Never Judge

Cedric kept his professional attitude as Mayor Baron along with his family engaged him in conversation.

He noticed how they kept dropping names in the hopes that Cedric and they had common friends. Unfortunately for the Baron family, Cedric was not the most social of the five princes.

Having been under poverty training for most of his life, other children of rich families had chosen to ignore him. And even among those that did not ignore him, most had treated him miserably in his university days.

"Mr. Reyes, my niece will be going to the capital next month, she is actually aiming to work for the Reyes Group." Mayor Baron said as he tried to push his niece into the limelight.

"I wish you the best then." Cedric said with a nod in an uninterested tone.

"Thank you." The mayor's niece said with a nod and a blush.

"My cousin is very much into the retail business, maybe you could help her out in getting a spot in your company Mr. Reyes." The mayor's son said.

Cedric looked at the young man, he was obviously at least five years younger than Cedric and had lived a sheltered and comfortable life.

"Mr. Baron." Cedric said as he addressed the mayor's son in a formal tone. He had actually forgotten the son's name and decided to simply address him in a formal manner. "I'm not sure if you've heard, but the Reyes Group does not play favorites or do favors."

"Mr. Reyes, I assure you, my cousin does not need favors." The mayor's son said. 

"Now, now, Rodrigo, I'm sure Mr. Reyes is saying that because the Reyes Group needs to play fair." Mayor Baron said as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder and gripped it tightly. Clearly the father had not been happy with his son's approach.

Cedric knew that the mayor was trying to get on his good side, so he simply nodded and continued to speak with the mayor and his family.

"Mr. Reyes, on the property you want to purchase, there may be a solution for all of us." The mayor said as a waiter poured him a glass of wine.

"Oh, there is?" Cedric asked, playing innocent to what the mayor was suggesting.

"We can discuss this in my office, and if we settle on a deal I can talk to the current owners of the property." Mayor Baron said with a nod.

"I don't mind discussing it with you, but I would be more comfortable if I had my lawyer with me." Cedric said as he thought of calling Katerina Sebastian over.

"Oh, but it will take some time to get someone from the capital to the province." Mayor Baron said as it was at least a five hour drive from the capital.

"Ian." Cedric called out as he glanced at his assistant who was standing on the sidelines.

"Yes, Mr. Reyes." Ian said in a respectful and formal tone as he approached Cedric.

"Give Kat a call. See if she can hitch a ride with her dad to us." Cedric instructed. He knew that Katerina would never take the presidential helicopter to a client meeting, but it wasn't the only chopper that she had access to. 

Ian simply nodded and went to the side to give Katerina a call.

"Mr. Reyes, I'm sure you don't need your lawyer for this discussion." Mayor Baron urged. His recommendation wasn't exactly going to be a legal one.

"Oh?" Cedric asked.

"Mr. Reyes, I would never cheat you, and you could always repeat our discussion to your lawyer." Mayon Baron told Cedric.

Cedric thought of what the implications would be if Mayor Baron suggested something illegal, which Cedric felt he would. If it was simply the Mayor recommending it and he didn't agree to anything then he should be safe.

"Mr. Reyes, your lawyer would like to speak to you." Ian said as he gestured to the phone in his hand.

"Please, excuse me." Cedric told the Mayor and his family as he walked to the side with Ian and several bodyguards.

"The area has been checked for bugs, you'll be safe to talk here." Leon told Cedric as he had his men surround Cedric, giving him a physical barrier from the public.

Cedric nodded his thanks as Ian handed him the phone.

"Katerina." Cedric greeted in a warm tone.

"Don't Katerina, Katerina me!" Katerina Sebastian said in an annoyed voice. "What is Ian talking about? Why are you even considering discussing such a dangerous deal with the Baron family?"

"What do you know about the Barons?" Cedric asked Katerina, not wanting to match the intensity of her temper.

"The Barons are a political family, a dynasty in their province. There are rumors that they are corrupt, but there is nothing to prove that they are." Katerina said with a sigh as she somewhat calmed down.

"So can I listen to his offer?" Cedric asked Katerina.

"Yes, but be careful." Katerina warned. "He will try to trick you into agreeing. He will record your meeting, and he will use it against you."

"I already know that Katerina." Cedric said as he rolled his eyes.

"Do you really need a lawyer there today?" Katerina asked Cedric in an annoyed tone.

"I might." Cedric answered. "It's not just this, it's the other matter too." 

"Alexi is flying out to visit some poor province that doesn't get funding. Dad wants him to check it out. Can you send a car to get me? It's thirty minutes from where you are." Katerina said with a sigh.

"Are you bringing your boyfriend?" Cedric asked as he thought of Eric arriving at the small province.

"No, he has work." Katerina said.

"Alright, send Ian the exact location and he will have someone pick you up. I'll go discuss things with Mayor Baron in private." Cedric told Katerina as he handed Ian back his phone.

"I want Dave with me during the meeting, tell him to discreetly record everything." Cedric whispered to Ian before finally returning to his seat.

"No big issues, I hope?" Mayor Baron asked as Cedric sat back down.

"No, none. But I'll be taking you up on your offer of a private chat." Cedric confirmed with the mayor.

"Perfect, we can go to my office once everyone leaves, this party is almost over anyway." The mayor said with a sly smile giving Cedric a bad feeling.