Chapter 1180 - Friends And Traitors (8)

Jeff and Jasper joined JoAnna, Ellie, Sarah and Aiden in the back room when Christopher, Vincent and Russel left.

Jeff's heart cracked when he saw JoAnna curled up in a sofa chair, sleeping.

"Thanks, Jasper.", Jeff said and turned to Ellie, Sarah and Aiden. "Thank you as well. I will leave ten of my people to help you take your paintings back and to clean up here. They will leave the place how it was. I will see you all tomorrow."

Jeff scooped JoAnna in his arms and carried her out. He wants to take her home, so that she can sleep properly in the bed.

"Now what?", Jasper asked when Jeff left.

Jasper does not know what they are planning after this. He didn't agree to allow Bradley and Christopher to just leave. They know that the two of them are traitors, it's not like they can get more guilty. What if they go into hiding? Or cause problems?

"Now we wait.", Sarah responded. "We have our surveillance in place, and we will follow every step Bradley and Christopher make." Sarah gestured toward the TV which showed a split screen. On the left half of the screen is Bradley walking into his hotel, and on the other one is Christopher in the car, driving away from the gallery (view shown is through the window, from the outside of the car he is in).

Sarah smirked seeing Jasper's confused expression, but she didn't want to explain that those video feeds are provided by invisible (and silent) drones which Eve navigates to follow their targets.

Sarah continued explaining the plan: "Those two might reach out to more people they are colluding with because even if they are not completely sure that Jeff is onto them, they must be suspicious that something is going on. Ideally, they will self-destruct, and we get a good show to watch. When Jeff gives a signal, we will help wipe out whatever is left."

Jasper noticed Sarah smirking while looking at Bradley and Christopher and he is sure that her eyes lit up inexplicably. She is obviously enjoying this. Involuntarily, he shuddered and inched away from Sarah. No wonder his (future) wife is getting along well with Hill sisters. They are all… dangerous.

…

Bradley spent the evening in his hotel room, with a bottle of whiskey.

He was looking at the USB drive and collecting mental strength to plug it into his laptop. It was after midnight when he was drunk enough to do it.

The contents of the USB drive confirmed Jeff's words: the videos are accompanying photos.

He saw Paige laugh and lean into Cooper's embrace. The two of them in a hotel… the video is from the security camera in the hallway, so he can see only up to the point when they enter the room, but by the way they are holding each other, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what they are about to do.

Bradley didn't watch many videos, there is no point. Looking through them was only to confirm that Jeff was telling the truth and to eliminate the possibility that the photos are fake. It's not like Paige can be guiltier of cheating on Bradley.

He could not watch any more videos, but he went through the photos. Some of the locations he didn't recognize, but some were too familiar.

Rage swelled inside Bradley when he observed that few photos were taken on a property which he purchased as a love-nest for him and Paige. He saw Paige and Cooper kissing on a sofa. Bradley sighed. He had many good memories with Paige from that exact sofa. He was unsure if he is angrier at Paige for betraying him like that, or at Cooper for going to HIS property to fondle HIS girlfriend on HIS freaking sofa!

As the night trickled away, Bradley was thinking about the current situation. No matter how angry he is, he needs to deal with it. The problem is, how to deal with this?

He fought with his parents because of Paige. He turned his back on Jeff because of Paige. And Paige stabbed him in the back. Without her in his life, he would be an obedient son and a good friend. She ruined him. Completely.

…

Christopher paced through his hotel room for some time before calling Marcus.

He was sorting out the information in his head. What does he know? He needs to focus on relevant things and remove the noise.

Christopher knows that Jeff has the paintings which Marcus promised him when he takes over as a Master of the White family. Since Jeff has the paintings, normally, Marcus will have them once the deed is done and then he can give them to Christopher, how they agreed. But, can he trust Marcus? If Marcus is turning his back on his own family, what is to say that he will not turn on anyone else? Christopher is aware that he has no special place in Marcus' life in order to get a better treatment.

If Christopher assumes that Jeff's words are true, and these paintings are not in Marcus' hands for years, that means that Marcus is lying. And if he is lying about having them, why would he be truthful about handing them over when he gets into a position of power?

Christopher decided to find out more.

"Unusual for you to call…", Marcus sounded slightly out of breath.

"Sorry about a late call. But I need to ask you something…", Christopher hesitated.

"It's midnight. How about you go straight to the point?", Marcus said impatiently.

"The paintings that we spoke about… Do you have them?"

"Of course, I do."

"Are you sure? Do you mind if I come and see them, to make sure they are original works?"

Marcus snorted. "Do you think I am a fool? Or do you think that I am lying to you? Or is this your way of trying to get out of our deal?"

"No, no. I am just anxious to get my hands on them, that's it. You know that I am risking a lot by going against Jeff. It will put me at ease to see what I'm getting at the end of this."

"Don't worry about it. You do your part when the time comes, and I will give you money and those paintings.", Marcus hanged up.

Christopher slumped on the sofa and balled his hand into a fist. This proved that Marcus is lying. Christopher wondered, what else is Marcus lying about?

A horrible thought came to Christopher's mind: what if Marcus is lying about everything?

What if Marcus is not after Jeff at all, but this is the result of the two of them working together to expose people who are not loyal to Jeff? As a person who just came in power, it is not uncommon for Jeff to test the people around him.  

Now that Christopher thinks about it, there are no real attacks on Jeff that he is aware of. He only heard from Marcus and Jeff how Marcus is attacking and keeping Jeff busy, but how is it possible that not a single incident leaked? Sure, Jeff is known for information control, but that is for the general public because in the inner circle people still found out what is going on, at least some rumors would be circulating. But this… it's a complete silence.

Christopher got his phone and made another call. He has his people as well: "I need you to find me what is Marcus White up to lately. Specifically, is he acting against Jeffrey White to take over his position? … Yes… I expect first report tomorrow."

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