Chapter 176: A Frightening Encounter
“Mrs. Marigold specifically requested not to involve Mr. Alaric and wanted to meet with you alone,” Silas explained.
“Now?” Galatea asked, trying to mask the tension in her voice.
“Yes, Mrs. Marigold is on her way. She said she’s waiting for you at table number one in the coffee shop downstairs at Nexus Innovations.”
Galatea glanced around the lounge, feeling uneasy. She needed to figure out a way to avoid Alaric’s suspicion. “Silas, you can go ahead and take care of your matters. I’ll handle this.”
“Of course, Young Madam,” Silas replied, stepping back.
Galatea knew that she couldn’t keep avoiding Marigold forever. Despite the unease in her stomach, Galatea had already decided that she would marry Alaric, and Marigold would be her family, no matter how strict or difficult she might be. Hiding behind Alaric wasn’t the answer. She’d have to face Marigold eventually.
As she entered the lounge, Alaric looked up from his papers. “Who has such bad timing to disturb during our break?”
“It’s Silas,” Galatea replied quickly, keeping her voice light. “But it’s not his fault. Mia Reed needs to speak with me about something, and she’s waiting downstairs now. Alaric, you go ahead and rest. I’ll be back soon.”
“Alright.” Alaric didn’t seem suspicious. “Even though I’m resting, you need to follow my instructions. Close your eyes and sleep, okay?”
“I got it,” Galatea said with a smile, though her heart was heavy. Alaric pulled her close and kissed her on the lips. “Come back soon,” he murmured.
“Okay, go to sleep,” Galatea said, gently pushing him back onto the bed before she closed the door behind her.
Once outside, Galatea took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She had been passive in this meeting when she should’ve made the first move, which was already a bit disrespectful. She had to make a good impression on Marigold—this was their first meeting, after all. Marigold was sitting at table number one downstairs, waiting for her.
Meanwhile, Marigold was growing increasingly frustrated as she checked the time again. She’d been waiting for ten minutes, and Galatea still hadn’t arrived! If Galatea had told Alaric, they would’ve come together, and Marigold would have vehemently opposed that.
A few more minutes passed, and Marigold couldn’t wait any longer. She stood up and headed toward the restroom. As she entered, Galatea finally arrived at the coffee shop.
Seeing the table empty, Galatea approached a waiter. “Is the lady at this table here?” she asked.
“She just went to the restroom,” the waiter replied.
“Thank you.”
Galatea took a seat, her hands gripping the water cup so tightly that her palms were sweating. Anxiety swirled in her chest. She kept telling herself, Don’t be nervous. Relax. It’ll be fine.
From a distance, Marigold spotted Galatea sitting at the table. Her posture was reserved, her gaze focused downward, and for some reason, Marigold felt an immediate sense of disgust, though she hadn’t even fully seen Galatea yet.
As she drew closer and finally saw Galatea’s face clearly, Marigold’s eyes widened in shock. Her pupils dilated.
Galatea? No… it can’t be!
Marigold froze in place, realizing that the woman in front of her wasn’t just anyone—this was Stellan! Her heart pounded, and her breath hitched. Stellan, now going by the name Galatea, was sitting across from her.
Marigold could barely contain her shock. Stellan had changed her name, but it was clearly her—the same woman who had caused so much pain. And now she was at Alaric’s side, having already won his heart. Marigold’s mind began to race.
It must be her revenge, Marigold thought, feeling a cold shiver run through her. She’s starting by seducing Alaric, and then… she’ll take Caspian away.
Marigold’s body trembled at the thought. It was terrifying to even consider. Stellan was back, and it felt like a nightmare was coming to life.
Marigold’s legs weakened. She couldn’t bear to confront her directly. As Galatea prepared to look up, Marigold quickly ducked behind a plant, her heart racing. She peered out cautiously, confirming her suspicions. It was Stellan—now called Galatea.
Marigold’s mind went blank with fear. She couldn’t stay. This woman had to be up to something sinister. She had to leave immediately.
Just as Galatea began to look around, Marigold fled the coffee shop, her breath shallow, her body on edge.
Galatea waited, her nerves growing more frayed as the minutes ticked by. Over ten minutes had passed since Marigold went to the restroom, and she was starting to wonder if something was wrong.
She waved down a waiter. “Could you check on Mrs. Marigold for me? She’s been in the restroom for quite some time.”
The waiter returned a moment later. “Madam, we checked the restroom, but no one’s there. Perhaps she’s already left. Would you like to give her a call?”
Galatea felt a pang of confusion. Why would Marigold leave without meeting me? She was about to speak when her phone rang. It was Alaric.
“Hello?”
“Why did you take so long?” Alaric’s voice came through, filled with concern. “I thought you’d be back by now.”
“I told you to sleep,” Galatea teased, trying to sound playful despite the tension. “You never listen to the doctor.”
“It’s not that I don’t listen,” Alaric replied, sounding almost childishly clingy. “I just can’t sleep without you here.”
Galatea sighed, feeling helpless. “I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.”
With that, she paid for the drinks and left the coffee shop, her mind still racing with questions. If Marigold had arrived, why had she left without saying a word?
As she stepped outside, Galatea absently touched her face. I’m not ugly, she thought. I look fine. Why would she walk out without even talking to me?
She couldn’t understand it. What had just happened?
Back at the Knight family mansion, Marigold had returned in a state of disarray. Her expression was grim as she stepped inside, her hands shaking.
Joe, seeing her, rushed forward. “Mrs. Marigold, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“I met Stellan Storm,” Marigold gasped, clutching Joe’s clothes in a panic. “I met Stellan Storm!”
Joe’s eyes widened in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Marigold’s voice quivered. “It was her, Joe! It was Stellan! I saw her with my own eyes! She’s calling herself Galatea now, but I know it’s her. She’s back for revenge… and she’s already taken Alaric’s heart.”