Chapter 236: Emotional Games
“You’re exhausted today. Get some rest,” Alaric said softly to Stellan.
Stellan let out a tired sigh, “Yeah, I’m exhausted. Didn’t expect the opening of the Reassuring Clinic to be so hectic.”
She closed her eyes, and Alaric continued to massage her shoulders until her breathing evened out. As she drifted into sleep, he carefully covered her with a blanket. Quietly, he walked over to the window, his gaze settling on Ambrose’s house across the way.
“So, Ambrose has been looking for trouble since then. You’re really asking for it,” Alaric thought to himself, irritation simmering beneath his calm exterior.
He cast one more glance out the window before drawing the curtains closed. Returning to the bed, he pulled Stellan close, holding her tightly. For Alaric, the best part of the day was when they could finally relax together at night.
Tonight, they would stay at the Reassuring Clinic. The kids were dealing with their own troubles. Caspian, Harry, and Elisa didn’t want to confront Marigold, but she refused to leave without them.
“You know, your parents are busy enjoying their time together. They can’t take care of you right now. I’ve retired, and I have plenty of time to look after you. Come stay with me at the Knight manor—it’s much more comfortable,” Marigold insisted.
Harry yawned and, with a dismissive gesture, replied, “Is anyone else even listening to you? Stop talking so much; you’re making me sleepy.”
“I really hope you’ll come back to the Knight manor. I miss you when you’re not there,” Marigold pressed.
Harry raised an eyebrow. “Before, Caspian was at the Knight family’s place every day, and you didn’t miss him. Now, suddenly, you miss us? Your affection seems to be based on that DNA test. You’re quite pragmatic,” he said with biting sarcasm, not giving her a chance to respond.
“If you want to keep talking, go ahead. I’m going to sleep,” Harry yawned again and walked upstairs.
Watching him leave, Marigold tried to turn her attention to Caspian and Elisa, but Caspian quickly took Elisa’s hand.
“Elisa, let’s go rest,” he said firmly, leading her upstairs.
They each went to their rooms, locking the doors behind them. Marigold, thinking Elisa would be the easiest to sway, tried to enter her room, but the door was firmly shut.
“Mrs. Knight, take it step by step. Don’t rush,” Joe advised, watching the scene unfold.
Marigold’s frustration was palpable. “How can I not be anxious? My grandkids are right here, but they won’t accept me. They’re so resistant—what am I supposed to do?”
Joe, always the strategist, suggested, “Why not try a different approach? They’re all on Ms. Storm’s side now. You can’t go against her. Try to win the kids’ affection first.”
“A different approach?” Marigold’s face twisted with disgust. “You want me to pretend to make peace with Stellan? Apologize, accept her, and then turn against her once the kids accept me?”
Joe nodded, his expression calm. “Something like that.”
“No way!” Marigold snapped, her voice filled with disdain. “I hate Stellan. I can’t pretend to be nice to her. I’m not an actress; it’s just too disgusting.”
Joe was unwavering. “Mrs. Knight, there’s no other way now. You’ll have to endure it. Do you really want to go against her? If Mr. Knight cuts ties with you, and the kids do the same… what then?”
Marigold’s face darkened. “That can’t happen!” she insisted. “They’re the blood of the Knight family. I won’t let that woman take them away.”
Joe pressed, “There’s no alternative. It wouldn’t be wise to set yourself against her now.”
Marigold, despite her anger, was swayed. She muttered to herself, “That woman is infuriating. Once I win the kids over, I’ll deal with her.”
Stellan was still deeply asleep when Alaric woke up early. He thought about making breakfast for her but didn’t want to disturb her rest. His phone rang, shattering the quiet moment. Stellan stirred, her eyes slowly opening.
“Who was that?” she asked groggily as Alaric ended the call.
“My mom,” Alaric replied, dismissing the matter with a wave. “Don’t worry about her; she’s always throwing tantrums.”
Stellan wasn’t sure how to deal with Marigold, so she chose to trust Alaric’s judgment. “What do you want for breakfast?” he asked, trying to change the subject.
Stellan paused, thinking for a moment. “How about we go out for breakfast? I feel like having barbecue. The clinic opens at nine, so we have just enough time.”
“Alright, let’s go,” Alaric agreed.
As they stepped toward the door, they were stopped by a surprising sight—a large bouquet of flowers sitting at the doorstep. But even more shocking than the flowers was the person standing behind them: Marigold.
“Mom, how did you find this place?” Alaric’s tone instantly hardened.
Marigold smiled, trying to mask her triumph. “You two didn’t come back to the Knight mansion last night, nor were you at the company rest area or Stellan’s place. So, I figured you must be here. And here I am.”
Stellan’s surprise faded as the realization hit her. Marigold had spent the night at the Knight mansion. But where were the kids?
“Where are the kids? Where did you hide them?” Alaric’s voice dropped, sharp and direct.
Marigold feigned innocence. “What are you talking about? I’m their grandmother. Where would I hide them? Besides, your kids are smart. Could I really kidnap them? I just missed them last night and came to visit. They called me a trafficker and an old witch, and were very resistant toward me. I…”
Her voice trailed off as she lowered her head and began to sob dramatically.
Joe, standing behind her, quickly added, “Mrs. Knight truly cares for the children. They really hurt her feelings. She cried all night at home. Her eyes are swollen from crying.”