Chapter 36
“It’s a small place—just have a seat anywhere,” Galatea said, gesturing with a casual wave as she invited Alaric inside. “I’ll get you some water.”
Alaric briefly surveyed the tiny apartment, taking in every detail with a practiced eye. There wasn’t much to it—furniture crammed into every available space, the faint scent of something cooking lingering in the air. But it didn’t escape him that every inch seemed carefully arranged, despite the limited space. As he was inspecting the room, Elisa’s sharp gaze met his.
Elisa didn’t mince words. With steely eyes, she challenged him, “Aren’t you the deadbeat who messed with my mom and then skipped town? What’s got you crawling back here?”
Alaric almost chuckled at the accusation. A “deadbeat”? He certainly didn’t see himself that way, but he found the term amusing.
“Am I not welcome?” he asked, genuinely curious.
Elisa shot back without missing a beat, “Weren’t you the one giving me the cold shoulder at your office? Turnabout’s fair play.”
Her reply caught him off guard, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “You sure know a lot, huh?”
The more Alaric observed Elisa, the more the resemblance to someone he knew struck him. Suddenly, it hit him—Caspian had mentioned a classmate named Elisa who looked almost like his twin. Could it be her? he wondered. She really did look strikingly similar.
“Elisa,” Alaric began, his tone cautious, “Do you know my son, Caspian?”
Elisa didn’t flinch. Instead, a mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. “Are you actually asking me something? That’ll be ten dollars a question, cash or transfer.”
Alaric blinked, momentarily speechless, but Elisa’s confident demeanor didn’t waver.
“Fair and square prices, no scams, and definitely no pressure sales,” she continued, almost as if giving a business pitch. “I can’t go easy on a rich jerk like you.”
Caspian, who had hidden himself in the closet, was barely able to breathe. What was Dad doing here? Why wasn’t he leaving already?
Reluctantly, Alaric reached into his wallet and pulled out a crisp hundred-dollar bill, handing it over to Elisa. She snatched it with delight, stashing it away swiftly.
“You’re quite the high roller. I’ll give you a discount,” Elisa said with a grin. “You can ask me eleven questions now.”
“Then answer the one I just asked,” Alaric said, not wasting time.
Elisa shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know him,” she replied with a hint of surprise. “Your son goes to some fancy private school, right? How would I possibly know him?”
Alaric felt a small pang of disappointment. Doesn’t know him? he thought. So, the Elisa Caspian spoke of isn’t her?
He glanced toward the kitchen, where Galatea was still out of view, and asked again, “You’re a twin? You have a brother?”
“Yeah,” Elisa answered, her voice unchanged. “My brother’s name is Harry. I mentioned earlier he’s out shooting hoops.”
“Got a picture?” Alaric pressed, his curiosity growing. “I’d like to take a look.”
Elisa smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Asking questions is ten bucks a pop, but looking at my personal stuff? That’ll cost you more.”
For the first time, Alaric felt defeated by a child’s stubbornness. He was about to pull out more cash when the sound of footsteps interrupted.
“Elisa, always thinking about money,” Galatea gently chided, walking into the room just in time to intercept Alaric’s gesture. She turned to hand the money back to him, offering a soft reminder, “Mr. Knight, I know you’re not short on cash, but don’t spoil the kid.”
Elisa’s face fell in disappointment as the money slipped through her fingers.
Meanwhile, Caspian was still in his cramped hiding place, unable to contain his anxiety. He let out a small noise, barely a murmur, and Elisa’s eyes flicked toward the closet. With quick thinking, she suggested, “It’s time for dinner. Why don’t we go out to eat? The three of us?”
Galatea checked the time on her phone and, realizing it was indeed dinner time, agreed. “Harry’s not back yet.”
“Mia will bring him home,” Elisa added, confident in her words. “Come on, Mom, I’ve been dying to try the deluxe meal at Arizon’s. I haven’t had it yet.”
The implication was clear: Alaric was expected to foot the bill.
“Alright, Elisa,” Alaric said with a resigned smile. “Whatever you want to eat, it’s my treat.”
“Any deluxe meal with meat works for me!” Elisa declared, grinning widely.
Galatea, feeling cornered by her daughter’s pleading, sighed. “Fine,” she muttered. “Let’s go.”
The trio piled into Alaric’s car, and as soon as they were on their way, Elisa couldn’t help but marvel at the luxury of it. “Mr. Knight, your car is awesome!” she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.
“Less talk,” Galatea whispered quickly, not wanting to draw attention.
Elisa pouted but nodded. “Got it.”
Alaric couldn’t help but smile affectionately at the spirited girl. There was something about her that made him feel a strange, unexplainable fondness.
Since Elisa had mentioned wanting meat, Alaric decided to take them to Arizona’s most upscale steakhouse, known for its exceptional cuts of beef.
“We’re just grabbing a bite. Do we need to go this fancy?” Galatea remarked, her tone light but with a hint of discomfort.
“Mama, you don’t understand,” Elisa chimed in, her tone full of mock wisdom. “A guy’s first treat is a big deal—it’s about his pride. We need to show Mr. Knight proper respect.”
Galatea raised an eyebrow, her thoughts running in a different direction. Respect? Or is it just about scoring a free meal?
Alaric, with a smirk, said, “Your daughter is much more genuine than you on this point.” Without another word, he effortlessly scooped Elisa into his arms and carried her into the restaurant.
Galatea muttered a curse under her breath as she followed them inside. Fine, if it’s sincerity they want, I’ll show them how to order properly.
They were seated by a large window with a spectacular view of the city, and a waiter promptly arrived to take their order.
Galatea didn’t even glance at the menu. She simply spoke with confidence. “One Ocean’s Bounty with foie gras and truffle sauce, 200 grams of Almas caviar, a cup of creamed vegetable soup, one A5 Kobe steak, medium-rare, a cup of Helena Coffee, and a fruit salad to top it off, thank you.”
Alaric’s eyes widened. This woman—who lived in a place that could barely be considered a proper home—ordered with the ease of someone accustomed to such opulence. He was surprised, though he tried to hide it.
“I just want meat,” Elisa piped up, unfazed by the extravagance. “Just order me a delicious steak.”
“Sure thing,” the waiter said with a smile, glancing back at Alaric before saying, “Your daughter is absolutely adorable.”
“My daughter?” Alaric repeated, taken aback.
“Yeah, of course! She looks just like you!” the waiter continued, clearly charmed.
Both Alaric and Galatea exchanged an awkward glance, their faces flushing with embarrassment.
Once the waiter had left, Elisa leaned in, her voice playful. “See? Anyone with eyes can tell. Mom, didn’t you used to be from Arizona? Think about it. Could it be that you and Mr. Knight had me and Harry?”
Galatea, already uncomfortable, snapped, “Stop talking nonsense!” She quickly stood up, her cheeks burning. “I need to use the restroom.”
Once Galatea had walked away, Elisa turned to Alaric with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Is there no chance you could be my dad? I mean, we look so much alike, it doesn’t make sense!”
Alaric blinked in confusion. “You don’t know who your father is?”
Elisa shrugged, her tone sincere. “I don’t. Mom always told us we didn’t have a dad.”