Villain Ch 343. Ignore And Conquer Strategy
With a nonchalant shrug, Allen leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I've been telling you, Gerry, she's got that manipulative streak," he remarked, his tone casual but knowing.
Gerry, on the other hand, seemed equal parts frustrated and bemused, his expression a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "I know, I know. That's why she asked for my number yesterday!" he exclaimed, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke.
Allen arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Wait, hold on. She asked for your number yesterday?" he inquired, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes.
Gerry nodded vigorously, his gaze fixed on Allen. "Yep, right before we separated. She was all friendly and casual, and then she just casually dropped the question," he recounted, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and realization.
A chuckle escaped Allen's lips, his amusement was evident. "Well, well. Looks like she's got quite the game plan going on," he mused, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand.
Gerry let out an exasperated sigh, his shoulders slumping in mock defeat. "She also asked yours," he grumbled, his tone tinged with a touch of embarrassment.
Allen's grin widened. "Did you give her mine too?" he asked.
Gerry shot him a pointed look, his lips curling into a wry smile. "Nah, mate. You're safe. I've got your number locked down in the 'classified information' category," he replied with a wink, a hint of humor in his voice.
Allen chuckled. "Well played. Glad to know my digits are in good hands," he quipped.
Gerry's expression was a mix of amusement and camaraderie. "You know me. I won't spill unless I've got a legit reason. No number-sharing without proper authorization," he declared, his words carrying an air of loyalty. "So, spill the beans. What's the master plan for dealing with the drama between 'her and him'?" Gerry's voice was lighthearted, but his curiosity was undeniable.
Allen looked at Gerry, his expression somewhat distant as if his mind was occupied with various thoughts. "Well, my current plan is to basically pretend they're invisible and hope they'll eventually tire themselves out. You know, the good old ignore and conquer strategy," he replied with a casual shrug, his tone indicating that this was a matter of routine for him.
"And if they don't tire out?" Gerry asked, his curiosity pushing him to dig a little deeper.
A mischievous glint danced in Allen's eyes, and a sly smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Ah, that's where the fun begins. If they decide to stick around and keep stirring the pot, then I'll just turn up the heat," he said, his voice taking on a colder edge as he outlined his contingency plan.
Gerry chuckled, a mixture of amusement and mild unease in his laughter. He'd seen this side of Allen before—the calculated strategist who played the long game to ensure victory. "You always did have a knack for playing mind games," he commented, a wry grin on his face.
"Comes in handy when you're dealing with people who think they can outmaneuver you," Allen replied with a knowing smirk, a hint of challenge in his tone.
Gerry raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Allen. "So, what's the endgame here? Drive them crazy until they throw in the towel?" he asked, his curiosity unabated.
Allen's smirk evolved into something more mysterious, a blend of confidence and determination. "The endgame is to assert dominance without even lifting a finger. Make it crystal clear that I'm not fazed, and they'll eventually realize that their efforts are futile," he explained, his words carrying a sense of conviction.
Gerry chuckled, shaking his head in a mixture of admiration and disbelief. "You've got this all mapped out, don't you?"
Allen leaned back, his smirk fading into a more relaxed smile. "Gerry, life's too short to let other people's drama mess with your peace of mind. Sometimes, you've just got to let them play their little games while you enjoy the show from a distance."
In the middle of their conversation, Larissa sauntered over, her yoga mat tucked under her arm, a slight sheen of sweat glistening on her skin. It had become a regular routine for her to join Allen and Gerry after her pilates class, and yet every time she did, a wave of nerves seemed to wash over her. She felt like there was an unspoken anticipation hanging in the air, a sense that something more was expected than just casual conversations—much like the green light Vivian and Jane had given to Allen.
Her voice carried a hint of curiosity as she chimed in, breaking the serious atmosphere that seemed to envelop Allen and Gerry. "What's the topic of discussion, gentlemen?"
Gerry glanced at Allen, a subtle plea in his eyes, urging him to share what was really on their minds. Allen's initial response was almost automatic. "Oh, you know, just the usual stuff," he replied nonchalantly, though a flicker of something deeper lingered in his gaze.
Gerry, however, wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily. He turned his head toward Allen, his expression more pointed this time. It was as if his gaze was saying, "Come on, spill the beans."
With a resigned sigh, Allen finally caved in. He met Larissa's gaze and shrugged, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "Well, we were actually discussing my ex," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of surprise at himself for sharing such personal matters in this casual setting.
"What happened?" Larissa said with curiosity and enthusiasm.
"Gerry met them both last night and they looked like they were dating. But you know her. Her target is still me," Allen explained. As usual, he explained briefly without any spice of gossip at all.
"I see... she hasn't given up yet," Larissa muttered. She didn't sound surprised by it.
"Yeah. Anyway, I'm a bit hungry. Can we continue this while getting breakfast?" Allen asked as he was aware of several people's gazes on him, especially some young mom who had just left Larissa's class.
"I agree!" said Gerry.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel