Chapter 75 Edgar's Ambition
I turned my head to look at Jonas. He was very close to me, his breath forming white mist in the air. When he noticed this, he instinctively held his breath - so clumsy, not at all like a playboy.
I couldn't help but laugh.
The bright lights from the restaurant shone on Jonas's and my profile. He stared at me in a daze.
"Let's go separately, we're not heading the same way," I said.
The light in Jonas's eyes dimmed instantly.
I hesitated for a moment, then said goodbye to Jonas warmly. But until I left, I didn't speak to Lucas or give him any extra attention.
I stared blankly at the street scenes moving backward outside the car window. When I came back to my senses, I found Adrian in the front seat looking at me through the rearview mirror, like he wanted to say something but couldn't.
"What is it?" I asked.
Adrian said hesitantly, "Are you planning to just ignore Mr. Valeri like this?"
I shifted my gaze from the scenery to Adrian's face. "Do you have any good suggestions?"
Adrian shook his head. "I just feel like doing this is really frustrating."
"Giving him the cold shoulder does seem like avoiding the problem, but do you think talking to Lucas would help? Or maybe confronting him head-on with force?" I didn't feel like discussing my relationship problems with Adrian was offensive, so I patiently chatted with him.
Adrian's thick eyebrows twisted like caterpillars. "Neither seems very good."
"Then did you see Lucas's expression when I ignored him?" I continued asking.
Adrian nodded. "I did! Mr. Valeri's expression didn't change much, but he seemed really down and irritated. His back looked like it was covered in loneliness."
Adrian suddenly understood. "Ignoring him really is the best way."
But after a few minutes, Adrian couldn't help asking me, "Jonas looks at you with such passion. Will you agree to date him?"
I shook my head. "I don't dislike Jonas, and I'm still counting on him to help me sell medicine. But getting too close to him in front of Lucas would be hurting him."
Too bad I have no interest in the Gambino family men. Otherwise, if I pretended to show interest, Lucas might get so angry he'd take out the Gambino family people directly.
Another day passed, and Edgar came with different gifts. This time I agreed to see him.
The hotel had several coffee shops. James helped me arrange the meeting at one with great views and good privacy.
I deliberately arrived a few minutes late. Walking into the cleared coffee shop, I saw Edgar sitting upright, looking at the scenery.
I remembered his resume said "three years of military service" - his bearing was definitely different from ordinary people.
"Sorry, I'm late," I said as I walked over, raising my right hand to signal that he didn't need to pull out my chair. Adrian was enough for such small things.
"I'm so glad you finally agreed to see me. I was ready for a long pursuit, and honestly, I'm really surprised." Edgar was just as Gale and James described - young, handsome, full of energy, and well-mannered.
Being watched by his bright eyes felt like being next to a warm little sun.
But I didn't miss the burning ambition in his eyes.
"It wasn't your sincerity that moved me. I saw you when I got off work the day before yesterday," I said frankly. "I feel like you don't have romantic feelings for me, and that's why I'm willing to see you."
Edgar wanted to argue, but hearing my last sentence, he laughed helplessly.
"Tell me your purpose. Time is precious. Just because I'm willing to see you once doesn't mean I'll see you a second time," I said bluntly.
Edgar glanced at Adrian and Cole, and his presence suddenly became sharp. "Then I'll be honest with you, too. I want to work with you. Within six months, I'll help you take control of the Chaotic Zone!"
His bold words seemed to shock everyone. The already quiet coffee shop became even quieter.
But I wasn't swayed by him.
Six months from now would be the mayoral election I'd been following. When the mayoral election ended, Starstream City's police department would also appoint a new chief.
Clearly, Edgar wasn't satisfied with just being "the youngest sheriff." He wanted to climb higher!
But I had many options for partners to help me deal with opposition in the Chaotic Zone. Edgar wasn't my only choice, much less my best one. However, if Edgar wanted to quickly build up achievements within six months, working with me was his best choice!
"Is it you helping me, or me helping you?" I asked him back.
Edgar couldn't help but sigh. "Rumors say you're weak-willed, that even though you're Lucas's wife, you keep a very low profile. Some say you're just a tool your brothers used to gain Lucas's trust. But anyone who's met you wouldn't believe these rumors."
He brought the topic back. "My father is the police chief in Dawnharbor. I grew up watching him cooperate with gangs - whether it's leaking investigation information, revealing informants' identities, hiding key evidence at crime scenes, or tampering with records. Whatever my father can do, I can do too."
I couldn't help but chuckle. Did that police chief far away in Dawnharbor know what kind of role model he'd set for Edgar?
Or maybe Edgar doing this was actually his father's idea?
I considered this possibility. Seeing me stay quiet, Edgar said seriously, "I hope you'll seriously consider my proposal."
"I will. But supporting a police chief isn't easy," I said.
If Edgar could really climb to a higher position, he could naturally provide greater protection for the Sorelli family.
But helping him would require providing money, housing, cars, and, when necessary, helping him deal with competitors. I'd also need to handle his personal issues, like his children's education and debt disputes, to build a deeper relationship and achieve further control.
I calculated in my mind how much I should invest to get the maximum benefit with minimum cost.
Just then, there was a commotion at the coffee shop entrance.
Cole touched his earpiece and leaned down to my ear, quickly reporting, "Mr. Valeri is here!"
As soon as Cole finished speaking, I saw Lucas burst in.
His straight, long legs alternated quickly forward, his eyes locked on my location, approaching with a cold face.
Edgar was quite surprised, but seeing my calm expression, he relaxed and picked up his coffee, lowering his presence while secretly observing Lucas and me.
I glanced at him, then looked at Lucas. "You seem particularly fond of barging into other people's territory. What's the matter, Mr. Valeri?"
Lucas let out a disdainful, cold laugh. "Did I interrupt your date? I'm so sorry!"
His tone didn't sound apologetic at all.
Edgar, being watched by his cold gaze, almost choked. He silently put down his coffee cup, not daring to drink anymore.
I wasn't angry. The calmer my reaction, the more upset Lucas would be.
"I came to remind you that Grandpa has his final pre-surgery checkup tomorrow. Don't forget," Lucas said stiffly.
Obviously an excuse.
But I didn't want to investigate why he really came. I nodded. "Done talking? If there's nothing else, you can leave."
Lucas stared at me without speaking. For a moment, I actually thought he looked like a large dog, with drooping ears and tail, looking completely wronged.