Chapter 318: Chapter 318: Gathering in the Shadows

As he spoke, he naturally strode inside, treating the place like his own room, while Kieran Talbot muttered a few words and casually shut the door tight.

Watching his friend comfortably cross his legs and sit down on the soft sofa in the middle of the room, Kieran Talbot sighed and clicked his tongue, his expression growing more serious: “So how do you plan to handle this mess?”

“Which matter?” Ethan Caldwell leisurely smoothed his silk lapel, calmly asking in return.

“Everything. From the Thornton family, Julian’s matters, the issues related to Gabriel Cole, and of course… the movements from the other side.” Kieran Talbot said as he tilted his chin in a certain direction, clearly listing each problem.

Ethan Caldwell still looked very relaxed, leisurely leaning his back against the sofa. His tone grew a bit disgruntled when hearing someone else mention his lover: “There is nothing to worry about regarding Julian. And let me remind you, I am the only one allowed to call him Jules. Don’t use it casually.”

“Such terrifying possessiveness, CEO Caldwell. Talking so big, yet you almost failed to protect your own innocence.” A third voice carrying a mocking laugh suddenly rang out in the room, but it completely failed to startle Ethan Caldwell.

He calmly glanced deep into the corner of the room. There was a small sofa placed quietly there, completely hidden behind the thick draped curtains. A young man was sitting cross-legged, holding a crystal wine glass in his hand, his movements of swirling the glass leisurely. Seeing Ethan Caldwell looking at him, he curled his lips into a half-smile: “It’s a good thing your Julian has quick reflexes. Otherwise, if you foolishly ended up in bed with someone else… ha… you would never have the right to call him Jules again.”

“Rest assured, I am not that stupid and off guard.” Ethan Caldwell still leisurely tapped his foot, his eyes flashing with the cold sharpness of someone in control: “Didn’t I contact you to handle it in secret the moment I noticed something unusual, Louis York?”

The man hiding in the dark corner was Louis York. Hearing Ethan Caldwell say that, he didn’t rush to answer but only smirked, taking a sip of red wine. At the same time, Kieran Talbot walked slowly to the window. The design of his room was identical to Ethan Caldwell’s, both having a very large glass window overlooking the outside. He reached out and smoothly drew the curtains shut, his movements looking very normal and natural.

But he drew three layers of curtains, and the room instantly turned pitch black, not a single ray of light able to pierce through. Even then, none of the three turned on the lights. Only then did Kieran Talbot speak up: “I already had a suspicion when Julian first contacted me. Then as soon as I got off the plane and saw the overwhelming news, I understood enough.”

Kieran Talbot dropped himself onto the bed, looking at the person still hiding in the dark. In truth, the whole room was pitch black, and he couldn’t see anything clearly himself. Kieran narrowed his eyes, his tone unreadable: “Did they really make a move?”

“Perhaps.”

In the quiet space, it was unclear whether Ethan Caldwell or the person in the corner answered, there was only a low voice melting into the night. The sound of ice cubes clinking in the wine glass rang out in a steady rhythm. A moment later, Louis York slowly continued: “Don’t be angry. They targeted our weak points for a preemptive strike. If you really worry about that kid’s safety, then immediately arrange for him to go to Grandpa Arthur’s place. It’s safer there than anywhere else.”

Having hung out together for so long, both Louis York and Ethan Caldwell easily understood their friend’s personality. This flat tone, completely revealing no emotion, was a sign that Kieran Talbot was truly angered to the extreme. Normally, Kieran Talbot always carried a frivolous attitude, loving to be sarcastic and poke fun at people, never acting this cold and gloomy.

And the kid mentioned in Louis York’s words was Kieran Talbot’s precious biological younger brother. He was still deep in thought, not yet saying whether he agreed or not, when Ethan Caldwell lazily chimed in: “That’s right, send him over. Conveniently, this can also be considered a move to help me keep my grandfather in check, killing two birds with one stone.”

Hearing this, Kieran Talbot frowned, his voice carrying a hint of doubt: “I thought Grandpa Arthur had already given you full control of the entire corporation and the family long ago?”

Ethan Caldwell sighed softly, leaning deeper into the sofa: “He did say that the other day, but I have to wait until I officially bring Jules home. We need to meet and have a proper talk before taking the next step.”

Louis York in the dark corner couldn’t help but burst into laughter upon hearing this. He shook his wine glass, teasing: “So the milestone marking the maturity of the Caldwell heir is being kept in check by a wife? Your grandfather really knows how to tie his grandson down. By the way, the current situation is quite complicated, do you plan to tell him everything about our dangerous affairs?”

“Mhm. From the beginning when we defined our relationship, I planned to tell him everything, but I was just afraid he wouldn’t be able to bear these dark sides. Now…” Ethan Caldwell hesitated, a flash of pride crossing his eyes.

Kieran Talbot immediately chimed in, his tone less cold: “Now that you’ve seen it with your own eyes, you finally realize his true capabilities? But I have to admit, Julian looks gentle and harmless, yet when faced with a crisis, he really has the skills and composure to handle everything flawlessly.”

“Tsk… such high praise.” Louis York gave a disdainful snort and added: “Are you planning to lay all your cards on the table today?”

“Yeah, when he wakes up later, I’ll have a frank talk with him, then formally introduce him to you two. Or maybe I’ll take the chance to introduce him to the others as well. How’s the situation over there? Will they make it in time tonight?”

“Who knows for sure.” Kieran Talbot sighed heavily, massaging his temples. “You know how long they’ve been held up over there; getting out is no easy task. With eyes and ears closely watching them, they have to find every way to slip past. Come to think of it, your little accident this time actually created a perfect excuse, helping Louis and me justify rushing over here without raising our enemies’ suspicions.”

“Wasn’t it because you tucked your tail and ran like a dog?” Ethan Caldwell smirked, pointing straight at Louis York’s shadow. As soon as the words left his mouth, a tightly crumpled tissue flew straight at his face with considerable force. However, Ethan’s reflexes were razor-sharp, he reached out and caught it mid-air.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep