Chapter 33
“I’m so sorry about that,” Griffon quickly apologized as the coffee spilled onto Galatea.
“It’s okay,” Galatea replied, her voice calm as she looked down at her clothes. “I’ll be right back from the restroom.”
After a brief cleanup, Galatea returned to their private booth, where Griffon apologized again. His face was filled with genuine regret. “Galatea, I truly think you should consider this carefully. It would be better for everyone if you leave. And when you come around, feel free to call me. Financial compensation for emotional damage can be arranged.”
“Compensation?” Galatea scoffed inwardly. Sure, he may not share Alaric’s DNA, but he sure seems eager to push me out.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to dash your hopes there.” Galatea grabbed her file folder, her tone sharp. “Griffon, I’ve got things to do, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Griffon didn’t respond, the silence stretching between them.
As Galatea left the café, Griffon’s gaze hardened, his grip tightening around his coffee mug, as if the force could shatter it. He seethed in silence, watching her go.
Back at home, Galatea retreated to her study, the weight of the day’s events pressing on her chest. She pored over Alaric’s medical records, her mind racing. The bullet had come so close to piercing his heart, and with dozens of injuries scattered across his body, it was nothing short of a miracle he had survived. As she absorbed the details, her initial disdain for him began to melt away. The scars—both physical and mental—he carried were a direct result of the sacrifice he’d made. The same sacrifice that had shaped him into the man he was today.
At first, she had only seen his arrogance and pride. But now, she could see the vulnerability hidden beneath the surface. He wasn’t just a soldier; he was a survivor.
Lost in thought, Galatea barely noticed the small figure that appeared beside her. Elisa was staring at the name scribbled on the file folder.
“Alaric,” Elisa muttered, trying to make sense of the letters.
Before Galatea could respond, Caspian interjected, his voice tinged with curiosity. “Why’s Galatea reading Daddy’s file?”
“This isn’t the jerk who slept with Mom and then bailed without taking any responsibility, is it?” Elisa blurted out angrily, her tone accusatory.
Galatea froze, stunned. “Nonsense! When did I ever sleep with him?”
“That night, you didn’t come home! I called you, and he picked up,” Elisa explained, her words coming in a rush.
“He said that mom fell asleep in his car, not that they slept together, Elisa. You must have misunderstood. He’s not a jerk,” Caspian hastily defended Alaric, clearly trying to downplay the situation.
“Really? But when I went to see him, he didn’t deny it either,” Elisa countered, her suspicions not easily shaken.
Galatea’s frustration grew as she tried to make sense of the conflicting stories. “What on earth have you two been keeping from me?” she demanded, the confusion evident in her voice.
“Mom, I just wanted to help lighten the burden on you by finding a dependable and well-off guy,” Elisa murmured, wilting under her mother’s sharp gaze. “I know you’re busy. I’ll hit the books now.”
After Elisa darted out of the room, Caspian asked, his voice full of curiosity, “Mom, why are you looking at his medical record?”
“Because I’m his private physician now. I need to get familiar with his health status,” Galatea answered, trying to deflect the question.
“A private doctor?” Caspian’s eyes widened as he pieced the information together. That means they’ll be seeing each other a lot!
“Mom, I think there’s been a big misunderstanding between you two. Alaric is actually a decent guy. He might seem tough, but he’s really patient with those he cares about.”
Galatea paused, her mind spinning. Kind of like he has a split personality, mostly at night. Despite his own health issues, Alaric would patiently stay up all night, something Caspian was aware of.
“Harry,” Galatea said slowly, a thought suddenly forming. “Why does it seem like you know him so well? Have you met him?”
“No,” Caspian replied, looking guilty. “Just a hunch, mom. Can’t you be with him? I’d love for him to be my dad, please!”
“Harry, what’s gotten into you lately? It’s like you’re a different person.”
“Is it?” Caspian feigned ignorance. “Elisa and I are on the same page. We both hate to see you so exhausted. Alaric’s a former soldier who thrived in the business world after his service, which means he’s capable and dependable. So, just give it a shot with him.”
Galatea stared at her son, a mixture of disbelief and suspicion in her eyes. Just how did that man completely win them over, that they would vouch for him?
“Mom, just think about it, will you?” Caspian pressed, his voice full of earnest hope.
Galatea didn’t respond immediately, her thoughts racing. Then, something clicked. “Right, Harry, you claim to be a whiz at hacking, don’t you? I need your expertise on something.”
“A hacker?” Caspian blinked, suddenly uneasy. If he knew about hacking, could that expose who he really is?
Galatea didn’t notice his discomfort. “Here’s a portrait. I don’t care how you do it, but I need you to find the person in this painting for me.”
She was convinced that Mrs. Marigold was a fabricated name, a ruse to deceive her, and uncovering her real identity using the portrait would make everything a lot clearer. Caspian, however, looked especially uneasy, as if bracing for something inevitable.
“Why can’t I find it?” Galatea muttered to herself, searching through all her pockets and her purse. The portrait had vanished. What rotten luck, now I’ll have to find someone else to draw a new one.
“Mom, if you can’t find it, let’s just talk about it later,” Caspian said, feigning a yawn. “I’m sleepy. I’m going to bed now. You should get to bed early too!”
After Caspian ran out of the room, Galatea sighed deeply, realizing the portrait was truly gone. She briefly considered looking for it, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Instead, she returned to reviewing Alaric’s medical records.
But just as she felt like she was making progress, something strange happened. The remaining half of the medical file was gone.
“Silas, why is it that I only have half of Alaric’s medical file that you gave me yesterday?” Galatea asked, her tone sharp with confusion.
“How could that be?” Silas’s voice was filled with genuine surprise. “Mr. Knight’s file hasn’t been touched by anyone.”
That’s strange… could it have been Griffon? Galatea wondered, her suspicion growing. He’s an elder, after all. But why would he take half of Alaric’s medical records?
“Are you missing half the file? Should I go to the hospital and get the original records?” Silas asked, concerned.
“There’s no need,” Galatea replied, cutting him off. “This half I have is sufficient for me to understand his condition for now. Don’t trouble yourself, Silas.”
After hanging up, Galatea focused on putting together a health management plan for Alaric. She worked tirelessly throughout the day, finally completing it. Once done, she took the plan to Nexus Innovations, knowing her work there was only beginning.