Chapter 114
Alaric’s impatience was evident, but Cormac, ever the relaxed presence, didn’t seem to mind. After relaying everything Galatea had said about Ambrose and her situation, Cormac leaned back in his chair, studying Alaric closely.
“Can you relax now?” Cormac asked, amused by the tension in Alaric’s posture.
Alaric, as stubborn as ever, didn’t let up. “I never cared in the first place,” he muttered gruffly. “Alright, you can leave now. There’s nothing else for you to do here.”
“How ungrateful,” Cormac said with a playful smirk, though it was clear he was fond of Alaric’s sharp edges. “But I really do need to go now. My mom had a strong reaction after chemo, so I need to check on her.”
“Say hello to Aunt for me. I’ll go visit her once I’m discharged,” Alaric responded, his tone softening at the mention of Cormac’s mother. Though he didn’t express it often, Alaric cared about the people close to his friends.
“Take care of yourself first,” Cormac advised, his concern evident. “Stay here for a week. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
It was clear that staying here for an entire week would be a form of torture for Alaric, but Cormac’s words were final. After the difficult ordeal with his health, Alaric was no longer in the mood to argue.
As Cormac left, Alaric’s mind immediately turned back to his responsibilities. He reached for his phone and dialed Silas, his loyal assistant, for help.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Alaric. Just focus on taking care of yourself; you don’t need to worry about Caspian,” Silas reassured him over the phone, a hint of sincerity in his voice.
Alaric felt a slight relief but still couldn’t shake the unease that lingered. I should have someone watching over Caspian. He had originally intended to ask Cormac, but with his mother’s condition, it wasn’t practical. Silas will have to do.
As Alaric prepared to hang up, he was interrupted by the sound of the elevator doors opening. He looked up to see Ambrose walking out of it, his usual confident stride on display.
“Hello, CEO Ambrose,” Silas greeted him.
Ambrose’s eyes flicked to Silas. “Where’s Mr. Alaric? Has he returned from his business trip?” His tone was polite but tinged with curiosity.
Silas shook his head. “He hasn’t returned yet. He’s still abroad discussing a project with a client.”
Ambrose’s brows furrowed slightly at that. “How long is he going to be gone?” he asked, a touch of concern creeping into his voice.
“He’ll be back soon. I’ll let you know when he returns,” Silas responded, maintaining his professional demeanor.
Ambrose nodded, but before he left, he glanced at Silas. “Are you going out?” he asked.
“Yes,” Silas replied. “Since Mr. Alaric is still on his business trip, I’m going to pick up Young Master Caspian for him.”
Ambrose’s interest piqued at that. “I haven’t met Caspian yet, but I’ve always wanted to,” he said with a polite smile. “Would it be alright if I came with you?”
Silas hesitated but ultimately agreed. It would provide an opportunity to observe Ambrose a little closer, especially after the suspicious doubts lingering in Alaric’s mind regarding Ambrose’s connection to Harry. Maybe this would help shed some light on things.
“Of course,” Silas said, his voice neutral.
As they left the building together, Silas offered Ambrose a cigarette. “Want one?”
Ambrose politely declined, and Silas awkwardly pocketed the cigarette. He was hoping to get something—a cigarette butt, maybe—that would help in his investigation. But Ambrose was as careful as he was charming.
The two of them made their way to the parking lot, where Silas led the way while Ambrose’s car followed behind. The school wasn’t far, but they arrived early—too early for the kids to be out yet.
“Mr. Alaric is so busy with his usual work, but he picks up his children by himself?” Ambrose remarked as they stood near the school gates.
Silas nodded. “As long as Young Master Caspian isn’t staying at school overnight, Mr. Alaric will always come to pick him up.”
Ambrose’s smile softened. “In that case, Mr. Alaric really is a rare and good father.”
Silas didn’t respond to that. He knew Alaric’s dedication to Caspian was genuine, even if it wasn’t always expressed in the traditional ways.
As they stood waiting, the children began streaming out of the school. Silas immediately spotted Caspian and waved. “Young Master!” he called out.
Ambrose’s eyes fell on Harry, and his expression froze. The resemblance was uncanny. Wasn’t this Stellan’s son? The last time he had seen the twins, they looked almost identical to Alaric’s son. What was going on here?
“Young Master, this is Uncle Ambrose,” Silas introduced, trying to break the tension. “He’s your father’s business partner and came to pick you up today.”
Ambrose quickly regained his composure, but his gaze lingered on Harry, scrutinizing him. They couldn’t be the same child… could they? If they weren’t, then why did Alaric’s son look so much like Stellan’s son?
“Hello, Uncle Ambrose,” Harry greeted politely, his innocent eyes shining with curiosity.
Ambrose smiled warmly. “Hello, Caspian. Nice to meet you.”
“If I make you happy, then I’m also happy,” Harry said with a grin that made Ambrose’s heart twinge with something unidentifiable.
Ambrose ruffled Harry’s hair affectionately. “I really like Caspian,” he said. “Would it be alright if we had dinner together tonight? I’d love to spend more time with you.”
Silas was taken aback by the sudden offer, but he hesitated only a moment before speaking up. “CEO Ambrose wants to take the young master out for dinner? This…” Silas was unsure how to handle the situation. Caspian was Alaric’s son, and it was a delicate matter.
Harry, sensing Silas’s hesitation, quickly interjected, “It’s fine! I’ll go home obediently after dinner.”
Ambrose smiled and assured Silas, “I’ll take good care of him. After dinner, I’ll send him home. If you’re still worried, I can even share my location.”
Silas gave a small nod. “Alright, then. Please take care of the young master, CEO Ambrose,” he said, turning back to Harry. “Make sure to call me once you’re home.”
“Okay!” Harry replied cheerfully, clearly excited about the dinner.
With that, they got into Ambrose’s car, and Harry looked around with fascination. “A little golden man with wings statue, and a top-quality Rolls-Royce; Uncle Ambrose must be very rich.”
Ambrose chuckled, slightly embarrassed. “I’m far from as rich as your dad. My future fortune depends entirely on him.”
“My daddy isn’t someone who’d easily become someone’s benefactor,” Harry said, his voice matter-of-fact. “Anyone who earns money from him must be pretty impressive.”
Ambrose was caught off guard by the sharpness of Harry’s words, especially given his young age. What did that mean?
Harry continued with a grin. “I want a seafood feast, but the place I like is a bit expensive. Would you take me there?”
“I’m the one inviting you, so I’ll take you wherever you want,” Ambrose replied smoothly, trying to hide his discomfort at the unexpected insights Harry had just shared.
“Alright, thank you, Uncle Ambrose.” Harry settled back into his seat, and Ambrose’s thoughts began to swirl.
As the car drove on, Ambrose couldn’t help but glance at Harry again. What is going on with this kid?
And if this was related to Stellan, then he would get to the bottom of it—no matter what.