Chapter 238: Tensions and Secrets
After a relaxing barbecue, Alaric took Stellan back to the Reassuring Clinic. The morning was already shaping up to be busy, but Alaric was determined to make sure everything was in place.
“Make sure to hire a doctor soon, or you’ll be swamped,” Alaric advised, adjusting his tie as he looked at her.
“I know, the job ad is already up,” Stellan replied with a small smile, her eyes scanning his appearance. “Is the entertainment center almost done?”
“Yeah, it’ll be finished next month, and we’ll open right after,” Alaric confirmed. “But with everything happening, you’ll be busy again, and your treatment might get delayed. I should contact Josep and work with the research institute on that special medicine.”
“That’s too much for you,” Alaric said, his lips brushing her cheek in a quick kiss. “I can handle it. You focus on yourself.”
Stellan sighed, shaking her head. “I want to treat you properly, but you’re always so occupied. Don’t overwork, eat on time, and get enough sleep.”
“I will,” Alaric said, his voice warm. “You too. Let me know when you hire a doctor.”
“I will,” Stellan replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Reassuring Clinic opens soon, so you should head to the company.”
“I’ll pick you up this afternoon,” Alaric said as he kissed her again.
“Okay,” Stellan smiled, her heart lightening at his thoughtful gesture before she headed into the clinic.
The first day of Reassuring Clinic’s opening arrived, and Stellan felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. She hoped everything would go smoothly, but she couldn’t shake the anxiety of starting something so important.
Alaric, after dropping her off, glanced at Ambrose’s house as he got into the car. He immediately dialed Silas. “Tell Ambrose to meet me at Nexus Innovations right away.”
After hanging up, he told the driver, “To the company.”
It took about twenty minutes to reach Nexus Innovations. When Alaric entered the office, he was told that Ambrose was already waiting in the reception room. Alaric had to admit, Ambrose was efficient—always managing to juggle his many responsibilities, even managing to spy on Galatea and oversee the project at the same time.
When Alaric entered, Ambrose stood, greeting him. “Mr. Knight. You told me not to come to Nexus Innovations, so I’ve been avoiding it. When Silas called, I was worried. Is there a problem with the project?”
Alaric gave him a direct look. “The project under your management is flawless. I couldn’t find a fault even if I tried.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knight,” Ambrose said, but his tone carried a hint of apprehension. “If it’s not about business, then I’m even more anxious. Why did you want me here?”
“It’s not about business but personal,” Alaric replied, his voice calm but firm. “I instructed the finance department to transfer the project funds to Far East International yesterday, including an extra fifty million dollars. Did you receive it?”
“An extra fifty million dollars?” Ambrose was surprised. “I’ve been at the site and haven’t checked. I’ll call the finance department to return it.”
Alaric’s expression hardened. “I already told you, it’s not about business.”
Ambrose was visibly confused. “What do you mean, Mr. Knight?”
Alaric’s gaze darkened, and he spoke bluntly, “Mr. Vale, don’t you think it’s unfair to do good deeds without expecting anything in return?” He paused before continuing, “The money is for the shop Stellan rented and the house across from it. This is personal, so I had the finance department include it with the project funds for convenience.”
Ambrose’s expression turned serious. He had expected Alaric to find out about the shop, but the house was a surprise.
“Mr. Knight, you’re very generous. The shop and my house aren’t worth that much,” Ambrose said, maintaining his composure.
“The extra is for interest and my thanks,” Alaric responded. “During the time Stellan and I had a falling out, I was too busy to help her. Thanks to you, she got the loan, the shop, and a low rent. You even dealt with troublemakers. That’s a lot of favors.”
Ambrose’s eyes widened in shock. Alaric even knew about the troublemakers?
Alaric’s smile was cold. “So, tell me, Ambrose, why did you do all this behind Stellan’s back? Don’t you think she’d be disgusted if she knew the truth? If she found out, she might even call the police. And don’t forget, I’m her legal husband now. You have no right to boast in front of me.”
Ambrose’s fists clenched, his jaw tight. He knew that Stellan was now married to Alaric, but his pride and jealousy were still burning strong.
“You may be married to her now, but does that mean you’ve won?” Ambrose spat defiantly. “It’s not over yet. No one knows who will win in the end.”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “So what if you helped her? You did it behind her back, and if you think you’re in some position to compete with me—either for Stellan or in business—you’re delusional.” His voice was low, icy. “If you continue to interfere with her, I’ll make good on my threats.”
Ambrose’s expression twisted with anger. “Fine. Once the entertainment center project is over, we’ll no longer have any ties. Then, we can compete fairly.”
Alaric was genuinely amused by Ambrose’s words. Compete fairly? He didn’t even need to respond. Instead, he picked up a stack of documents and began reading, dismissing Ambrose entirely.
“Since you’ve been busy with the project and haven’t had time to move, I’ve already sent people to help you pack,” Alaric said without looking up. “No need to thank me.”
Ambrose stood there for a moment, his frustration simmering, but he said nothing. The weight of the situation hung in the air between them, thick with unspoken tension.