Chapter 2221 Gautier the Assistant and Chiara the Widow!
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On the right side of Chapman Crest Hotel, Astoria Hall stood as a grand banquet hall, a place once used for national feasts.
Many high–ranking officials from various countries had dined here, and even some of the world’s most renowned figures–including multiple presidents–had attended banquets within these luxurious walls. Naturally, dining here came at an astronomical price.
Teddy had never hosted anyone here before. This time was a first.
As the Chamber of Commerce representatives from different regions took their seats, murmurs spread through the crowd. Many began to suspect that Teddy’s re–election bid wasn’t as secure as he made it seem.
If he were truly confident in victory, would he really need to go to such lengths to curry favor?
Normally, anyone who refused to vote for him would simply end up dead–wasn’t that his usual method?
Meanwhile, in a secluded room behind Astoria Hall, Gautier stood alone, seemingly waiting for someone.
Before long, an ethereal beauty quietly slipped into the room. She glanced around cautiously, making sure Gautier was the only one present before approaching him.
“You don’t have to worry, Ms. Lannister. If I’ve invited you here, you can be sure we won’t be disturbed.” Gautier greeted her with a smile.
As Yeringham’s most handsome man, his charm was undeniable—especially when it came to women.
Chiara returned his smile, a side of her that she had never once shown to her late husband, Maxwell. “This is our first time working together, Mr. Verkade, so you can’t blame me for being cautious.”
“Completely understandable.” Gautier’s smile grew even more alluring. “We’ll be working together a lot in the future, in many ways. I’ll make sure to satisfy you–I mean, keep you satisfied.”
His deliberate slip was meant to test her reaction, to see what kind of woman she truly was.
Chiara’s expression remained poised–neither disgusted nor eager–just composed and businesslike. “The task you entrusted to me has been completed.”
“Really?” A look of excitement flashed across Gautier’s face. “Wonderful! Ms. Lannister, your charm is unmatched. I knew this would be easy for you.”
“You flatter me,” Chiara replied with polite modesty.
The two of them conversed like two attractive strangers meeting for the first time–both appreciating the other’s looks while maintaining an air of reserved curiosity.
Even as a widow, Chiara found herself enjoying the feeling of being flirted with by an attractive man.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Lannister. I will make sure those two die. I’ll avenge your husband for you.” Gautier reassured her. It was the very promise he had used to secure her cooperation. But he knew that wasn’t enough. He had studied Chiara and understood her ambitions. Simple revenge wouldn’t satisfy a woman like her–he needed to paint a bigger picture.
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Chapter 2221 Gautier the Assistant and Chiara the Widow!
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So, he continued, “Once I take control, I will ensure that you are honored with a grand wedding procession -ten miles of red silk, the most magnificent celebration. I will make you my bride, and together, we’ll rule
this world.”
“Mr. Verkade, you jest.” Chiara was visibly startled. She hadn’t expected him to be so bold. Her smile wavered, but her words remained modest. “I’m just a widow. I wouldn’t dare dream of such things. All I ask is that you don’t forget me and that you uphold justice for my late husband.”
“I will never forget you. You’re already in my heart.”
With that, Gautier stepped forward and boldly took Chiara’s hand.
Chiara was a skilled fighter–if she wanted to, she could have easily pulled away. But instead, she let him hold it for a few moments, allowing him to flirt before she finally, pretending to be shy, withdrew her hand.
Her lips curled into a cold smirk. “Mr. Verkade, please don’t bully a helpless widow.”
“This isn’t bullying—it’s admiration.” Gautier, of course, saw through her act and played along, his tone full of conviction.
Chiara quickly lowered her gaze and smiled. “This isn’t a safe place to linger. I’ll take my leave now.”
With that, she turned and left.
She knew if she stayed any longer, Gautier would likely push his luck further–and getting caught in such a compromising situation was not an option.
Gautier took a few slow steps forward, still lost in his thoughts. Once Chiara had disappeared from view, he smirked to himself and muttered, “Looks like all women are all the same.”
How useless had Maxwell Zelinsky been? A woman that beautiful–did he never consummate with her?
Shaking off his amusement, Gautier turned and made his way back to Astoria Hall.
Just in time–Teddy had arrived, flanked by Levi and Aora.
“Haha! Colleagues, friends! It’s been a while. How is everyone?”
Teddy’s ever–charming smile was in full effect, his words flowing like a warm breeze. The representatives in attendance had long–standing ties with him, so their response was enthusiastic.
“Eat and drink to your heart’s content!” Teddy lifted his glass. “Here’s to our lasting friendship and ever-. growing prosperity!”
Laughter and toasts filled the hall.
Meanwhile, Aora stood watch behind Teddy, scanning the crowd for anyone who might be foolish enough to refuse a toast–because those who did would soon regret it.
Levi, standing beside him, was doing the same. But soon, Levi felt a light tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Gautier smiling at him.
“Mr. Lestrange, may I ask for a small favor?” Gautier said smoothly.
Levi, always direct, replied, “Of course, just say the word.”
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Chapter 2221 Gautier the Assistant and Chiara the Widow!
“Could we speak privately?”
Gautier led him to a secluded area behind the banquet hall.
“What’s so important that you had to pull me aside?” Levi asked, his tone relaxed.
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He had grown quite fond of Gautier. After all, Teddy had taken him in as an apprentice, and Levi had since regarded him as part of their own inner circle.
“You see, Mackenzie and Emmanuel are also currently here in the hotel…” Gautier hesitated, his expression turning somewhat bashful. “I’m sure you’ve heard before that she used to be my crush. Though she’s our enemy now, I… I still can’t help myself. Every New Year, I’ve always sent her a small gift, just as a token of goodwill. I don’t want this year to be any different…”
He trailed off, then quietly pulled out a small package–a gift that anyone could tell was meant for a lover.
“Gautier, listen…” Levi couldn’t help lecturing Gautier for his behavior. “You can’t be doing this. Mackenzie is Mr. Tanner’s biggest rival. If he finds out you’re doing this… Oh, what am I supposed to do with you?”
“That’s why I’m asking for your help.” Gautier looked at him pleadingly. “Master is probably going to visit their side later to try and win some people over. That’s the perfect chance–please, just slip this gift to her for me. You know Emmanuel Lowe wants me dead. I can’t exactly walk over and hand it to her myself.
“Mr. Lestrange, if you do this for me, I swear–any favor you ever ask of me, I’ll do it, no matter what.”
He put on his best lovesick expression, looking as if he’d die of heartbreak if Levi refused.
Levi sighed, unable to resist the request. He took the package reluctantly. “Fine. Just this once. But don’t do this again.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lestrange!” Gautier beamed, looking genuinely relieved.
As expected, once Teddy had finished entertaining his supporting représentatives, he turned his attention toward Mackenzie’s side of the banquet.
Bringing Levi along, he planned to pay Mackenzie’s party a visit–not just to gauge their situation but to see if he could sway a few representatives to his side before the election.
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