Chapter 195: Your Son Isn’t Worthy of Stellan
Marigold had initially planned to fake an illness to get Alaric to come home, but she hadn’t anticipated his firm stance on Galatea. His declaration that he wouldn’t marry anyone other than Galatea felt like a blow. It seemed that the “despicable woman” had once again clouded his judgment.
“Bastard,” Marigold muttered under her breath, frustration building. “His father passed away early, and I raised him with so much effort, only for him to go against me for that woman. It’s outrageous!”
The more Alaric defended Galatea, the more Marigold’s hatred for her grew. To make matters worse, Alaric had said he would come home to talk to her tomorrow. Her anxiety mounted as she thought of her next move.
In a moment of desperation, she grabbed her phone and dialed Ambrose, who was still at the construction site. He had been working there all day, consumed by the pressure of a tight deadline.
“Mrs. Marigold, why are you still awake at this hour?” Ambrose answered, his voice laced with exhaustion.
“Too many worries,” Marigold replied, her voice tinged with anxiety. “How can I sleep? I followed your advice. Galatea is likely to leave Arizona for the sake of the child. But now Alaric is saying he won’t marry anyone but her. If Galatea leaves, Alaric will go after her. How can this possibly succeed?”
Ambrose listened patiently as Marigold continued, her frustration spilling over. “You were Galatea’s ex-boyfriend. You were with her for so many years. Use some means to coax her back. Take Stellan Storm away—don’t let her seduce Alaric again.”
Ambrose’s response was calm but distant. “Mrs. Marigold, I only offered a small suggestion. The success rate was never high to begin with. Now that you’ve done as I suggested, just leave it to fate.”
Marigold was growing increasingly irate, but Ambrose wasn’t finished. “Also, since Alaric says he won’t marry anyone other than Galatea, it’s him taking the initiative. Why accuse Stellan of seducing him? You may think highly of Alaric, but not everyone shares your view. My Stellan is outstanding. Alaric isn’t worthy of him.”
Before Marigold could respond, Ambrose hung up the phone.
Fuming, Marigold stared at her phone, disbelief written across her face. “What does he mean? He came to me first, told me what to do, and now he’s denying it, claiming Alaric isn’t worthy of that woman? Nonsense!”
“Mrs. Marigold, please calm down. Ambrose is just a fool. Don’t let him get to you,” Joe said quickly, trying to soothe her.
After hanging up, Ambrose tossed his phone aside and leaned back in his chair. Denny, who had been nearby, didn’t fully understand Ambrose’s words.
“Ambrose, weren’t you supposed to team up with Marigold? How did you manage to offend her so quickly?” Denny asked, his confusion apparent.
Ambrose gave a slow, knowing smile. “She’s done what I wanted. Now she’s of no use to me.”
“But you also said the success rate of her actions was low.”
Ambrose paused for a moment, his eyes sharp with intent. “It may not have been useful to her, but my goal was achieved. Just like when I exposed Alaric’s terminal illness to the media, I wasn’t looking for immediate results—I was planting a seed in people’s minds. It’s the same now. Marigold despises Stellan, and I wanted that. Alaric defends her, I stand by Stellan, and in Marigold’s eyes, it’s all Stellan’s fault. She’ll never accept Stellan into the Knight family.”
He leaned forward, his tone serious. “If Marigold pushes this too far, or if she has another ‘heart attack’ over it, Alaric won’t stay indifferent. And even if he does, Stellan won’t. She’s soft-hearted and moral, and once there’s a rift between them, it’ll create emotional barriers.”
Denny grinned. “Ambrose, you’re truly insightful.”
Ambrose’s gaze hardened with determination. “These things take time. I need to stay patient. One year, two years—maybe even ten. Stellan will eventually be mine. She can only be mine.”
“Of course,” Denny agreed, his voice full of respect. “Ambrose, your love will surely move heaven itself. Ms. Storm will be yours in the end.”
Ambrose’s confident smile was his only answer.
The next morning, Galatea returned home early, her decision to send Harry and Elisa to boarding school taking effect. However, with Marigold’s threat lingering, she couldn’t bear the thought of them going to school alone. She had to personally escort them to ensure their safety.
Seeing her early return, Caspian felt a pang of guilt.
He thought, Daddy must have already told Mommy. She came back so early—it must be to drive me away.
He approached Galatea with a look of trepidation, bracing himself for her reaction.
“Harry, why are you standing there?” Galatea asked, her voice warm. “Quick, finish your breakfast, we’ll head to school. Are you packed for the boarding school?”
Caspian froze. “Mommy, what did you just call me?”
Galatea blinked in confusion. “Harry. What’s wrong?”
“Still calling me Harry?” Caspian asked, dumbfounded. “Mommy, you knew the truth yesterday. How could Daddy not have told you?”
Galatea frowned, concern creeping into her voice. “Harry, are you running a fever?” She touched his forehead. “I’ve always called you that since you were little. What else should I call you now?”
Before Caspian could respond, Elisa chimed in, “Don’t worry about him, Mommy. He went out to play basketball yesterday and hit his head. He’s been a little… off. He even said—” But before she could finish, Caspian quickly covered her mouth, his voice desperate.
“It’s nothing. I’m just… I’m fine. Let’s go, Elisa. Let’s eat and then head to school.”
It seemed that Alaric had said nothing to Galatea after all, and so Caspian would continue to pretend to be Harry, at least for now.
Once breakfast was over, Galatea escorted the children to school, watching them disappear into the building before she felt a sense of relief. Then, she pulled out her phone and dialed Marigold, who had been anxiously waiting for this call.
Alaric was supposed to arrive soon, and Marigold was eager to hear Caspian’s answer before he did.
“Marigold Rogers,” Galatea said calmly as the call connected. “I’ve made my decision regarding the matter you asked me to consider.”