more susceptible to Judie’s influence. If Roderick knew about Gabriela, there was a risk he might inform Judie, who had previously betrayed Eileen.
To mitigate any risks, Eileen had chosen to withhold the information.
“You’ve really made something of yourself, Eileen,” Roderick remarked sincerely, his voice low to avoid drawing attention. “Judie mentioned you’re now the general manager. That’s quite impressive.”
As Roderick continued talking animatedly, Eileen observed him quietly. She noticed fresh scars crisscrossing his hands—remnants of frostbite from a harsh winter that had lingered into the warmer months.
“This place is too fancy,” Roderick muttered, his eyes darting between the menu items and their steep prices. “I said this one was on me.”
Noticing the financial strain, Eileen intervened gently, “You don’t have to pay when you’re with me, Roderick. Just enjoy the meal. Here, let’s try these,” she suggested, pointing out some of the restaurant’s specialties without considering the cost.