The Royal Contract

Chapter 898: A means to an end

A few minutes after the meeting, they entered one of the underground clubs he owned. The organization ran several clubs that catered to their different illegitimate businesses.

Of course, he could not put it on his name. That would put a question on his reputation. After all, it was not an establishment that many would accept as a fair and honorable trade.

“Good evening, Sir. Your table is already waiting for you.” The hostess at the front guided them to his designated table when he came to visit this place.

Girls dressed in sexy costumes to almost naked circulated the room, either serving drinks or entertaining their patrons, including wealthy entrepreneurs, successful executives, powerful politicians, royalties, and members of the elite society.

It was one of the high-end clubs that only catered to the ones with money to spend. Aside from the bar, the club offered other activities behind the scenes but only for the selected patrons who could afford it.

“Bring us some drinks,” Gerald instructed as the woman clapped his hand to signal the bartender to prepare his order. They did not wait long as the server immediately brought them some drinks.

“So, how serious are you with Haley?” Mike was direct to the point as they sat at a secluded part of the club. “Are you in love with her?”

.....

He had to know if his friend had fallen to the charms of his so-called girlfriend. And if he had any intention of marrying her. Rumors of their growing affair had been circulating, and it was becoming alarming.

“No. I am not in love with her. But I am serious about our relationship.” Gerald admitted to his friend. “I need her at my side if I will continue with my plans.”

At least, that was what he wanted to believe. He did not do love. He had never loved anyone except for his mother. He could not even say that he had loved his fathers, the one who raised him and the one who gave life to him.

Therefore, love was not part of the equation. At this point, he needed Haley in his plans, especially her father. So far, she fitted perfectly in his life. If he would choose a wife, she might be it.

“Then, what is your plan? What are you not telling me?” Mike was still pissed, but he liked to hear what he had to say. He needed a reason for his friend’s actions.

He had known that Gerald did not do things without considering everything first. He did not do things impulsively. He must be up to something big.

“You already heard that they offered me the Governor’s position.” Gerald opened up to his friend. “Haley’s father wishes to back me up to the position.”

“Are you planning to accept it?” Mike asked, considering the implications of him sitting in the position.

He could already think of several pros and cons of his friend accepting a political title. However, it would also create complications in the group. The group might see it as advantageous, but some might take it differently.

“I am still thinking about it.” Gerald had not yet decided on it, still weighing his options.

“How does Haley fit in it?” Mike had to consider all the angles, including the woman who always stood by his side. She could be an asset to them, but she could also become a liability in the very end.

“If I do run for Governor, I would need to marry her. She would look great at my side.” That was one of his plans.

“You understand that your continuous relationship with her had put her life at risk. Are you sure you don’t mind her becoming collateral damage?” Mike reminded him, pointing out the obvious in their line of work.

“Why would it bother me? As I said, I need her, but I do not love her.” He reiterated, not wanting Mike to think he was emotionally involved with Haley.

“Excuse me, Sir.” One of his security came closer to him and whispered something.

“Bring him over,” Gerald responded to the bulky man in a black suit. “Don Lorenzo is here and would like to join us.” He informed Mike of their new guest.

Don Lorenzo was one of his father’s biggest supporters. He also helped Gerald obtain his position today. So, he owed him a load of gratitude that he intended to pay in time.

“Gerald, I hope I was not intruding.” Don smiled at them as he took a sit opposite him. “I was in the neighborhood and thought of dropping by.”

“You are always welcome to visit any of my clubs.” Gerald welcomed him, offering him drinks. “You know my friend, Mike.”

Gerald snapped his fingers in the air, and a server immediately came to his side. He whispered something to her ears, instructing her to do something for him.

“Of course, he had helped me in some of my old cases.” Don raised his glass to Mike, thanking him. Then, he lit a cigarette and puffed up a few clouds of smoke before making himself comfortable.

Then, four ladies in their sexy costumes joined them at their table.

Two of the ladies sat on either side of their new guest, one on Mike’s side while the other sat on Gerald’s lap, linking her hands around his shoulders.

Gerald knew he had to keep up with his appearances. He had to eliminate Mike’s suspicion that he was in love with Haley because he was not. It was just a political move, a power play on his part.

He grabbed the woman by her neck and guided her to his lips, showing his friend that Haley meant nothing to him.

“Oh, and who are you?” Don asked the woman, pulling her to his lap as he nuzzled his nose on her neck.

“I am whoever you want me to be for the night.” The girl answered him, putting her fingers along his jawline seductively.

“I like the sound of that,” Don answered her. Then, he shifted his attention back to Gerald. “I heard you are running for office. Is that true?”

“If it is true, would you support my candidacy?” Gerald knew that word traveled fast, so he was not surprised if many had already heard about it.

“Of course! I will. I think that is a good idea.” Don agreed with him. “What about the daughter of Alfred Rosley? What is she to you?” He looked at him, studying his reaction.

“She is a means to an end.” He candidly answered as he continued to play with the girl on his lap to make his point.

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