Chapter 120
The Getty Manor.
David sat in his study's black walnut chair, rolling two iron balls in his hand, polished to a brilliant sheen.
The butler stood before him, reporting truthfully.
"Outside, rumors are flying everywhere, saying Mrs. Josephine Getty had an affair, and others saying Mr. Gideon Getty..."
He carefully glanced at David. Those rumors were so vicious, he couldn't bring himself to voice them.
The butler also knew well that this wasn't what David wanted to hear.
David looked up, his eyes aged yet shrewd. "Get to the point."
"Yes." The butler lowered his head. "Everyone's saying that Mr. Cedric Getty publicly defended Mrs. Josephine Getty at the gala. They think the relationship between them isn't innocent either. More vulgar talk says... Mr. Cedric Getty is picking up Mr. Gideon Getty's cast-offs."
David had just picked up his teacup. Upon hearing this, his hand loosened, and the cup crashed to the floor, shards and tea scattering everywhere.
The butler fell silent, not daring to continue.
David stared at the broken pieces on the floor, his eyes sinister. "Who started these rumors?"
"Initially, from those reporters who were kicked out... But for the rumors to ferment this quickly, it's hard to say there's no manipulation behind the scenes."
"Summon Cedric back."
The butler froze. "Yes."
Less than an hour later, Cedric's car stopped at the Getty Manor's entrance. As he reached the study door, the butler quietly reminded him, "Mr. David Getty knows everything."
Cedric nodded and pushed open the study door.
As he stepped into the study, before he could speak, he felt the heavy, stagnant atmosphere in the air.
"Grandfather."
David looked up, his gaze sharp as a blade, sweeping across Cedric's face. "How do you plan to handle the online rumors?"
Cedric's expression remained calm. "They're all false. I'll have people handle PR soon."
"Do you know what they're saying outside?" David stood, walking to Cedric, his eyes complex as he looked at his most beloved, most valued grandson. "I've introduced you to so many daughters of prestigious families, yet you refuse every single one! Gideon's wife—what status is that? What character! If you got together with her, people would laugh their heads off!"
"Grandfather, you've misunderstood."
No matter how furious David became, Cedric remained composed.
"Is it really a misunderstanding?" David stared intently at him, trying to read his innermost thoughts from his face. "Tell me, have you developed feelings for Josephine?"
Cedric met David's gaze but didn't answer immediately.
Silence filled the air.
David's eyes gradually narrowed, his voice cold and aged. "Cedric, you know how much effort I've invested in cultivating you. You'll sit in my position in the future. Your wife will possess noble status and family background. I absolutely will not allow you to play out some Cinderella story."
"When Gideon was with her, you weren't this firmly opposed."
From Cedric's statement, David heard dangerous implications. "Can you even compare with Gideon?"
Gideon was an illegitimate son, recognized only after coming of age. There were countless illegitimate sons like him still unacknowledged out there.
A complex light flashed in Cedric's eyes. David was different to him.
David was strict, rigid, even borderline obsessive, but his nurturing grace was indisputable.
"Don't worry, I won't disappoint you." Cedric said flatly.
David stared at him for a long time before finally turning to sit on the sofa. "Good that you understand. That young lady I introduced you to last time—go meet her again tomorrow."
Cedric responded, "Understood."
David nodded, then continued, "Also, Josephine..."
In this world, no one understood David better than Cedric. Before David finished speaking, Cedric already understood. "Josephine is now a senior executive in my company. She's highly capable. I need her."
Firing her was impossible.
"The Getty Group doesn't lack talent." David slammed the table. "You need her—fine, let her work below. But having her by your side, taking her to galas, dressing her in gowns you sent her—Cedric, do you think everyone's blind?"
Cedric remained silent.
For an instant, David seemed to see the sixteen-year-old Cedric. He'd been stubborn from childhood. Often when encountering things he disagreed with, he'd simply stay silent—neither agreeing nor refusing—but would turn around and do as he pleased anyway.
David said sternly, "Transfer her away from your side, or fire her. Choose one."
"No." Cedric's refusal was crisp.
"What did you say?"
"She's talented and important to the company. I can't bury her abilities just because she's my brother's wife." Cedric's voice was calm, but every word rang with finality. "Besides, she and Gideon are already processing their divorce."
"That makes it even worse!" David's brow furrowed deeply. "What will people say then? That you've had your eye on your own brother's wife all along, waiting for them to divorce so you could..."
Cedric cut in coldly. "You actually believe such baseless speculation?"
David narrowed his eyes, staring at him, seemingly trying to catch any microexpression. After about ten minutes, David suddenly curved his lips. The tension instantly dissipated, even the study's atmosphere eased.
"That's better."
He walked back to sit behind his desk, methodically pouring himself fresh tea. "Men should prioritize their careers. You must know that the Getty family will all be yours eventually. Marrying a well-matched young lady would be good for you—she can provide maximum support."
Cedric neither agreed nor disagreed. He wasn't foolish enough to argue with David now. "You're right, Grandfather. I have a meeting this afternoon, so I probably can't stay for dinner."
"Working hard is good, but maintain proper boundaries."
David's face wore a benevolent smile—the exceptional treatment reserved only for Cedric.
Cedric lowered his eyes, concealing the emotions within.
Anyone else would be flattered and overwhelmed, but Cedric had long grown accustomed to David's transformations. Mercurial moods, unpredictable changes—this was the real David.
Cedric left.
But he didn't know that David watched his retreating figure with complex eyes.
Cedric's father was unreliable, always chasing women from a young age. His mother, though from a prestigious family, was raised to be naïve and sensitive, unable to provide any meaningful guidance in Cedric's education. David had always personally overseen Cedric's upbringing.
Cedric was the most perfect heir he'd cultivated.
He absolutely wouldn't allow Cedric to escape his control.
Cedric walked out of the Getty Manor's gates. Only after settling into the car did he slowly exhale.
Noah glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Boss, where to now?"
"Back to the company." Cedric closed his eyes, speaking slowly. "Tomorrow morning, I want to see a detailed proposal."
"What kind of proposal?"
"A cooperation agreement." Cedric opened his eyes, looking at the night scenery flashing past the car window. "The most complex kind—one that binds all interests and assets together in the most intricate way possible."
Noah froze. "You're..."
"Just do it."
"Understood."