Chapter 138
The next morning, Alaric dropped Harry off at school before heading to meet Cormac. As soon as he arrived, Cormac got to work on the blood samples, handling both Alaric’s and Harry’s hair.
“I want the results as soon as possible,” Alaric said, his tone serious.
“Don’t worry. It’ll be quick,” Cormac replied, but there was a quiet hesitation in his voice as he observed the samples. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something much deeper was at play here. The fact that Caspian’s identity had been questioned from the start—and now, with the added complexity of Orion’s involvement—had him concerned.
As Alaric left, Cormac sighed deeply. He debated calling Orion to discuss things further but decided against it, knowing Orion wouldn’t pick up. I’ll speak with him in person when the time is right, he thought, pocketing his phone and returning to his work.
Back at the office, Alaric walked through the door, his mind still occupied by the upcoming DNA test. However, as soon as he entered his office, he was greeted by the sight of Mrs. Marigold sitting at his desk, a pile of documents in front of her. It was clear that in his absence, she had been managing the company affairs.
“Mrs. Marigold,” Alaric said, his voice firm but not unkind. “I’m fine now and can handle the company’s affairs.”
She didn’t look up immediately, but when she did, her gaze was sharp. “Your health is still not good. The company’s matters aren’t urgent. I can help.”
Alaric’s jaw tightened, but he pushed the feeling down. “No need. The company’s structure is different now, and it’s better that I take over. I’m feeling better,” he insisted, his tone resolute.
Mrs. Marigold paused, then asked, her voice softer, “Are you worried I can’t handle it, or are you still angry with me?”
“Neither,” Alaric replied, his eyes locking with hers. “I just want to work now that I’m feeling better. Also, the DNA comparison between Caspian and me is in progress. We should have the results soon.”
Mrs. Marigold’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re moving fast with this,” she remarked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and caution. “I thought you’d be reluctant to agree to the DNA test.”
Alaric gave her a hard look. “This statement should be directed to you,” he retorted, his voice cutting.
Mrs. Marigold sighed, clearly aware of the weight of the situation. “Alright, let’s wait for the results together. But if they’re not what you expect, I hope you won’t be too disheartened.”
Alaric’s expression didn’t change. “We’ll see.”
“Okay,” she said, standing. “Since you insist on coming back to work, I’ll go along with it, but you should remember that your health is more important than anything, no matter how much you might be angry with me.”
“I know,” Alaric replied shortly, his eyes already scanning the documents in front of him. “Alright, Mrs. Marigold, I need to work now. I’ll let you know as soon as the DNA results come in.”
With a final glance, Mrs. Marigold left the office, her mind clearly occupied with thoughts of what the test results might mean for Alaric.
Meanwhile, Galatea was busy at the store overseeing the renovations. The progress was faster than expected, and the outline of the clinic was becoming clearer by the day. However, as she worked, the hours slipped by unnoticed, and before she knew it, she was falling behind on her plan to pick up Harry and Elisa from school.
Just as she was deep in thought, she heard voices—Harry and Elisa’s voices, excited and loud. She turned in surprise and saw Leah entering the store with them.
“Harry and Elisa insisted on coming over to find you, so I brought them,” Leah explained. Leah had been helping with picking up the kids, giving Galatea a bit more freedom to focus on her work.
“Alright, thank you, Leah,” Galatea replied with a smile. After Leah left, she turned her attention back to her kids. Harry and Elisa were already exploring the store, their eyes wide with wonder.
“Wow, Mom, this store is so big!” Elisa exclaimed, running around. “It has two floors! I really like it here!”
Galatea chuckled at Elisa’s enthusiasm. “When the clinic opens, Mom will be the boss here.”
“Boss? Is that like making money?” Caspian joked, his voice teasing.
Galatea couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s right, it’s about making a living, not just for fun!”
“Mom, I really like it here. When will the renovations be finished?” Elisa asked, pausing by the stairs.
“Next month, hopefully,” Galatea answered, looking at the progress around her.
“Then we’ll help you pick a good date to open!” Elisa said, clearly excited about the idea.
“Alright, that task is up to you two,” Galatea said with a smile.
As they finished their tour of the store, Galatea glanced at the clock and realized they were all hungry. “You guys have already taken a tour of the place, so how about we go out for dinner? It’s been a while since I took you both out.”
“Great!” Elisa exclaimed, grinning widely. “I want to eat meat! I’ve been losing weight recently, and now I’m craving a big meal!”
“Okay, then we’ll go eat lots of meat tonight,” Galatea said, laughing.
After Alaric arranged for the car to take them, they climbed in. James, the dedicated driver, was already waiting. As soon as they got in, they noticed the sleek luxury of the car and exchanged a few curious glances. Galatea, knowing what was going on in their minds, decided to tell them the truth.
“Alaric arranged this car for me,” she explained.
Elisa’s eyes widened in surprise. “He’s giving you houses and cars? Dad is really generous!”
Galatea’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly recovered. “You’re being cheeky, Elisa!” she said with a wink.
“I’m not being cheeky,” Elisa insisted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Look at you blushing! Can you say I’m wrong?”
Galatea quickly changed the subject, clearly not wanting to discuss Alaric further. “Alright, enough about that. When are you going to get married, Mom?” Elisa asked, exasperated, unable to hold her curiosity in anymore.
Galatea’s eyes widened in surprise at the question. She hadn’t thought about it in such terms before. “Adult matters are not for kids to ask about! What do you want to eat?”
Elisa, without missing a beat, piped up, “Let’s go eat barbecue! I need to experience the atmosphere of this world!”
Galatea shook her head in disbelief. “Where did you learn all this?”
Caspian, always the doting brother, smiled and said, “Actually, Elisa is a little princess. Adorable, kind, and lovely.”
Elisa’s face lit up at his praise, and she twirled around, clearly loving the attention. “That’s right! A princess!”
“Alright, let’s go to the barbecue,” Galatea agreed with a laugh, knowing there was no way to stop the kids now.
That evening, as the family enjoyed their dinner, Alaric was wrapping up his day at the office. He had set an alarm to leave early, wanting to make up for lost time with the kids. As he stood up from his desk, he saw a group of employees gathered in a corner, talking in hushed tones. They stopped talking as soon as they saw him, quickly straightening up and offering nervous greetings before scattering.
Something felt off. Alaric checked his phone and was immediately struck by the hot topic on social media—an interview with Orion.
“Isn’t this the former superstar wife of Alaric?” Elisa’s voice echoed in his mind as she pointed out Orion on the screen at the barbecue restaurant.
The interview was playing on a large screen, and Galatea’s eyes widened as she saw Orion’s face.
“I want to clarify something with the media today,” Orion’s voice came through clearly on the screen. “There have been rumors that Caspian is my and Alaric’s son. These are just rumors, and I didn’t pay much attention to them. But they’ve been spreading, and I need to make it clear that Caspian has nothing to do with me. Alaric and I have been separated for a long time, and I won’t tolerate these rumors any longer. If they continue, I’ll take legal action. Thank you.”
Caspian’s face darkened instantly, his body tensing as he watched Orion on the screen. The disdain he felt for Orion was palpable. It was as if he couldn’t bear to hear the lies spewing from her mouth.
Alaric’s expression hardened as he processed the information. The DNA test, the rumors, and now this public denial. It was all unraveling.