Chapter 179: Marigold in Panic
The next morning, Caspian and Elisa were having breakfast when Auntie Lynn prepared to take them to school. As they stepped outside, they noticed a luxury car parked in front of the building. The driver stood respectfully by the car and, upon seeing the children, bowed to them.
“Good morning, Mr. Knight Junior and Ms. Knight Junior.”
Elisa looked behind her in confusion—there was no one else around. “Who is he talking to?” she wondered aloud.
The driver, a middle-aged man with a composed demeanor, introduced himself. “I’m Richard Weaver. Mrs. Marigold has ordered me to pick you up for school today. You can call me Richard.”
Caspian and Elisa exchanged puzzled glances. Elisa was completely stunned. “Mrs. Marigold?” she echoed. “And why are you calling me ‘Ms. Knight Junior’?”
“Yes, you are Ms. Knight Junior,” Richard replied with a respectful smile, before walking to the back of the car to open the trunk. It was filled with clothes and toys. “These are gifts Mrs. Marigold selected for you. I hope you like them.”
Elisa’s eyes widened, and she turned to Caspian, bewildered. “When did I become Ms. Knight Junior? Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”
Richard’s expression remained calm and professional. “Mrs. Marigold would never make a mistake,” he assured them, opening the car door with a gesture. “Mr. Knight Junior, Ms. Knight Junior, please, get in the car.”
“No!” Caspian immediately stepped forward, placing a hand on Elisa’s shoulder to stop her. “Mommy told us never to get in a stranger’s car.”
He looked firmly at Richard. “If we see you again, we’ll call the police. Now, let’s go, Elisa.”
Elisa hesitated but then nodded. She glanced back at the car one more time, her mind swirling. “Harry, do you think we could really be from a wealthy family? Like in those TV dramas? Maybe… I’m a lost little princess?”
Caspian’s tone was serious as he answered. “You are a princess, Elisa. But not from the Knight family. Remember—unearned good fortune is always a trap.”
“I see,” Elisa replied, trying to digest it all.
Though they didn’t get into the car, Richard didn’t give up. He followed them at a distance, driving slowly behind them as they made their way to school.
Elisa looked up at Caspian. “Harry, should we tell Mommy about this?”
“No need,” Caspian replied, his voice calm. “Mommy is busy, and it’s probably nothing important. We don’t want to bother her right now.”
“Okay,” Elisa said, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Meanwhile, Galatea had been so caught up in her own thoughts and work that she almost forgot about her children. However, that morning, Alaric had promised to take her to visit the Knight family. She couldn’t sleep well, tossing and turning in bed, her mind filled with nervous anticipation.
She turned to Alaric as he finished getting ready. “What should I wear for meeting your family for the first time? What does your mom like young girls to wear?”
Alaric smiled indulgently. “You look beautiful in anything. Honestly, if my mom still doesn’t like you, that’s her problem.”
Galatea rolled her eyes playfully, hitting him lightly on the arm. “Stop flattering me so much. Don’t overpraise me in front of your mom, or she’ll probably dislike me even more.”
“Got it. Anything else?” Alaric asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Galatea hesitated, feeling a bit more anxious. “Just… go with the flow. If I get along with your mom, I should stay quiet. If things don’t go well, I’ll step in to ease the tension.”
“Okay,” Alaric said, giving her a reassuring smile.
Galatea took a deep breath, her nerves making her feel like she was preparing for battle. “I’m definitely nervous. Meeting in-laws for the first time is never easy,” she joked.
Alaric chuckled. “You’re lucky you don’t have to deal with this kind of tension. No in-laws for you, huh?”
Galatea smiled weakly. “You’re so lucky.”
“Galatea, are we ready to go?” Alaric asked, his voice soft.
“Yes, let’s go,” she replied, trying to push past her nerves.
As they made their way toward the Knight family mansion, Galatea’s anxiety grew. Just as they were nearing the entrance, she suddenly turned to Alaric, her eyes wide. “Did you tell your mom we were coming today?”
Alaric looked surprised. “No.”
“Alaric!” Galatea almost shouted. “Why didn’t you give her a heads-up? If we just show up out of the blue, she might get angry!”
“It’s a surprise for her,” Alaric responded with a shrug.
“A surprise?” Galatea said, incredulous. “You’re supposed to be helping me build a relationship with your mom, not making her angry! You need to call her now!”
Alaric laughed at her reaction but didn’t argue. He pulled out his phone and called Marigold.
“Hello?” Marigold’s voice came through, laced with a strange tone. “Do you even remember who I am now that you have a wife?”
Alaric didn’t waste time on pleasantries. “I’m busy with work. But Galatea and I are on our way to the Knight family mansion. We’re about to get married, and I thought you’d want to meet her. Caspian and you should be home, so it’s a good time.”
Marigold’s response was sharp, almost harsh. “What? You’re bringing Galatea here, and she’s going to meet me and Caspian?” Her voice was filled with disbelief. “She must’ve found out about us and is trying to take my grandson! Who allowed this? I never said I wanted to see her! Get her out of here—now!”
“We’re already here,” Alaric said firmly. “Let’s talk when we meet.”
Before Marigold could respond further, Alaric hung up the phone.
As they approached the mansion, Marigold’s panic became evident. She watched the car pull into the yard and felt a surge of fear. “Stellan will know everything once she sees me and Caspian. This… this is bad,” she muttered under her breath.