Chapter 118 There’s something strange about him
Giovanni’s Pov
“Why are you suddenly so quiet?" Hank asked, turning his head to catch a glimpse of the text message. Instantly, he looked away, but I needed his help, so I asked him,
"Can you help me apprehend the suspect?"
His expression was strange, and his response was peculiar. "I'm sorry. Something urgent just came up. I'll have to send someone to assist in training Octavia."
"What? We had an agreement," I said firmly. If I wanted someone else, I wouldn't have asked for his help. Why did I feel like he was acting strangely?
"I'm sorry, Gio, but you know how my work is. I just landed a contract that will keep me occupied for weeks."
Hank had previously let go of a significant contract because he believed the person was innocent, which was why I trusted him. Despite my instincts wanting to suspect him, my heart and mind couldn't.
"Alright. I'll pay you double what this contract is offering." I knew he struggled with the guilt of his job, even though he claimed to enjoy it.
Hank had always been hesitant about serious relationships, likely due to the weight of his actions.
He would be training Octavia and assisting in taking down Beatrix. I didn't expect him to refuse the offer, but he did, which surprised me.
"Sorry, Gio, but I really want to take on this contract. Besides, you have Zak and Jace. Training Octavia is something they can handle."
"You know that's not the only reason I'm asking for your help."
There were two bodyguards spying on my family for Beatrix, and that's why I needed Hank's assistance. Despite his previous assurance, I couldn't shake the feeling that he might be one of the two.
"Uncle Hank, can I come with you?" Roger was already by his side, but I couldn't trust him with Hank anymore. “No, Roger, Uncle Hank is busy. You have to stay," I firmly told Roger.
"I can still take care of him," Hank insisted, adding, "If he doesn't like Octavia, I don't think you should force him to."
Although Octavia was the reason Roger wanted to be with Hank, I was skeptical of leaving Roger with him after his behavior.
"No. I asked you to stay here for a few days, and you refused. Why would I let you take my son with you when you just signed a contract?" I questioned.
Either he was lying about the contract, or there was something he wasn't telling me.
If he insists on taking care of Roger, then I'll know he’s lying. Roger will be at school when I work, and I'll pick him up when he finishes. Trust me, Gio, Roger will be safer with me," Hank argued.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, trying to maintain composure as Molly's voice interrupted, "Gianni, what's going on?"
I had forgotten about the two women's presence and didn't want to alarm them, so I smiled at Molly and replied, "Nothing."
Hank had already lifted Roger onto his neck. "See you guys next week," he said before leaving.
"There's something off about him," Molly remarked, with Octavia agreeing, "Yes, ever since he saw the message."
"And Gio, remember to dismiss any bodyguard you don't trust. You know what I mean," Hank's voice echoed from the living room. I hadn't noticed when he returned, but I made sure he had left before expressing my thoughts.
"Unfortunately, I agree," I admitted.
Molly was alarmed by my response. "And yet you let him take Roger away?"
Despite Roger's fondness for Hank, I trusted that he wouldn't betray me, and Roger would inform me of anything important.
"Don't underestimate him, Molly." I felt a cold sensation on my leg and upon looking down, I saw Pip, Roger’s kitten. “Sorry, Pip, it’s just you and us now.”
“What about Octavia?” Molly inquired, sparking an idea in my mind. “Why not train her?”
Her eyes widened, but I calmly suggested, “Teaching is a great way to learn. It’s time to give back.”
Initially nervous, Molly surprised me by doing a fantastic job. As I watched the two women train together, I began to realize some profound truths about life.
People evolve based on life’s challenges. Molly, like an egg, was soft but hardened under pressure. As for me, I discovered a softer side only after Molly reentered my life.
“Time to get to work, girls. Well done.”
A few days later, Octavia received a text message: ‘Gael is back. How is the progress?’
She responded per my instruction. ‘Gio is fond of me, but it will take time to convince him to marry me.’
‘We are running out of time. Change of plans. Come to the mansion. Gael wants to speak with you.’
Encouraging Octavia to go, I also received a message on my phone. ‘Gio, I invite you, Molly, and Roger for dinner. I harbor no ill feelings towards Molly.’