The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 132

"Get some rest," Alistair said, turning to leave.

It wasn't until he stepped out of her room that he heard Celia's soft reply from within, "You too."

He went back downstairs to the second floor.

Alistair lay in bed, but all traces of sleep had vanished.

She had said he was different from everyone else.

Because he had seen her at her most pathetic and desperate, in her eyes, he was a trustworthy elder, an intimate presence distinct from the rest of the world.

That was why she said he was different.

A smile tugged at his lips. Alistair realized the moonlight tonight was exceptionally beautiful.

--

The next morning.

When Celia came downstairs, Alistair was already waiting at the dining table.

Celia rubbed her eyes, looking a bit surprised. "Uncle Alistair? Haven't you left for work yet?"

Alistair took a sip of his tea. "I don't have much on my plate today. There's no rush."

Nodding, Celia took her seat and began eating breakfast with him.

A maid stood nearby, watching Celia eat with a relieved smile on her face.

Celia looked up and noticed the woman smiling. "What is it? What's so funny?"

The maid explained warmly, "Ms. Stafford, you haven't been eating at the manor lately. Mr. Palmer has been quite upset about it."

"Thank goodness Mr. Zucker is here. Now your eating habits are back to being healthy."

Celia scratched her cheek sheepishly. "Work has just been so crazy lately. I didn't skip meals on purpose."

That was a lie. Celia had absolutely done it on purpose.

If she hadn't, Alistair wouldn't have shown up at the Aerie Manor to "supervise" her three meals a day.

She couldn't afford to be too well-behaved. If she was perfectly fine, she wouldn't have any reason to interact with Alistair.

She needed to create ties with him. She needed to spend time with him and foster an intimate relationship.

The maid adored Celia, so seeing her finally eating properly filled her with joy.

Alistair, who was quietly eating his breakfast, glanced over at Celia. "You need to separate your work from your personal life. Eat your meals on a regular schedule."

Celia glanced at it, then casually tossed it onto the nightstand.

—She was the one who had tied it to the balcony last night.

...

Top floor of Zucker Corp, the CEO's office.

Ken placed a stack of documents on Alistair's desk.

Last night, he had gotten off a plane and waited at the estate on the east side of the city for over an hour before Mr. Zucker suddenly texted to say he wouldn't be coming back.

So, this morning, Ken had brought all the paperwork to the office for Alistair to sign.

But the atmosphere in the office today felt a bit... oppressive.

"Mr. Zucker, your schedule is fairly light today. Do you have any personal arrangements?" Ken asked routinely.

Alistair's pen paused on the paper.

After a long moment, the man slowly spoke.

"Clear my schedule for the gym. I'm working out."