726: Win-win situation

Win-win situation

Almost everyone had grasped Jared's plans accurately except Ronnie. He was the only one who still had a hard time fathoming what was happening.  2

Ronnie had spent his entire life following Noah and his instructions. He had never thought of anything on his own other than when he had to protect his Boos and his family. So, compared to the others, he was not quick enough to pinpoint what was happening accurately.

He ran his eyes, not hiding his confusion and Oliver caught onto it immediately.

"You may ask anything you want to, son." He leaned forward and nodded at Ronnie.

Ronnie was startled at being called out and licked his lips in embarrassment. Instinctively, his eyes drifted towards his Boss who was already looking at him. Once he got the nod, he sighed and clasped his hands.

"I was wondering why Jared was so sure that we would suspect that the man in the video was not Theo."

"That's easy. Of all the people, at least we three must be familiar with Theo and his habits. Jared must have thought that we would have tracked the man in the video, all thanks to Joshua and his skills..." Joshua patted his back in pride. "And once we are sure that it's not Theo, then we would surely investigate the matter," Ian answered for him.

"Okay, if that's the case, then why did the man try so hard to imitate Theo? Is he being Theo's lookalike not enough? I mean, that is enough for us to suspect that he was Theo for a long time."

"That is something I am not sure, though. But I have an inkling that Jared wants us to suspect Theo and, in turn, Grandpa in case we didn't recognize him as an imposter and failed to find the real Theo."

"Yes, it will kill a man more if his beloved family members go against him," Oliver stated and looked at Noah, who had his head lowered as he thought about it. 

"The entire world knows that Jonathan Carter loves his grandson the most. How hurt he will be if this grandson were to stand against him?" Oliver added and looked at Ronnie. "If Noah suspects his grandfather, Jared can use this opportunity to broaden the rift between them. It's a win-win situation for him."

"And Grandpa will never be able to tolerate it if I stand against him, especially when there is no fault of his. Jared can easily use this vulnerable time to take care of my old man and I will never allow that." Noah gnashed his teeth as he stated with resolve.

"I see." Ronnie nodded, now understanding it slowly.

"Is there anything else you want to ask Ronnie?" Oliver perceived that there were more questions the young man wanted to ask.

"Ahh, it's nothing significant." Ronnie brushed off the question, but Noah did not allow him.

"Ronnie, ask." He ordered and Ronnie stiffened instant and sat like a rock.

"It's nothing, Boss. Really."

"Ronnie..."

This got Ronnie talking.

"Fine.." His body deflated like a balloon. "I wanted to ask how we will lure Jared using Theo."

"You are so cute," Aria chimed all of a sudden when she saw Ronnie's flustered face and Noah's gaze darkened. He glared at Ronnie, who felt chills running down his spine at his Boss' frightening gaze.

'Madam, please spare me. I do not want to die this quickly.' He cried in his mind but did not dare complain loudly.

"Stop trying to intimidate him." 

Noah's gaze softened instantly as he turned towards Aria.

"He's just a poor guy. Spare him." She scolded him right before everyone, and Noah did not react. In fact, he was all smiles and Aria's lip twitched in annoyance.

"Since Jared wants to use us, he must be keeping an eye on us somehow." Ian diverted everyone's attention back to the topic and Ronnie was secretly glad and thankful towards the two people who came to his rescue.

"Once Theo returns, Jared is bound to find out and we can then start our plan."

"But the question is, who is Jared's informant?" Ivy, who had been silent for quite some time, raised a question all of a sudden. "Jared must have chosen someone good and capable to be his informant and considering how we are too careful and shrewd, it cannot be just a guard or a servant."

"I am thinking the same," Noah added. "I too can't think of anyone who might be working with Jared. But I will look into it. You do not have to worry about it, Ivy."

"Alright." Ivy acknowledged with a smile.

"Dad, there is another thing I wanted to discuss with you." Noah hesitated, not knowing how to bring up the matter.

"I know, Noah. I know what you want to talk about." Oliver smiled faintly when he saw the nervous man.

"You do?"

"You want to talk about us moving back to your mansion for safety. Am I right?"

"Yeah." Noah was dumbfounded and he could not help but wonder if his father-in-law knew the art of reading thoughts.

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't." Oliver shrugged when he realized what Noah was thinking and chuckled in amusement.

Noah let out a smile of helplessness. "So, what have you thought, Dad?"

"If I was all alone, I wouldn't have given a damn about Jared or his minions. I don't fear him. But I am not alone. I have my daughters and cannot endanger their lives to satisfy my manly ego." Oliver glanced at Aria and Ivy, who did not object to his words.

"I am fine with moving back. Your place has better security and I am sure it will be easier to protect Aria." Oliver glanced at Joshua and raised his brows playfully at the young man's hopeful gaze. "And Ivy will be safe with you."

They were exact words Noah and Joshua were waiting to hear and their expressions brightened immediately.

"I hope this is the last time we are moving," Ivy grumbled loud enough for everyone to hear. "I am sick and tired of this constant moving."

"Me too. Dad, don't make us move places anymore. Otherwise, I promise I will sleep on the streets next time." Aria's words elicited laughter from everyone, easing the tension in everyone's minds for the time being.

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