Chapter 223: New Beginnings and Old Grudges
In the café, Cormac and Ambrose sat across from each other. Their connection was minimal—Ambrose had once gone to Nexus Innovations for a bid, unable to meet Alaric, so he reached out to Cormac instead. After Far East International won the bid, they hadn’t crossed paths again. Cormac had no real desire to talk to Ambrose now.
But today, Cormac was confused. He didn’t know where to turn. Ambrose had said he had something important to discuss, so Cormac reluctantly agreed to meet him.
“Mr. Vale, you’re already aware of my family’s situation,” Cormac said, his voice cold. “If you’re here because of Alaric, I can’t help you.”
Ambrose sighed, clearly sympathetic. “Mr. Nash, I’m so sorry for the Nash family’s troubles. What’s happened is truly heartbreaking.”
Cormac shot him a harsh look. “Save me the pity. If you’ve come here to mock me like everyone else, I don’t care. And if you’re here to offer help, forget it.”
His words were sharp, his frustration palpable. Ambrose smiled awkwardly, quickly explaining, “I wanted to meet Alaric back then but never had the chance. I found you because, out of desperation, I reached out. I know I won the bid at Nexus Innovations because you spoke highly of me to Alaric. You were the first person to help me when I arrived in Arizona. How could I forget that kindness?”
Cormac remained silent, staring at Ambrose.
“I didn’t have a chance to repay you before,” Ambrose continued, “but now that the Nash family is in trouble, I can’t just stand by. Mr. Nash, if you’re willing, I’d like to make you my partner. I’ll transfer half of my shares to you, and together, we can grow Far East International.”
Cormac chuckled bitterly, his eyes cold. “Do you think I’m foolish enough to believe in something like that? You think I don’t see what you’re trying to do? You want to use me against Alaric, don’t you?”
Ambrose’s smile faltered. “No, Mr. Nash, it’s not like that.”
But Cormac cut him off. “Don’t lie! Galatea is your ex-girlfriend, and you still have feelings for her. It’s obvious.”
Ambrose’s face tightened, the bitterness in his smile deepening. “I admit I still have feelings for Stellan. But when it comes to making you my partner, you’re overthinking it. I want to repay your kindness, nothing more.”
Cormac sneered, emptying his drink in one go. “Repay me? You’re using me. I’m not blind.”
Ambrose didn’t back down. “Mr. Nash, I truly admire your abilities, your character. And I genuinely sympathize with your situation. Orion is still so young; Alaric shouldn’t have—”
“What are you talking about?” Cormac’s voice darkened, his anger rising.
Ambrose quickly corrected himself, realizing he had crossed a line. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just think there’s something off about Orion’s car accident. I’m sorry, Mr. Nash. I misspoke. Please, let me punish myself with a drink.” He quickly downed his glass.
“Don’t put on a show for me,” Cormac growled. “Alaric’s not a good person, and neither are you.”
Furious, Cormac stood up. “Your grudge with him is yours to deal with. Don’t come to me again.”
With that, he smashed his glass and stormed out of the café.
Once Cormac was gone, Denny hurried over, having overheard everything.
“Cormac really doesn’t know what’s good for him,” Denny remarked.
Ambrose sat silently, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the table.
“Mr. Vale, since Cormac doesn’t appreciate your offer, will you still…?” Denny asked, his voice cautious.
Ambrose’s fingers tapped decisively. “Of course. The Nash family is in ruins, and Alaric is to blame. Alaric feels guilty towards Cormac. Even if Cormac turns on him, Alaric won’t avoid it. How can I let go of such a useful tool?”
“I understand, Mr. Vale. I’ll have someone keep an eye on Cormac,” Denny replied, sensing the shift in Ambrose’s tone.
Ambrose took another drink. Now that Alaric’s family was back together, how could he rest easy?
Meanwhile, back at the Knight home, Caspian, Harry, and Elisa were having a blast playing a puzzle game. Alaric and Galatea watched, beaming with pride.
The triplets were so adorable that they drew the attention and admiration of everyone around. People couldn’t help but envy Alaric and Galatea for having such beautiful children.
“Caspian, Harry, and Elisa are so outstanding. Our family of five is reunited, and I feel so happy,” Alaric said, his arm around Galatea.
Galatea laughed, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Yes, it’s unbelievable. It feels like a dream.”
Alaric smiled, his voice soft and sincere. “It’s not a dream. It’s real. Our family is together now, and we’ll always be.”
“Always together?” Galatea thought about their future with a smile, but her heart still held a trace of worry. “What about your mom?” she asked, her tone uncertain. “She won’t agree after the fallout.”
“So what if she doesn’t agree?” Alaric said firmly. “She’s my mom, but I decided on my marriage. No one can oppose it.”
Galatea hesitated. “When do you plan to take us to see Mrs. Knight?” Her anxiety was clear. She’d always feared Alaric’s mother, both six years ago and now.
Alaric sighed, his face reflecting the complexity of the situation. “Let’s put that off for now. With the Nash family’s situation, my mind is a mess. I know my mom’s temper. If you meet her now, it’ll be chaos. Let’s wait a few days.”
Galatea felt a sense of relief at the delay. She wasn’t ready to face Mrs. Knight just yet.
“Galatea, be yourself,” Alaric said, suddenly serious.
Galatea blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Alaric gave her a teasing tap on the head. “Are you dumb? You’ve been Galatea for so long that you’ve forgotten who you really are.”
Galatea looked at him, realization dawning. “You’re saying…?”
“You’re Stellan Storm. You’ve always been Stellan, and you don’t have to keep hiding behind the name Galatea anymore. You’re Brennan’s daughter. You’re proud of that name, so let’s use it again.” Alaric’s gaze softened as he spoke.
Galatea’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions. It had been so long since she’d thought of herself as Stellan Storm.
Alaric continued, “We’ll get the paperwork done. You’ll need a new marriage certificate, regardless of whether the one from seven years ago is still valid. And you need to be Stellan Storm if you’re going to investigate the truth behind the Storm family’s bankruptcy.”
Galatea nodded, feeling the weight of this new beginning settle in her heart.