Chapter 143: Unresolved Tensions
Alaric hadn’t anticipated Galatea’s intense reaction to the idea of pregnancy, but the fear in her eyes was undeniable. It wasn’t just a passing concern; it was deep, genuine terror. And that puzzled him even more. After all, Galatea was a bold and accomplished surgeon. She’d already given birth to two children, so why would the prospect of having another child frighten her so much?
“It’s okay,” Alaric said softly, holding her close, trying to comfort her. “I was just joking. We already have Caspian, Harry, and Elisa. I’ll treat Harry and Elisa as my own, and I know you’ll treat Caspian as yours. That’s enough.”
Galatea looked at him with disbelief, still shaken. “Don’t lie to me,” she replied, her voice steady but filled with firm resolve. “I’m not joking either. I won’t have another child, absolutely not.”
“No jokes. No more children, I promise,” Alaric reassured her, his voice sincere.
Galatea didn’t respond, just nodded quietly. Sensing her distress, Alaric hesitated to say more, so he pulled her closer and whispered, “It’s late. Let’s sleep.”
“Okay,” Galatea murmured, closing her eyes.
Alaric watched her for a moment, his heart heavy with the knowledge that Galatea must carry some kind of deep psychological trauma. He tightened his grip around her arm just a little, wishing he could heal her wounds with his love and care. He couldn’t fathom what she had endured, but he vowed that he would never let her suffer again.
When Galatea’s breathing evened out, signaling that she had fallen asleep, Alaric pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. His protective instinct flared up as he gazed at her fragile form in the dim light. He would do everything in his power to keep her safe and to help her heal.
He reached over to turn off the light, and the room was swallowed by darkness.
But in the shadows, a different darkness lingered in Ambrose’s heart.
Though he couldn’t see inside the room, he knew enough. Alaric had won. Galatea was his now. Would they marry? Would they live happily ever after? The thought made Ambrose’s blood boil with resentment. No—he couldn’t allow that to happen. Galatea belonged to him.
Stellan was his. He would make sure of it.
The next morning, Galatea was stirred from her sleep by the persistent ringing of her phone. Groggily, she reached for it, seeing that it was Cormac calling.
“It must be mine,” she mumbled, handing the phone to Alaric, who immediately dismissed the call and switched to his own phone.
His missed calls revealed a flurry of activity, including several calls from Mrs. Marigold, who had been trying to reach him all night.
“Mrs. Marigold is looking for you,” Galatea said anxiously. “You should call her back. She’ll worry if she doesn’t hear from you.”
Alaric didn’t expect any good news from Mrs. Marigold, but he couldn’t avoid her. He hit return call and waited.
When Mrs. Marigold answered, her frustration was palpable. “You finally answered! Where were you last night? I’ve been trying to reach you all night, and you’ve had your phone off!”
“I found a quiet place to sleep,” Alaric said, his voice cool. “What’s the matter?”
“What’s the matter?” Mrs. Marigold snapped. “Griffon told me you’re planning to sever all economic ties with the Nash family. Do you realize how damaging that will be to both your family and the Knight family? This is bad business!”
Alaric didn’t back down. “What do you suggest? Should we keep cooperating with the Nash family as if nothing happened? Sorry, but I can’t do that.”
“Alaric, you have to separate personal feelings from business! You’ve let your emotions cloud your judgment!” Mrs. Marigold’s voice cracked with exasperation.
“No,” Alaric countered firmly. “This is a rational decision. Trust is the foundation of cooperation, and it’s clear Griffon no longer trusts me. I can’t work with someone who doesn’t trust me, and I can’t trust him either. Terminating the cooperation is the only logical choice.”
Mrs. Marigold’s tone grew more aggravated. “You’re driving me crazy! You didn’t even discuss this with me first!”
“Neither did you discuss Caspian’s matter with me!” Alaric shot back, his voice hardening. “I’m a director of Nexus Innovations now. I have the authority to make these decisions. My choice is final.”
Mrs. Marigold was silent for a moment, and then she snapped, “Fine. You’re a director now. Do whatever you want.” The line went dead with an angry click.
Alaric threw his phone onto the bed, his frustration evident. Galatea didn’t dare say anything, sensing that Alaric needed space to cool off. She quietly stayed by his side.
Not long after, her phone rang again. It was Cormac.
“It seems Cormac has urgent matters to discuss,” Galatea observed. “You should take the call.”
Alaric answered, already irritated from the conversation with Mrs. Marigold. When Cormac’s voice came through, it was clear he was equally frustrated.
“Alaric, how old are you now?” Cormac’s voice was sharp. “Still playing these childish games of disappearing and turning off your phone? What’s wrong with you?”
“What’s the matter?” Alaric responded, his tone terse. “Is this about terminating the Nash family contract?”
“I’ve told you before, I don’t meddle in Nash family business, but I’m not calling about that. Caspian’s DNA results came back.”
Alaric’s posture stiffened. “I’ll come right away.”
“Don’t you want to know the results?” Cormac pressed.
“I already know the results. There’s no need to ask,” Alaric replied calmly, already preparing to leave. “Alright, see you soon.”
Galatea, though not privy to the specifics of the call, understood that Alaric was about to leave.
“Alaric, go take care of your business,” she said softly. “If you need anything, just give me a call.”
Alaric nodded. “I’ve got something urgent to take care of. I’ll come to find you once I’m done.”
“Okay,” Galatea agreed, watching as he prepared to leave.
Before he left, he added, “Don’t rush off. Have breakfast first, and call me later.”
Alaric left the room, and Galatea made her way to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. As she stepped out of the elevator, she unexpectedly bumped into Ambrose.
“Mrs. Knight, what a coincidence,” Ambrose greeted her with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.