Chapter 273
Todd never expected that Alaric would not be seriously ill. After all, this was the Knight family, and in any case, he was in the wrong. He had expected to find Alaric weak and vulnerable, but that was far from the case.
He tried to smooth things over. “Breaking in was reckless of me, but I really have something important to discuss with you. I’ve made repeated and sincere attempts to meet you, but you keep delaying and refusing to see me. I had no choice but to come directly.”
“Sincere attempts?” Alaric’s voice was laced with disbelief. “With such an arrogant attitude, you dare to claim you’ve made sincere attempts?”
Todd’s smile faltered slightly. “My approach was a bit rough. Mr. Knight, please forgive me. I really have an urgent matter to discuss with you. Since you wouldn’t see me, I had no other option.”
Alaric’s tone turned cold as he stood. “My wife and I are having dinner. No matter how urgent your matter is, you need to wait. Get out!”
Todd’s gaze flicked to Stellan, lingering for just a second. It was the first time he had seen her, and she was every bit as beautiful as the rumors had suggested. Stellan quickly turned away, not wanting to entertain his gaze.
Alaric didn’t miss the way Todd’s eyes lingered on her. “You don’t seem to value your eyes!” he warned sharply.
Todd snapped his gaze back to Alaric, his expression souring. “Mr. Knight, you’re so petty. Mrs. Knight is so beautiful; can’t I take a few more glances?”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Beauty is meant to be appreciated, not sullied by your filthy gaze. If you look at her one more time, I guarantee you won’t see the sun tomorrow.”
Todd chuckled, clearly undeterred. “Oh, Mr. Knight, that sounds terrifying,” he said with a playful smile. “Fine, I won’t look. Mr. and Mrs. Knight, enjoy your meal. I’ll wait in the yard. Mr. Knight, when you are done eating and ready to talk, I’ll come back in.”
With that, Todd left the hall.
As soon as the door shut behind him, Stellan couldn’t help but mutter, “What a scoundrel.”
Alaric let out a long sigh. “That’s just how he is—arrogant and rude. You don’t need to pay him any mind, and I won’t let him get near you.”
Stellan nodded, her eyes flicking toward the yard, where she saw Todd still waiting outside. It was clear that Todd was here for the jewelry company acquisition, and it seemed unlikely he would leave until he had a word with Alaric.
“He’s definitely here about the jewelry company. It looks like he won’t leave until he talks to you,” Stellan remarked.
Alaric picked up a piece of bread and placed it in Stellan’s mouth. “Focus on your meal. I’ll handle Todd. This isn’t something you need to worry about.”
Stellan’s lips pressed into a thin line. She said she wasn’t worried, but how could she not be, especially when dealing with someone like Todd?
Meanwhile, outside, Ambrose had brought Todd to the house but had stayed in the car. He saw Todd storm out of the building and hurried over to him. “Todd, how did it go?” he asked, concern in his voice.
Before Ambrose could finish his sentence, Todd kicked him in the stomach, sending him stumbling back. “You told me Alaric might have a relapse and specifically had me come here to provoke him, hoping he’d deal with me so you could replace me, right?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Ambrose gasped, holding his stomach. “Everything I told you was true. Alaric does have severe aftereffects. Last time, he really…”
“I’m not talking about last time, not this time!” Todd snarled. “You’re just relying on the success of your casino project and don’t want me to succeed, right? You really don’t want me to get that jewelry company, do you?”
Ambrose winced but tried to calm him. “I never thought that. Of course, I hope you can successfully acquire the jewelry company.”
“Really?” Todd’s voice was skeptical.
“Of course,” Ambrose affirmed, nodding.
Todd’s expression softened just slightly. “You’re familiar with Arizona and the people in that family. You have to help me with this jewelry company acquisition. If I don’t get it, you won’t have a good time either.”
“I understand,” Ambrose replied reluctantly. He didn’t want to be part of Todd’s schemes, but he knew he had no choice.
Back inside, Alaric finished his meal with Stellan, savoring the quiet moments. Afterward, he leaned back in his chair and stretched. “Go upstairs. Wait until he leaves before coming down.”
“Be careful,” Stellan warned, her voice full of concern.
Seeing how worried she was, Alaric couldn’t help but tease, “Are you afraid I’ll fight him? If it comes to that, he’s no match for me.”
“Who wants you to fight?” Stellan scolded, her voice sharp. “Don’t you know your own health condition? Don’t be impulsive, understand? Absolutely no impulsiveness.”
Alaric smiled softly and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry. I won’t.” He gestured for her to go upstairs. “Go on now. I’ll handle it.”
Despite her worries, Stellan had no choice but to head upstairs. After she left, the servant allowed Todd back into the house.
Seeing that Stellan was no longer there, Todd smirked. “Mr. Knight, with your warning, I wouldn’t dare look at Mrs. Knight even if she were here. You don’t have to be so cautious.”
Alaric’s gaze was cold as he replied, “Good people don’t need it, but dealing with bad people requires extra caution.”
Todd’s smile faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. “Mr. Knight, that’s a direct insult.”
Alaric smirked. “Mr. Vale, you said you’re a crude person. If I speak too politely, you might not understand.”
Todd’s eyes flashed with anger, but he held it in. “Fine, it’s my fault for barging in rudely. I’ll accept Mr. Knight’s scolding. Let’s get to business.”
Todd cleared his throat and got straight to the point. “Mr. Knight, you know I flew to Arizona specifically because I’m interested in a jewelry company here. I’ve been negotiating for a long time, and now you’ve suddenly intervened. That’s not right. Business should follow the principle of first come, first served, right?”
Alaric raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Vale, that’s not correct. You haven’t signed the final contract. Why can’t I compete with you fairly?”
“In business, there’s no such thing as first come, first served,” Alaric continued bluntly. “If that were the case, I’d have to give up a project to the first person who showed interest, even if they were an idiot.”
Todd scowled. “Alaric, to put it bluntly, I saw it first, and you insist on competing with me. If it were anyone else, I’d have already turned hostile. But since this is Arizona, I’m giving you face. I’ve already given you enough respect. If you still insist on competing with me, then I’ll have to…”
“Have to what?” Alaric interrupted, his voice low and threatening. “Are you going to fight me or threaten me with death? Todd, let me tell you, I’m not easily scared!”