Chapter 280
Marigold’s voice was sharp and filled with disbelief as she asked, “What do you mean there’s a chance Stellan could die in childbirth?”
Joe, unfazed by her reaction, continued with his grim explanation. “She barely survived the last time she gave birth. If she gets pregnant again, it won’t be any better. And she’s incredibly fertile. She got pregnant with triplets last time; she might have multiples again.”
Marigold’s frown deepened, but she shook her head, dismissing his words. “That’s true, but with Alaric doting on her, if she gets pregnant, she’ll definitely have a C-section. There’s no chance of complications.”
Joe’s suggestion lingered in the air, but Marigold quickly shot it down. “Alright, enough. Stop bothering me with these useless ideas.” She waved her hand dismissively, her mind clearly elsewhere. Joe fell silent, knowing better than to argue.
Two days later, Cormac sat at his desk, staring at his phone with a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had just received another email from Ambrose:
Tomorrow is the deadline for submitting the design draft. You must get it by midnight tonight. Ensure that Nexus Innovations doesn’t submit their design draft, so they lose the acquisition bid, and Aurora will come home safely.
Tomorrow is the deadline for submitting the design draft?! Today is the last day?! Cormac’s mind raced. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and his guilt threatened to swallow him whole.
Alaric had appointed Cormac as the head of both the jewelry company and the entertainment company, and Silas had informed him about the jewelry company acquisition. Over the past two days, Cormac had learned that the only electronic version of the design draft was stored on a flash drive—one that Alaric kept with him.
“Once we submit this design draft tomorrow, the acquisition of the jewelry company will be finalized,” Alaric had said, a note of satisfaction in his voice. “Then you’ll be busy.”
Cormac’s gaze lingered on the flash drive in Alaric’s hand. He couldn’t stop the gnawing feeling in his chest. His conscience was tortured, torn between loyalty to Alaric and the need to save Aurora.
“Are you that confident about the acquisition?” Cormac finally asked.
Alaric smiled, that unmistakable confidence in his voice. “I never do things I’m not sure of. Although I don’t know what Todd’s design draft looks like, I’m very satisfied with Nexus Innovations’ work this time. No problem.”
If Alaric weren’t so confident, Cormac might have found it easier to wrestle with his guilt. But knowing that Alaric was about to finalize a deal that could change everything for him made it even harder. If Cormac stole the draft now, it would ruin Alaric’s work, and their relationship might never recover.
Before Cormac could respond, Alaric’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Marigold. Sighing, he answered it. “Hello, Mom,” he said, though he really didn’t want to speak with her.
“I went to your office a few days ago and couldn’t find you. I waited for you at home, but you didn’t come. I know you hate it when I call during work, but I’ve held back for two days and can’t anymore,” Marigold’s voice was insistent.
Alaric groaned inwardly. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with his mother’s complaints. “What’s wrong now?” he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral. “You get to see the kids every weekend. You don’t like Galatea, and you both agreed not to see each other. What’s the problem?”
“Yes, I’m somewhat satisfied with the arrangement with the kids and your wife. But then you brought Cormac back. Are you trying to drive me crazy?” Marigold’s voice was laced with frustration.
Alaric’s mind raced as he realized Marigold already knew about Cormac’s presence. That couldn’t be good, especially with the current sensitive situation. He needed to deflect, and fast.
“You don’t need to worry about my health,” he said, his voice strained. “I’m taking my medication on time. I’ll go to the break room and take a picture of my meds for you.” He gave Cormac a brief, pleading look before walking out of the room, hoping to divert her attention.
As Alaric stepped out, Cormac was left staring at the flash drive on the table. His fingers hovered over it, his internal struggle intensifying. He had already prepared an identical flash drive—he could easily switch them. But as he glanced at the real drive, guilt gnawed at him. If he swapped them, Alaric’s hard work would be undone, and it would jeopardize everything. Yet, if he didn’t, Aurora would remain in danger.
The sound of footsteps approaching snapped Cormac back to the present. He quickly hid the real flash drive in his pocket and placed the fake one on the table, hoping Alaric wouldn’t notice. But the guilt was still there, burning in the pit of his stomach.
Alaric returned a moment later, a briefcase in hand. “Alright, Cormac, it’s time. Go take care of Aurora.”
Cormac managed a tight smile, trying to mask his unease. “Are you leaving on time now? You never used to leave on time,” he asked, attempting to steer the conversation in a less serious direction.
Alaric laughed lightly. “I have a family now. I can leave on time to pick up the kids.”
“You’ve changed a lot since getting married,” Cormac remarked, unable to keep the thought to himself.
Alaric grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes. “More human?” he joked.
Cormac couldn’t find a response. He simply nodded, feeling the weight of his actions hanging over him. Alaric’s smile faded when he noticed Cormac’s silence. “Alright, let’s go,” he said, unaware of the storm brewing in Cormac’s conscience.
As Alaric left the room, Cormac stood there for a moment longer, staring at the desk. His fingers trembled slightly as he wondered what the next few hours would bring. The clock was ticking, and he had made his choice.