Chapter 94 After a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon, Blossom suggested that they take the three kids out for a stroll downtown and catch a movie. The party of five set out the door, spirits high and laughter in the air. Elysia sia didn’t give the incident with Gage a second thought, but the ripples it caused were far from insignificant. Gage was nothing more than a contemptible little twerp, disliked by many, but he was a Slater, and that meant he represented the entire Slater clan. And the Slaters had the powerful Tarquin backing them. So, by extension, hitting Gage was like slapping Tarquin across the face. In current times, it seemed unthinkable that someone would dare to cross Tarquin, and so, the internet exploded with gossip. Everyone was wondering who would be foolish enough to offend Tarquin. But those close to Tarquin knew well his true feelings toward Gage. Nola Slater was a lifesaver to Elijah; Tarquin was grateful to her, which extended to some level of care toward the Slater family, but that was strictly business. As for Gage… to speak frankly, Tarquin never really considered him worth his attention. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let Gage make a fool of himself running naked through the streets that one time. Keaton’s call came through, “Was it you?” Tarquin stood before the floor–to–ceiling windows of his executive office, a cigarette pinched between his fingers as he surveyed the skyline of Jindale City. “Why don’t you. ask your sister?” Tarquin was aware of the bad blood between Gage and Elysia. Seeing the news about Gage’s mishap, he had a hunch it might be related to Elysia. Now, with the Denton family indebted to Elysia for something, it was a possibility that they’d take Gage down a peg for her sake. Keaton said, “It wasn’t them. My sister just called me, asking if it was you. She said if it was, to thank you for standing up for Ms. Thorne!” “I’m not that idle.” “Then it’s strange. Over the years, plenty have wanted Gage dead but held back out of respect for you. Now him suddenly getting in trouble? Everyone in the circle suspects he’s pissed you off, and you handled it personally.” “Me, personally? Is he even worth the effort?” 09:49 “You’re right. But whoever did this… using Gage to offend you sounds pretty far–fetched, If they really wanted to cross you, they’d come at me directly. Our bond is Ironclad; you’d definitely blow a fuse if something happened to me.” Tarquin flicked off some ash. “If you’re so bored, go take a nap. Stop prying into. everything!” Keaton chuckled, “I’ve got nothing on today. Don’t feel like sleeping or hanging with my girl. How about I keep you company? Feels like ages since I last graced you with my presence.” “Beat it!” Tarquin hung up without another word. Lowell approached and said, “Tarquin, I did some digging. The hit on Gage was by a pro, contracted through the dark web. The client only wanted Gage… emasculated, not dead.” With the job being on the dark web, tracing the client would be difficult. Tarquin took a drag on his cigarette, indifferent to Gage’s fate. After all, Gage had made enough enemies who would want to harm him. “What’s Elysia up to?” Lowell, thankfully aware of his boss’s attitude towards Elysia, held back a smirk. Otherwise, he might suspect his boss had fallen for her. Mentioning her name every chance he got… “Just got word that she’s out shopping with Ms. Blythe, and they’ve got the kids with them.” Tarquin remained silent, prompting Lowell to continue, “Also, we got a call from Royal Community. Your wife has reached out again, asking when you’ll be free to finalize the divorce.” At the mention of his wife, Tarquin frowned in annoyance. “Tell her, if she doesn’t want trouble, to stop harassing me. I’ll get in touch when I’m ready for the divorce.” Now that he no longer suspected her, he naturally had no desire to see her either. Lowell nodded in understanding, the office once again falling silent.