The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 70

Talbot was practically suffocating from the pressure, yet facing Alistair, he didn't dare say a single disrespectful word. "Mr. Zucker, Evelyn was certainly out of line, but dragging this into a police precinct feels like a massive overreaction, doesn't it?"

"She knew exactly what the penalties for defamation were. The only reason she dared to act so recklessly was because you enabled her."

"Talbot, are you under the impression that we are having a debate right now?"

Alistair's tone was impeccably polite, but it carried an absolutely crushing weight that commanded instant submission.

Terrified of digging his grave any deeper, Talbot hastily made an excuse and hung up.

Alistair looked down at Celia.

The young woman stared back up at him, her eyes still wide with a mix of shock and disbelief.

Because she had spun around so quickly, the distance between them had completely vanished.

He caught the faintest hint of lily of the valley drifting off her skin.

Alistair hadn't realized that the brand-new designer clothes the staff bought came lightly perfumed.

He lost his train of thought for a split second, his eyes flickering slightly, before he smoothly took a step back, re-establishing a proper social distance.

"Uncle Alistair, thank you..."

Celia's eyes wavered, and she whispered her gratitude.

Alistair's expression remained perfectly composed. "He was out of line. You have every right to defend yourself."

Celia's voice was impossibly soft. "I was just scared Talbot would complain to my grandfather. I don't want him worrying about me..."

"If he ever tries to bring this to Sheridan, I will handle it personally. You have nothing to worry about."

Seeing that her goal had been flawlessly achieved, Celia's smile deepened. She blinked up at him with profound gratitude. "I'm sorry for always causing you so much trouble."

Looking down at the incredibly sweet, compliant young woman, Alistair's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

"Your engagement to Talbot..."

"Mr. Zucker specifically ordered that the law handle it completely by the book."

The underlying message was loud and clear: Alistair wasn't going to artificially inflate Evelyn's sentence out of spite, but Talbot was absolutely barred from using his money or connections to bail her out.

A sharp, triumphant gleam flashed through Celia's eyes.

"I'm so incredibly grateful to him," Celia smiled warmly. "Ken, do you happen to know what kind of things he likes? I really want to get him a thank-you gift."

"Ah..." Ken's tone turned slightly awkward at the question, and he chuckled nervously. "I'm very sorry, Ms. Stafford, but Mr. Zucker's personal preferences are strictly confidential. However, as long as the gift comes from the heart, I'm sure he will appreciate it."

Celia nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Ken."

The car pulled smoothly up to the grand gates of the Stafford Villa.

Stepping out of the vehicle, Celia gave Ken a friendly wave before turning and walking inside.

As she walked, her mind began to spin—she absolutely needed to get Alistair an unforgettable gift.