The Royal Contract

He could see several eyes wandering in their direction, but he still did not see any reason to be alarmed. As far as everyone knew, they were just two old friends trying to catch up.

He continued with his meal, enjoying the delicious taste of his medium-rare steak, watching his boss process what he had just told him.

“Did he tell you anything about what the couple knew about our group?” Gerald asked, wanting to be sure that they covered all their tracks.

He could not take any risk that someone else knew about his identity, not until he had fully gained the trust of his entire organization.

While there were still some doubts about his leadership, he could not afford a hiccup that could complicate his situation. More would possibly question his leadership and cost him his position if he made a wrong move at this point.

“He said that the couple had no idea of our existence.” Mike confidently stated, believing Samson to be telling him the truth. “I think he is not lying about this.”

.....

He was a good judge of character since he was trained by the best. Based on his assessment, Samson had no reason to lie to them. But he had more reason to protect himself and his family by admitting everything he knew.

“Then, all he had to do now will be to point in the right direction.” Gerald reminded Mike about the plan as he chewed on his steak, appreciating what money and power could buy. “What about Nick?”

He needed someone to take the fall for this. If Nick agreed to be the fall guy, the case would be quickly closed. Then, further investigation would not be necessary.

With Samson as the state witness, it would solidify the case against Nick, making solving the crime easy to get a verdict. With that, Nick would rot in jail. While he would be scot-free.

Mike placed down his cutlery and drank his wine. “I think he will be our biggest problem.” Shaking his head disappointedly. He was doubtful that Nick would agree to the plan. “He is still hesitating to accept our offer.”

He looked around the place, checking if someone else might be interested in their conversation, secretly eavesdropping. But the other patrons seemed to be minding their own business.

“What do you think are Nick’s plans?” He could already see that it would be a problem in the long run if Nick decided to save his own skin.

His mind began calculating the different scenarios that might happen if Nick decided to betray their organization. He had to determine the implication of such action against his reign.

At the moment, it did not look good from his standpoint. If that was the case, he believed he might have no choice but to implement his plan B.

“He is still counting on his army of lawyers to get him out of the bind through some technicality. But do not worry, I am working on sabotaging his plans.” Mike assured his boss that he had it under control.

It paid that he had made many connections from the years he had worked in this business. It had been valuable that many owed him a favor. That included most of the lawyers working for Nick.

“Well, I know I can count on you.” Gerald picked up his wine and sipped almost half of it, using the time to devise a plan against Nick that might be able to help Mike speed up the process.

Not that he did not trust Mike to do his job well, he just needed an assurance that if he failed, there was always a backup to finish the job.

“What about the job that your colleague offered to you?” Mike raised his brow, believing there was more to this than meets the eye. “Are you planning on taking it?”

Legally, there was nothing that should stop him from taking the case. It was a good case, and the Hamilton and Blackstone families would surely pay a handsome fee.

He could not see any issues with that. Besides, it was a perfect opportunity for him to be on top of the situation. Unless, of course, his boss was hiding something.

“I am still thinking about it?” Gerald simply replied, not elaborating on his answer.

He had no reason to explain his position on the issue to his man, even if he was his friend or former colleague. Still, he was his boss, and he should respect his privacy.

“But rumors are circulating about your obsession with the princess.” Mike had to tell him about the current talks he had heard on the grapevine. It was his obligation as his subordinate and as his friend.

He heard that the other leaders were concerned about the possible implication if he kept pursuing this interest in the Hamilton heiress.

“Where did you hear that?” Now, his curiosity increased by this new revelation. But his face remained expressionless as he waited for him to answer.

He might be his friend, but he was still a part of his secret organization. Still, he was cautious when he revealed his secrets to anyone, even him.

Besides, he had been careful not to show his intentions to anyone. Yes, he had been friendly with Dani in public, but nothing that would indicate he was interested in her.

Therefore, he wondered how the rumors came to life. Someone close to him might have noticed something, but who would betray him and spread such information.

“Well, one person might have whispered it to my ears, but it may also mean that it is already known among our peers,” Mike revealed.

It meant it might have already gone viral in the entire organization. People who had a vested interest in ruining their boss might already have capitalized on this.

Well, rumors did have a way of spreading like wildfire.