Blackstone Code

After a period of discreet discussion in the sauna room, the group came out, anticipating the activities arranged for them by Gap.

As a less renowned second-tier city, Sabin City had certain advantages incomparable to metropolitan areas, yet in other aspects, it didn't necessarily pale in comparison.

Choosing this venue for discussions was primarily for secrecy. The private club, combined with the near nudity of the sauna room, steam, and distorted sounds, made it exceedingly difficult for anyone to leave behind any trace of their presence, even if they intended to.

Following discussions that might potentially raise certain issues, the group left, preparing to return to their normal nightlife.

The beauty of the city lay in its abundant wealth and vibrant nights, something rural areas could never match. Consequently, a significant population gravitated towards urban centers.

Within a short span of a few years, the population of the Baylor Federation City had at least doubled, if not more.

While clubs served their purpose, they were limited to discussions or simple relaxation. Maintaining standards was crucial for these private clubs, and they would never easily compromise the rules they had set for themselves.

Seated in the last car, Gap, upon the driver's reminder, glanced back at a car trailing behind them, suddenly furrowing his brow.

Had it not been for the driver's prompt, he might not have sensed someone tailing them.

Private investigation wasn't part of Baylor Federation's judicial system; it belonged to a spontaneously formed occupation within the civilian sector. Yet, once registered and documented, the evidence they collected could be admissible in various cases as long as it met judicial standards.

There existed a public misconception—most evidence in the hands of private investigators wasn't gathered through lawful means. However, they knew how to legitimize these pieces of evidence through falsification, sometimes even local judicial systems relied on their assistance to supplement evidence. Hence, few bothered to scrutinize the source of evidence held by private investigators.

Moreover, the significant difference between private investigators and the police was that the latter wouldn't tail individuals or rummage through trash bins for you, nor would they call you "Boss" just because you paid them.

However, private investigators would. They had become, alongside lawyers, accountants, and dentists, one of Baylor Federation's most prominent industries—specifically denoting their money-making capabilities.

Vera had her own private funds, being a certified accountant in an accounting firm. Gap also provided her with an additional sum monthly for household expenses, allowing her to save some money.

She had hired a private investigator affiliated with the firm to investigate the matter. Cases related to infidelity intrigued not only lawyers but also private investigators.

With appropriate photos, each picture could fetch a considerable price, regardless of the employer's intentions—these photos and negatives had to be purchased.

The car trailing them suddenly turned onto a side road from the main thoroughfare. Though it felt odd, Gap decided to follow.

Moments later, the car Gap was in emerged from that alley. Seated in the back, he fiddled with a roll of film, his expression understandably grim.

Meanwhile, the private investigator lay in a sorry state amid a heap of garbage.

In the early hours of the morning, somewhat intoxicated, Gap returned home. He removed his tie, discarded his jacket, and pushed open the bedroom door.

The bedside lamp was still on, and Vera hadn't slept. She sat by the edge of the bed, wearing a complex expression—some resentment mixed with a hint of anticipation.

"Back already?" Vera snapped back to attention as soon as the door opened, realizing Gap had been drinking. He had been doing so for a while now. She walked over to assist him, but Gap recoiled.

He went to a chair near the window, took out a roll of film from his pocket, and slammed it onto the table. Looking calmly at Vera, he softly said, "You had someone follow me, take photos of me!"

He shook his head. "Your suspicion is disheartening, dear. How could you doubt me?"

Vera remained silent for a moment, then met Gap's eyes. But in his eyes, she couldn't find the outstanding young man she once knew—only endless lies, arrogance, and deceit.

Suddenly, she too felt a wave of disappointment. Gap taking this matter so seriously confirmed Vera's suspicions. It all seemed quite meaningless to her now.

"Last night, there were lipstick marks on your butt..."

With that sentence, the room's atmosphere changed instantly. Gap, initially ready to 'accuse' Vera, suddenly lost his vigor, almost disappearing. His eyes flickered with realization for a moment, then he slapped his forehead.

"Any questions you have, just ask me directly. Why resort to such methods? Don't you know me?" He started making excuses, trying to explain himself. "Do you know when that guy followed me, I was with a board member from the company? He was incredibly unhappy. You nearly ruined our future!"

The driver of the car he was in worked for the company, and that board member was now aware of the situation. Gap had a hard time explaining for a while before finally gaining the other party's trust.

The board member, half smiling, cautioned Gap about handling personal matters well, not to let private affairs affect the company's operations, and warned him—this was his only chance.

This incident led Gap to finally decide to talk to Vera. If she continued dispatching private investigators or the like, things could get worse. She had to stop!

Vera was deeply disappointed. She looked at Gap and questioned, "Family or your career—which is more important?" Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Moreover, that's not an excuse for your infidelity. If you think your job gives you the liberty to fool around, what does that make me?"

Gap remained silent, offering no response. She turned, picked up the blanket and pillow, and walked to the bedroom door. Pausing there, she glanced back at Gap, not saying a word, as she opened the door with one hand.

She realized she displayed more courage than she had imagined, at least not exhibiting the expected explosive anger or the world-collapsing despair after confirming her husband's infidelity. She suddenly found herself somewhat frightening at this moment—or rather, she didn't know how to articulate that feeling. Being a wife and not feeling as enraged as expected after confirming her husband's infidelity made her realize she might not love this man as much as she thought.

In reality, most families were like this. When love turned into family bonds after marriage, strong emotions gradually subsided, ultimately transforming into emotions vastly different from love.

Some described this as familial affection, but others viewed it as merely numbness.

"Now is a critical period for me..." Gap brought up this reason again. "Don't you want a bigger house, higher social status, more money, a better life?"

He opened his hands, wearing a pained expression. "I do this not just for myself but for this family. Some social engagements are indeed dirty, but they're inevitable! Vera, you take things too seriously!"

Vera pulled open the door, standing outside it. Both of them locked eyes for a moment. Vera shook her head, "You disgust me!"Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/series/blackstone-code/

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