Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 978

In the sterile, white expanse of the hospital room, Gideon lay listlessly on the bed, a stark contrast to the bustling life outside. Tubes and wires snaked around him, making him look more machine than man, his complexion ghostly pale without a hint of color.

Gone was the imposing figure he once was. Now, he seemed to have aged decades overnight, resembling a man on the brink of death rather than the power broker he used to be.

Tarquin sat across from him, his face a mask of indifference. "Misery often follows the detestable," he thought, devoid of sympathy.

At Gideon's age, one would expect him to be surrounded by family, basking in the warmth of his twilight years. Instead, his own hubris had led him to this grim juncture.

"What's your price?" Tarquin asked curtly, cutting to the chase. He knew Gideon wouldn't divulge any information about his parents' murderer without demanding something in return.

Gideon's eyes, full of anger and frustration, met Tarquin's. His breaths were shallow and labored as he struggled to speak, "Pay me a fortune... get me safely out of the country, and I'll tell you... who killed your parents."

It was clear Gideon was beaten. With the Bradford Group now under Tarquin and Alpha's influence, he knew he stood no chance. Broke and indebted, he saw no future for himself here. His demand was simple: a hefty sum to live out his remaining days abroad in comfort.

"If you refuse... you'll never find the killer," Gideon threatened, his voice barely above a whisper.

A smirk briefly crossed Tarquin's face at the thought of Gideon fleeing the country. "How much? When do you want to leave?"

Relieved at Tarquin's apparent agreement, Gideon signaled his associate, who quickly spoke up, "Mr. Tarquin, here's the amount he's asking for. If it's alright with you, please transfer the funds to this account and arrange a private jet for his departure. He wishes to leave today, the sooner, the better."

They were clearly in a hurry, fearing that the police or Alpha would catch up to them before they could escape.