Chapter 753
Chapter 753:
He had rushed to the hospital only to find Harlan’s room empty—his brother vanished without a trace. Only Gilmore could have orchestrated such a flawless disappearing act right under his nose.
“Mateo, I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Gilmore met his brother’s gaze with practiced composure, his features a masterpiece of serenity. “Harlan’s an adult. I can’t control where he goes.”
A cold laugh escaped Mateo’s throat as he leaned forward, bracing himself against the table. His eyes bore into Gilmore like sharpened daggers. “You’re slipping, Gilmore. Your neutrality is wearing thin. Perhaps when Father wakes up, we should discuss stripping you of your current power?”
Gilmore squinted, his hand pausing. “Mateo, I truly don’t know where Harlan is. Maybe… he has made a mistake and needs time to reflect?”
“Enough!” Mateo cut through the air with his words, refusing to entertain any more of Gilmore’s diplomatic dance. “You know damn well the magnitude of Harlan’s mess. He deserves nothing less than hell itself. Yet here you are, taking his side, spiriting him away to God knows where. I can’t fathom why you’d stick your neck out for worthless trash like Harlan. Don’t forget that I’m the one in charge now. Once Father wakes up, he will hand all his power over to me. Are you really going against me for that waste?”
Gilmore maintained his composure, pouring himself another cup of coffee. He took a measured sip.
“Mateo, do you really think Father will hand over his power to you once he wakes up?”
“Why not? I was the one who snatched him from death’s clutches. Even if hesitation crosses his mind, my supporters among the elders will guide him to the right decision.”
Gilmore chuckled, as if tasting something bittersweet. “Enlighten me, Mateo—have you ever pondered why Father bestowed upon you merely an honorary title, withholding any real authority?”
Mateo’s expression changed. He then turned to the others in the room and thundered, “Clear the room. Everyone.” Jorge nodded and left with the others.
𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝗵𝓮𝗿𝗲: gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧾ⅼ𝗈𝗺
But before the door was about to close, he discreetly placed a listening device on a nearby vase.
Once everyone else was out, Mateo sat down, his gaze cold and fixed on Gilmore.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m your brother,” Gilmore said calmly. “These petty feuds only serve to fracture our strength, leaving us vulnerable to that bastard child.”
Mateo’s face paled. “Someone from the White family survived?”
Gilmore nodded. “Mateo, if this power struggle within the Welch family was merely between you and Harlan, I could maintain my neutrality. But there’s a bastard child lurking in the shadows. Regardless of who emerges victorious between you two, you’ll both unwittingly play into that bastard’s hands.”
With practiced grace, Gilmore slid a cup of coffee across the table toward Mateo.
The words struck a chord deep within Mateo’s chest as he carefully weighed their veracity. His instincts urged him to accept this truth. After all, what else could explain why Orson, already standing at death’s threshold, still clung so desperately to his power?
Perhaps he had already chosen his successor—someone other than the three brothers.
A flash of understanding crossed Mateo’s eyes, and Gilmore’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Mateo, I’ve arranged for Harlan’s relocation. He’ll be leaving the country under cover of darkness tonight. When MO questions his whereabouts, simply explain that he fled to escape retribution. Tell them you exhausted every resource to apprehend him, yet he managed to slip through your grasp. Then redirect the blame elsewhere. I’m certain MO will find this explanation satisfactory.”
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