The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 117

The extravagant VIP dining room dripped with opulence, practically glowing with wealth.

It was a highly exclusive club; having money wasn't enough to secure a reservation here.

Alistair stood in the quiet hallway outside the room, gazing out the window at the endless stream of city traffic below as he spoke on the phone.

The private dining rooms were situated on the top floor of the club.

A light rain had begun to fall over Seaport City, and stray droplets traced delicate paths down the massive floor-to-ceiling glass.

Alistair stood completely still, the heavy oak doors perfectly isolating him from the noise inside.

"I don't think so..."

Through the speaker, the girl's voice was muffled and heavy with a nasal congestion, making her sound incredibly docile.

Alistair lowered his gaze, watching the glittering cityscape. "Do you really not know if you're sick or not?"

She sounded utterly exhausted, stripped of all her usual vibrant energy.

"I'll just... take some medicine later. You're being so mean to me..." Celia murmured softly, a subtle thread of grievance weaving through her words.

Over the line, she heard the faintest, almost imperceptible sigh from the man.

"Celia, I'm not being mean to you."

He paused before continuing, "The staff said you haven't eaten dinner at home all week."

Her response was sluggish, entirely lacking her usual spark. "Yeah, work's just been really demanding."

Alistair's tone was calm and steady. "If you need me to..."

"No, it's fine, Uncle Alistair," she interrupted earnestly. "I can handle it on my own for now."

"If it really gets to be too much, I'll ask for your help."

Alistair listened, finally murmuring a quiet, "Alright."

"Mr. Zucker, the partners want to propose a toast to you," Ken's voice echoed softly from behind him.

Alistair gave a brief nod. "I know."

Returning his attention to the phone, he said, "Call me if you need anything."

"Okay!"

Alistair was about to hang up when Celia's voice drifted through the speaker again. "When are you coming back?"

The men lowered their drinks, their smiles widening. "Mr. Zucker, do you have any plans for the next few days?"

"Yes, absolutely! If you'd give us the honor, we'd love to show you around Seaport City. After all, this is going to be a long-term partnership."

Everyone in their elite circle knew that Alistair Zucker kept his hands clean. Whether in business or politics, the usual tactic of sending beautiful women to his hotel room was a guaranteed death sentence for any deal.

So, to show their sincerity, they opted to personally host him for a few days of luxury sightseeing.

Alistair looked down at the half-empty glass in his hand.

"That won't be necessary. I'm flying back tonight," he said coolly, shutting the offer down.

The entire room froze, eyes wide with sheer shock. "Mr. Zucker, is your schedule really that packed?!"

"Yes, why the sudden rush? We haven't even had the chance to properly host you yet."

Standing nearby, Ken looked equally stunned.

The original itinerary had him staying in Seaport City for an entire week.

Alistair shook his head. "My assistant will handle the remaining details."