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Did he?

At the moment, the answer had become debatable as he discovered several factions in their group that allied against his governance, a possible threat to his position.

After discovering the mole in his organization, he had tasked a few of his most trusted men to investigate the name given to him by the traitor. It would seem his good old friend was heading the pack against him.

“So, what do we do about them?” Mike asked as he told his friend what he had recently learned.

His friend went straight ahead to his stock of alcohol and started pouring a considerable amount into his glass, chugging it in one long gulp before preparing another one for himself and offering one to him.

Then, his friend settled on the sofa as if waiting for a plan. When he did not respond immediately, Mike expressed. “We could not fight them off without declaring war within the organization.” Concluding the same thing he was thinking.

.....

That would be chaotic, causing an unruly disturbance within their well-established institution. A division would form among their members, and everyone would have no choice but to pick sides.

He could already picture the problematic outcome if he allowed this to escalate. There was a likelihood that many would still take his side, but that would create a great divide and restlessness. Blood would surely flood the street, and many of their comrades would perish.

“I am thinking about it,” Gerald answered, still uncertain, knowing it was just a matter of time. Either he fought them or gave up his crown, both unappealing in his opinion.

And the problem would not stop there. The authorities would surely get a whiff of the situation and capitalize on it. Then, in a worst-case scenario, their entire operation would probably blow up in their faces. They would be lucky if they could pick up the pieces.

He had seen many organizations like theirs dissolved due to power play. Instead of working together, they killed each other, leaving the organization vulnerable to their competition, enemies, and the authorities.

He had to resolve this immediately, not wanting to fuel the growing unrest within his comrades, but he had to find a solution to the problem without complicating matters.

“Think fast.” His friend recommended with his brows tied into a knot. He finished his drink and lighted a cigarette, puffing the stick until it created a white cloud around him.

He had never seen Mike this anxious before. His friend had always been calm and a source of good advice. He had valued his counsel more times than he could count.

However, condemning himself to doom would not help him in his situation. He preferred to stop whoever started the fire and burn him instead. It was his priority before this dilemma spun out of his control.

“I am sure you have ideas in that big head of yours.” Gerald stared at his friend, who never ran out of things to say. But at the moment, he seemed speechless as he remained quiet, sitting on his chair.

“I am coming up with one soon,” Mike assured him. He trusted his friend to think about this and give him a recommendation. “What about the governor position? Are you still running?”

He might not always agree with his friend, but he valued his input in most decisions. It had been more helpful in many ways than one. Still, the last decision always remained with him, and his friend never stopped supporting him.

“I have to equate it with this current situation.” He knew that running would be beneficial for his career and would be helpful to the organization.

However, he had to figure out his situation within the group before he could explore another avenue. He did not want everything to go out of proportion, leaving him standing in a vulnerable spot.

“Do you still intend to marry Haley? You know that if this continues, she will be the first target.” Mike reminded him, still unconvinced he was only using the girl.

He had seen Gerald use women like they were nothing. Therefore, he could not believe that what his friend felt for this chick was anything but casual sex and for his career advancement.

He was emotionally connected to her, whether he admitted it or not. And that could be another cause of this rebellion in their party. The other leaders were losing their confidence in him, seeing that he had a weakness.

“I...” But before Gerald could even deny anything, his friend cut him off. He did not want to look at Haley as a disadvantage but as someone beneficial to his plans. But his friend might be right. He was not blind to the possibility that she might be the issue behind his situation.

“Don’t bother lying to me, man. We have been friends for a long time. This chick is different, and you know it.” He insisted, not wanting to hear any more of his excuses.

“That is your opinion.” Gerald still would not confirm his suspicion because he did not want it to be true.

He was at a crossroads between letting her go, far away from him, or keeping her close for her safety. At this point, he was not sure anymore which one would be better for her.

He could not care less about her father and family, but he was starting to care about her. But love was still something he did not believe in, no matter what his friend said. He was still using her for his needs and intentions, nothing more.

“Hey! What are you guys up to?” Suddenly, her angelic voice echoed in the room. He was not expecting she would be back early.

Truthfully, Haley was practically living in his apartment for two weeks, almost coming home every night after her work and hanging around during the weekends.

“I thought that you were having dinner with your father.” Gerald greeted her with a soft kiss on her lips before letting her sit on his lap.

He could conclude that a few more scenarios like this. It would indicate that they were living together. It was another thing to consider with his growing problems.

“He had to cancel because of some problem. I hope you are staying, Mike, because I am preparing dinner.” Haley offered to his friend.

Although Mike was adamant that Gerald cut Haley off his life, he still acted civilly with her when trapped in the same room. He did not show any untoward feelings toward her.

On the contrary, he treated her like they had been friends for a long time. And personally, Haley was so loveable, generous, and kind. She was just hard to hate.