Chapter 32
Alaric had a feeling he’d just opened Pandora’s box by hiring Galatea.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m your doctor, and your well-being is my priority. I’ll get your records from Silas, and you can get back to work,” Galatea said, trying to keep things professional.
“Just remember what we agreed,” Alaric warned, his tone turning serious. “Be on call 24/7, and don’t you dare vanish on me again like you did last time. I won’t be so forgiving.”
“I get it,” Galatea reassured him, her voice calm but laced with genuine concern. “Keeping your emotions in check is crucial for your well-being, Mr. Knight. Control your temper if you want to stick around for the long haul. People who fly off the rails tend to check out early.”
With that, she turned on her heel and left, her departure drawing a wry smile from Alaric. This woman was becoming more audacious by the second.
Silas Moon was a marvel in getting things done, and soon, Galatea had Alaric’s medical files in hand. The files were tucked under her arm as she exited the hospital. Just as she was sliding behind the steering wheel of her car, a voice called out from behind.
“Miss Galatea.”
Galatea spun around, surprised to find Griffon standing there.
“Griffon, what brings you here? Looking for Alaric, I presume?” she asked, trying to mask her surprise. After all, as far as Griffon was concerned, she and Alaric were a couple.
“It’s not Alaric I’m here to see… it’s you.”
“Me?” Galatea raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. How about we sit down somewhere and talk?”
“Sure,” Galatea found herself saying without hesitation.
They found a quiet café and settled in a private booth.
“So, Griffon, what’s up? Why are you going out of your way to see me… it gives me a bad vibe,” Galatea said, her unease creeping into her voice.
“Miss Galatea, remember the last time you visited my place? I mentioned I felt like we had met before. Does that ring any bells?”
At that moment, Galatea tensed, a wave of anxiety washing over her. Does he remember? But that’s impossible! she thought, struggling to keep her composure. She couldn’t recall ever meeting him before. Where could it have been?
“You said that before, but I honestly don’t remember where I could have crossed paths with you,” she replied cautiously.
“After so many years, it’s normal to forget.”
So many years? Could he really know? Galatea wondered, a chill running down her spine.
“Griffon, what do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Galatea, there’s no need to be on edge. After everything your family, the Storms, went through… understandably, you’d adopt a new identity.”
Galatea’s breath caught in her throat. She’d never imagined that Griffon would be the first to see through her disguise.
“Rest assured, I haven’t breathed a word of this to anyone, not even my wife or Orion. They’re both in the dark,” Griffon reassured her.
Galatea bit her lip hard, staying silent for a long time before finally murmuring, “Griffon, since you already know, there’s no point in hiding it anymore. I am Stellan. I changed my name to start a new life.”
“I know,” Griffon said casually, sipping his coffee. “We all have scars we prefer to hide from the world. While I can’t fully understand your ordeal, I get why you did it. But let me be frank—and I mean no offense, Galatea Hartley.”
Galatea’s chest tightened as she braced herself for his words.
“Alaric lost his father when he was very young. I’ve stepped in as a father figure, and he cares for me as a son would. He wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of introducing you to the Nash family without good reason.”
Galatea had anticipated what would follow. “Yes. You think someone with my past isn’t fit for him, that I should stay away from him, right?”
“Pretty much,” Griffon admitted, leaning back in his chair. “You know about Alaric’s standing. Even if he’s not with someone from the Nash family, he ought to be with someone who’s at least his equal. As far as I’m aware, you have a child, and the child’s father… well, he’s still out of the picture.”
If there had been any romantic feelings between her and Alaric, Griffon’s words might have stung. But since there was no such foundation, the confrontation left Galatea feeling more indignant and disrespected than hurt.
“Griff, I understand that, as an elder, you want your son to marry someone of equal status, but Alaric isn’t a child. He’s capable of making his own judgments. If he felt we weren’t a match, he would tell me to leave, and I wouldn’t linger,” she replied, her voice firm.
Griffon chuckled, a hint of displeasure in his tone. “So, Miss Galatea, you’re saying you won’t leave him?”
“That’s right,” Galatea responded resolutely. “This whole scenario feels like a worn-out plot from a daytime soap opera. It’s anything but original. I think he deserves a bit more respect.”
“Fine, then let me ask you this,” Griffon said, leaning forward. “Does Alaric know that you are actually Stellan? Does he know about your children’s background? Or dare you tell him the truth about your children’s origins? You’re not being transparent in this relationship. You’ve misled him. Once he finds out, he’ll likely come to the same conclusion I have. Why demean yourself this way, Galatea? Walk away now, and both you and your children can retain your dignity.”
Galatea’s hands clenched into fists on the table, but her voice remained steady. “May I ask you a frank question, Griff?”
“Go ahead,” he said, intrigued.
“If it were a real heiress standing by Alaric’s side instead of me, would you be willing to wish them happiness? Would you genuinely accept his girlfriend?” she asked, her tone sharp.
“Of course,” Griffon replied without hesitation.
“Just because she’s from a wealthy family? Merely because they are well-matched in terms of their social background? Without caring whether he truly likes her?” Galatea pressed. “If he chose her, it must mean he likes her.”
“In that case, why can’t you believe that our relationship is genuine? If he sincerely likes me, why are you trying to drive me away? Aren’t you afraid that this might hurt him?” she demanded, her eyes locking onto his.
“Galatea Hartley, I must say, you’ve got quite the sharp wit.”
“I’m only speaking the truth,” she replied coolly.
“The truth is you deceived him, and I’ll say it again—do you dare tell him the reality?” Griffon asked, his eyes narrowing.
“I dare!” Galatea said, her voice unwavering. “What’s there to fear?”
“If you don’t believe us, we can go back to Nexus Innovations right now. I can reveal my background to him in front of you. If he chooses not to forgive me, I’ll leave immediately. On the flip side, if he accepts me, I don’t expect your blessing, Mr. Griffon; but at least I hope you won’t interfere anymore.”
Griffon was rendered speechless for a moment. This girl was not as easily swayed as he had thought.
His gaze fell to a folder on the table labeled Alaric’s Medical Records. He quickly averted his eyes, but not before Galatea noticed.
Griffon took a sip of his coffee, his hand trembling as he put the cup down. The coffee tipped forward, spilling out and soaking Galatea’s clothes.
“Great,” she muttered dryly, wiping the wet fabric. “Just what I needed.”