Chapter 172

On Jackson’s side, a call from Landyn Hayes arrived immediately after leaving Stephanie's office. Landyn, as usual, was demanding the ring. His suspicion, fueled by Jackson's erratic mood the previous day, was that Jackson had given the ring to Jessica Lowe.

"Where are you now?" Jackson asked.

"Home. You coming to deliver it?" Landyn replied.

Deliver it? The ring was dust. Recovery was impossible unless he planned a trip to the city dump.

"I'll be there right away," Jackson said, hanging up.

Half an hour later, Jackson arrived at Landyn's. Immediately, Landyn demanded, "Where's my ring?"

"Get in," Jackson ordered.

"No—I want my ring!" Landyn protested.

"I'm taking you to get it," Jackson replied.

Landyn fell silent, wondering if Jackson had actually given the ring to Jessica. Anger flared. He opened the car door and climbed in, vowing never to forgive Jackson if he didn't get the ring back that day.

Landyn assumed they were going to Jessica's, but the car took an unexpected turn.

"This isn't the way to Jessica's house. Where are we going?"

"You'll know soon enough," Jackson answered cryptically.

"You even sold my ring?" Landyn exclaimed.

Jackson's head pounded; he didn't want to speak further. An hour later, the car stopped before a secluded café.

A waiter approached respectfully. "Mr. Hodge..."

"Which private room is Mr. Giovanni in?" Jackson asked.

The waiter's face tightened, glancing nervously at Jackson. Jackson offered banknotes. "Don't worry, I won't get you in trouble."

The waiter hesitated. "I... I'm really sorry, Mr. Hodge..."

The café was owned by Sebastian. Despite its elegance, the staff knew their boss's terrifying nature, and even Elliot Grant instilled fear. Their loyalty was absolute.

Hearing "Mr. Giovanni," Landyn's face paled. He stared at Jackson in shock. Mr. Giovanni? Is it the one I'm thinking? he wondered.

The waiter awkwardly returned the money. "I'm really sorry, Mr. Hodge."

Jackson frowned. "Then I'll go find him myself."

"No, you can't barge in like that," the waiter protested.

Jackson glared.

The waiter whispered, "I can notify him. You can't force your way in. If you do, none of us will escape the consequences."

Sebastian was meeting someone; Elliot was also present. The waiter leaned toward Elliot and whispered, "Mr. Grant, Mr. Hodge is here to meet Mr. Giovanni."

Elliot's face darkened. He glanced at Sebastian, seated opposite an elderly gentleman, and said coldly, "Tell him to wait."

Jackson, having found the place, wasn't easily deterred. The waiter nodded and left. Elliot then approached Sebastian. "Mr. Giovanni, Mr. Hodge is here."

Sebastian calmly sipped his coffee. His phone buzzed—a message from Stephanie: "[Sebastian, what should I have for lunch?]". A pitiful emoji followed. Sebastian could almost see Stephanie's obedience.

He began to reply, but another message arrived: "[How about I eat with Ellie?]".