Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 371

"I think we need to be careful," Franklin Ford mused after a moment of consideration. "If we offend Julius Blackwood and side with the wrong person, you know exactly what he's capable of. We might end up with nothing but ruin. Let's verify things first. I heard Edmund Eames's kids attended the Blackwood family's Autumn Gala last night. Let me call him and ask."

"Alright, call him quickly."

Franklin's caution was justified; getting multiple perspectives was always the smart play. Julius might be young, but he had the background and ruthlessness to destroy them. If they could avoid crossing him, they absolutely should.

Franklin pulled out his phone and made the call.

"Edmund, how have you been?"

"Franklin! I'm doing quite well," Edmund replied cheerfully. "My wife and I are actually traveling right now. What made you think to call?"

"You really know how to live it up. With such a capable son, you can afford to be hands-off," Franklin exchanged a few pleasantries before cutting to the chase. "I just wanted to ask you a quick question, if you have a minute."

"Of course, ask away."

"I heard your son and daughter were at the Blackwood Manor for the Autumn Gala last night. Did they mention anything interesting when they got back?"

Edmund chuckled. "My son didn't say much—you know how he is, never one to gossip with us. But my youngest, Cecilia, had plenty to say. We FaceTimed after she got home, and she said she had a wonderful time. She even won two prizes at the games and promised to give one to me and one to my wife when we get back. She seemed absolutely thrilled. Why do you ask, Franklin?"

"Oh, no particular reason. Just curious," Franklin asked, feeling a bit awkward. "Did your daughter happen to mention getting completely covered in mosquito bites while she was there?"

"Mosquito bites? I didn't hear a word about that. Plus, I just got my hands on the new MateXT, the tri-fold screen, you know? The camera is so crisp you can see pores. I didn't see a single blemish on Cecilia's face. Besides, considering the standard of the Blackwood family's events, there's no way they'd neglect basic pest control. Julius isn't exactly a careless host."

Edmund couldn't resist bragging about his new tech while casually singing Julius's praises. After all, his daughter adored the young Mrs. Blackwood and talked about her non-stop.

But thinking it over, it was just a phone call. As long as he kept his tone polite and didn't sound accusatory, what harm could it do?

"You're right," Byron finally conceded. "I'll call him and see what he says."

He pulled out his phone and dialed Julius's number.

Julius answered immediately, already well aware of why Byron was calling.

"Mr. Jeter," he greeted, not even bothering to offer a warm pleasantry.

"Julius, since when did we become so formal?" Byron forced a chuckle. "Anyway, I just wanted to ask... Yvonne came home last night covered in severe mosquito bites. Do you happen to know what happened?"