章 42: Chapter 42: A Different Perspective
After a long silence, Gianna began to speak, recovering her inherent shrewdness and competence deeply ingrained in her bones: "Rick, was it your warning that prompted John to suddenly contact me last time, telling me that Santino might oppose my succession as the head of the D'Antonio family and possibly use the blood oath crest he holds to command John to act against me?"
Castle straightforwardly admitted, "Yes, but my reason for raising the issue was mainly because of my friendship with John. I feared that he would be compelled by the blood oath crest in Santino's hands to accept the mission to assassinate you. However, at that time, since you were not yet boyfriend and girlfriend, I considered it more from John's perspective.
However, the situation has changed now that you are John's girlfriend, and I can't stand by and watch you overlook this issue!"
"Thank you, Rick. Regardless of your original intentions, the outcome has been very beneficial to me. It not only brought John closer to me but also warned me in advance. I must admit, even after John told me about it, I hadn't taken it seriously enough, perhaps because, apart from my father, Santino is the only direct blood relative I have left in this world. So, I subconsciously didn't want to believe he would act against me just for the position of the family head."
Gianna was perhaps truly enlightened, thus she openly shared her thoughts with John and Castle.
"But I believe you wouldn't give up so easily for no reason; there must be solid evidence or certainty on your part. Trust me, from now on, I will truly take this matter seriously," Gianna sincerely told Castle.
"You definitely should," Castle responded. "I wonder if Santino is aware that John is now with you. Have you considered what if Santino does what I mentioned, using the blood oath crest to demand that John assassinate you as soon as your father passes away?
John can't refuse a vow made by his own blood oath crest. Refusing Santino would lead to isolation and being hunted by the entire High Table system.
Nor can he accept, because with John's skills and efficiency, Santino wouldn't believe any failure on his part. He would use the blood oath crest to force John to achieve his goal. Wouldn't you have to confront Santino then?
Why not prevent trouble before it happens and control the damage to a minimum?"
Castle voiced his concerns, prompting Gianna and John to exchange a knowing smile. John took over the conversation, "Rick, things aren't as bad as you think.
Although Gianna, due to Santino being her only blood relative besides her father, is reluctant to believe and unwilling to act against him, it doesn't mean we haven't been preparing during this time.
We appreciate your concern, but thinking isn't my strong suit, so let Gianna tell you about our plan. I'll get us some drinks."
After saying this, John stood up and went to the bar to pour drinks for his girlfriend and his concerned brother, knowing well Gianna's capabilities. When serious, Gianna's scheming could outmaneuver him and Castle combined, and he preferred the straightforward approach.
With her mind at ease, Gianna smiled as she took the glass from John, sipped it lightly, and began explaining her plan to Castle, who was seated across on the couch.
"Rick, long before John came to France to inform me about this, I had already demanded the blood oath crest from Santino that binds John, but at that time, I merely hoped to obtain it to set John completely free, with no other intentions. However, no matter how I demanded it, Santino refused.
I never thought much of it until John came to tell me about your analysis of our family's leadership transition and Santino's character. I then realized that my brother might have long been planning to vie for the family head position, using John's blood oath crest as part of a well-laid plan and ambush.
Of course, it's not entirely reprehensible for him to do so. As you know, in our kind of family, being ruthless and calculating is a basic necessity.
Honestly, when I first heard of this, I was actually pleased that my brother could plan so far ahead and be so cunning!
At least it proves that if he really becomes the family head, he would be competent in these aspects.
But looking at it from another angle, shouldn't he avoid using such extreme measures against his own sister, his closest kin?
Moreover, even if he did intend harm, shouldn't he have concealed his plans better, rather than letting two outsiders like you and John detect them?
From this perspective, he's typically indiscreet and overestimates his capabilities, and such a Santino, even if he succeeds in taking me down and assuming the leadership, would only be a fool who would ruin the family's honor."
Gianna, having spoken
her mind, seemed emotionally agitated and took a big gulp of her drink, as if to vent her disappointment in Santino.
Castle, however, was sweating from Gianna's words.
"Damn, this circle is really messy. Gianna actually thinks being schemed against by her own brother is a good thing?
Their way of viewing things is completely different from normal people!"
Stabilized by her drink, Gianna continued, "Today, you bringing this up again, I won't ask about the source of your information, but given that Santino's intentions against me are so clear, I can't just sit by.
However, my plan is…"
"Wait, wait, Gianna, I'm just glad you're taking this seriously, you don't need to tell me your plan!!!"
Castle interrupted Gianna, who was about to detail how she would handle her foolish brother Santino.
John and Gianna looked at Castle with a curious expression, not understanding what he was playing at.
"Gianna, I've always believed that the best way to keep a secret is to have as few people know as possible. I just care that you two won't be caught off guard by Santino's sudden attack, but it's better for me not to know the specifics of your arrangements!"
Castle's tactfulness pleased Gianna, who already had a high opinion of him, making her feel that the friend her man had found was simply perfect.
"Well then, Rick, we won't force you, but still, thank you—truly, thank you for your concern!" Gianna raised her glass in a toast to Castle.
John Wick, the 'tool man', also raised his glass, "Rick, thank you!!!"
The main reason Castle didn't want to hear Gianna's specific arrangements was that he feared his own moral compass couldn't handle it. The perspectives of these elite family members were completely different from his own as a normal person.
For the sake of his own principles and to keep secrets, Castle decisively cut off Gianna. Seeing the couple inviting him to join them and feeling relieved about John's situation, Castle happily raised his glass: "Cheers!!!"
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