The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 82

"The ribbon got a little messed up, so please don't mind that, Uncle Alistair."

Her eyes curved into crescents as she carefully opened the box.

A delicate, perfectly crafted imperial emerald cufflink was revealed to Alistair.

For a man like Alistair Zucker, receiving extravagant gifts was an everyday occurrence, but this was the first time someone had given him something so personal and thoughtful.

The emerald was of exceptional quality. Its simple, elegant setting maximized the brilliant, deep color of the stone.

His long eyelashes fluttered slightly.

After a long moment, Alistair looked away, his voice perfectly even. "Wasn't this for Talbot?"

"It wasn't for him!" Celia hurriedly clarified. "I won this at the auction specifically for you!"

"Norma saw me bidding on it. She must have been the one to tell Talbot," Celia paused, speaking with earnest conviction. "But I bought this for you, Uncle Alistair. I never intended to give it to anyone else."

Alistair had received countless imperial emeralds in his life. Pieces with better clarity, higher carat weight—they were innumerable.

"Uncle Alistair, I haven't even had the chance to properly thank you. You've been helping me so much, and I owe you my gratitude."

"Even though I know you're only looking out for me because of my father's... dying wish, I still want to thank you. I'm always causing trouble for you..."

Celia looked at Alistair with profound sincerity, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the man.

Alistair simply watched her. A long moment passed before he finally let out a soft chuckle.

The icy frost in his eyes thawed ever so slightly.

"I accept the gift." Finally rising to his feet, Alistair took the box from her hands, his features striking and composed. "Celia, you don't need to keep thanking me."

"Get some rest. Call me if you need anything."

With that, Alistair turned and walked out.

Watching his retreating figure, Celia tilted her head, the smile on her lips deepening.

Glancing down at the perfectly wrapped gauze on her arm, she knew her plan was progressing flawlessly.

--

Alistair had just wrapped up a virtual meeting when Ken rushed in, looking visibly tense.

"Mr. Zucker, we just heard from the hospital. It's about Mr. Stafford."

...

When Alistair arrived at the hospital, Celia was already waiting outside the consultation room.

He approached her, but before he could ask anything, the doctor stepped out, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

"Which of you... is the family of Mr. Sheridan Stafford?"

Celia's eyes were serious as she stepped forward. "I am. I'm his granddaughter."

The doctor nodded, glanced at Alistair, and then turned his attention back to Celia. "No need to worry. I have good news for you."

Celia didn't relax her guard just yet, waiting intently for him to finish.

"It's like this: there's been a historic medical breakthrough regarding your grandfather's condition over in Chrysea Country. If you're willing, I strongly recommend transferring him there for treatment."