The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 4

Alistair's tone was calm and steady. "I will visit the Stafford Villa tomorrow."

In the current political landscape of the Capital, the Stafford Family was likely the only one with enough prestige to warrant a personal visit from a man like Alistair Zucker.-

He was dressed in a dark suit, his tie knotted in a perfect Windsor, every button on his shirt fastened meticulously. With his legs crossed and his hands resting naturally on his lap, he exuded a grounded, formidable presence.

"Then I won't tell Grandpa yet. When you come by tomorrow, it'll be a surprise!"

Mentioning her grandfather finally brought a note of joy to Celia's voice.

Alistair simply nodded, saying nothing more.

The car glided to a smooth halt outside the Stafford Villa. Ken stepped out of the driver's seat and opened the door for her.

Before stepping out, Celia offered Alistair a sweet smile. "Thank you for tonight, Uncle Alistair."

He gave a curt nod.

The door closed, and Celia waved cheerfully at the tinted window before turning toward the front gates. The moment she turned her back, the sweet smile vanished from her face, replaced by a calculating glint in her eyes.

--

When she entered the living room, the butler Alfred was already waiting for her.

"Welcome back, Miss." Alfred said, taking her coat.

She nodded. "How is Grandpa doing today?"

Alfred opened his mouth but hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mr. Stafford... is forgetting more and more things. The doctor says his condition might continue to deteriorate."

Celia's eyes flickered. "Thank you for your hard work, Alfred. If there are any updates from the hospital, I'll let you know immediately."

"Please, Miss, there's no need for that. Taking care of Mr. Stafford is my duty."

--

The next morning, Celia woke up early. At the dining table, Alfred was serving her grandfather breakfast.

"Good morning, Grandpa. Is the food okay?"

She greeted him with a bright smile, taking her usual seat beside him.

Sheridan Stafford's hand paused. He stared at her blankly for a moment, a flash of profound confusion in his eyes.

A second later, clarity returned, and he smiled, nodding. "It's wonderful. You should eat too, Celia."

She knew he had almost forgotten who she was again. Putting on a cheerful face, she spoke sweetly. "Grandpa, we have a very special guest coming over today. You're going to be so happy when you see him!"

Hearing this, the old man opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, a sharp knock echoed from the front door.