Chapter 316: Chapter 316: It Might Not Be Him
Stella Sterling was taken aback when she heard the exasperation in Gordon Ford’s voice.
Her mind went back to the last time they’d met.
Gordon Ford had suddenly launched into a fierce confession, and her mind had been in such a whirl at the time that she didn’t know how to face him. So, she’d simply drugged him, knocked him out, and sent him away.
On top of that, she had specifically ordered her base personnel to never let him get near their territory if they saw him again.
Thinking back, it wasn’t long after that when Crescentia Base sent an invitation, stating they wanted to meet with her to discuss a partnership.
Back then, Gordon Ford had vanished, and she hadn’t given it much thought. She just assumed he’d gotten the message about her attitude and given up.
’I’ve always believed in letting things like this run their course. If he gave up, so be it. It wasn’t something I dwelled on. But I never expected he was secretly plotting all of this.’
She had thought he genuinely had something to discuss; after all, it was all so formal. If he just wanted to see her, there would have been no need to go through so much trouble.
Besides, based on her prior understanding of him, he didn’t seem like the type of person who would do something like this.
’But for a moment, I forgot. We aren’t who we used to be. I’ve changed so much, so of course, Gordon Ford couldn’t have stayed the same.’
After all these years, the Gordon Ford of today was a far cry from the one she used to know.
’It’s not accurate to judge his current actions based on my old impression of him.’
And at that moment, Gordon Ford seemed to realize something. He chuckled. "So you still remember what I used to be like."
’She wouldn’t have said that out of the blue; she must have had a reason.’
’And it hit me instantly. It’s because the old me really wasn’t the type to do something like this. That’s why she doesn’t believe I came here just to see her. She must think I have some other agenda, which is why she asked.’
At this thought, Gordon Ford’s lips curled into a smile, and his mood brightened considerably.
’If I were just some irrelevant person, she wouldn’t give me a second thought, let alone remember what my personality used to be like or what I would or wouldn’t do.’
’But she still remembers the old me so clearly. That means, in her heart...’
This realization brought a deep sense of pleasure to Gordon Ford.
Seeing Gordon Ford’s ambiguous, teasing smile, Stella Sterling gave a couple of awkward laughs and touched her nose.
Gordon Ford could see that Stella Sterling was a bit embarrassed, so he smiled and changed the subject. "Do you remember a guy named Miles Sanctus?"
Hearing the name, a hint of confusion appeared in Stella Sterling’s eyes. "Who—?"
Seeing that Stella Sterling genuinely didn’t remember the name, Gordon Ford’s mood improved even more. The smile on his face deepened as he kindly explained, "The leader of Sanctyr Base. The one who confessed his feelings to you at The Apocalypse Summit."
The name Miles Sanctus didn’t ring a bell, and for a moment, Stella Sterling couldn’t place it. But when she heard the phrase "the leader of Sanctyr Base," she immediately recalled who he was.
She looked at Gordon Ford with even greater confusion. ’Why on earth would he bring this person up out of nowhere!’
Seeing Stella Sterling’s confusion, Gordon Ford didn’t hide anything and continued, "If all went according to plan, he should be dead by now. When you think about it, that’s one less rival in love for me. It’s an occasion worth celebrating. I was wondering if I could borrow your kitchen and some of your food supplies? I’ll cook a few dishes tonight to treat you to a meal. We can consider it a celebration for me having one less rival."
"I’ll pay you back for the food I borrow, of course."
Gordon Ford added this last part quickly.
Food supplies were a critical resource these days, and his relationship with Stella Sterling hadn’t reached that stage yet. He was afraid she might get the wrong idea, so he rushed to clarify.
"Dead? How did he die? Isn’t Sanctyr Base supposed to be a big deal? That guy was so arrogant, and his subordinates are all completely lawless, thinking no one dares to cross them. How could their leader just die so easily?"
Hearing this, Stella Sterling was genuinely surprised.
Sanctyr Base had a formidable reputation; most people wouldn’t dare to make a move against them. And as the leader of such a large base, how could Miles Sanctus have been so unprepared? How could he have been taken out so easily?
And one other thing...
Stella Sterling looked up at Gordon Ford, her eyes filled with suspicion.
Miles Sanctus had just left Meridia Base not long ago, so how could something have happened to him already? Moreover, no news of his death had gotten out—no one knew. So how did Gordon Ford know he was dead?
’Either he’s spouting nonsense, or he has some inside information. Or...’
Stella Sterling looked at Gordon Ford and stated with certainty, "You did this. Or at the very least, you’re involved, aren’t you?"
At first, seeing such a strong reaction from Stella Sterling, Gordon Ford had been a little worried.
But when he saw that her strong reaction was purely out of surprise, Gordon Ford relaxed. He nodded and admitted it directly. "That’s right. I did it."
After Gordon Ford admitted it, Stella Sterling grew quiet, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
A new question arose. ’Gordon Ford had no prior grudge against Miles Sanctus. Why would he go so far as to kill him? Could it be... because of me?’
’In the past, I would never have believed it. But seeing this new Gordon Ford, so different from before, I think my guess isn’t just possible—it’s highly likely.’
At that moment, Gordon Ford spoke again. "You still haven’t answered my question. Can I borrow your kitchen?"
Stella Sterling didn’t answer him. Instead, as if struck by a thought, she asked, "Are you sure he’s dead?"
Gordon Ford thought for a moment. "Unless he had someone impersonating him, then yes, I’m sure."
After all, he had done the deed himself and had personally watched the man’s head get blown off before he collapsed to the ground. Under those circumstances, there was absolutely no chance of survival.
But he couldn’t rule out the possibility that Miles Sanctus knew someone was coming for him and had arranged for a body double to take his place ahead of time.
That day, after he fired the shot, he and Basil Xavier left immediately. They didn’t go forward to verify if the person was the real deal or not, so he couldn’t be completely certain.
At this, Stella Sterling smiled. "The people from Sanctyr Base may be arrogant, but they’re also very cautious. I don’t think the one who died was necessarily him."
