Chapter 42
“You have the right to remain silent,” he said, his smirk evident, as he never spared a thought for anyone else’s feelings, always eager to pick at their wounds.
“What’s the big deal?” Alaric shrugged, unfazed by the tension. “They say time heals all wounds. It’s been years since he left you. Can’t we talk about it now?”
“Fine, let’s talk.” Galatea’s voice was low, a hint of honesty in her words. “I studied it just for him. Happy?”
Back in the day, Ambrose Vale had been under immense work pressure, barely sleeping a few hours each week. She had genuinely worried he would collapse from exhaustion, which led her to seek out numerous mentors and dive into extensive research.
“Did you love him that much?” Alaric pressed further, his tone curious.
It wasn’t a question Galatea could answer lightly. For her, love was never simple—it was laced with pain, with regret.
“Mr. Knight, are you very interested in gossip?” Galatea leaned against the table, her eyes narrowing as she watched him get dressed. “So, interested in other people’s affairs? What about you? How many have you dated? Loved? Why don’t you start?”
“None,” Alaric replied flatly, not giving her question any further thought.
“None?” Galatea laughed in disbelief. “How is it possible that you’ve never dated?”
A guy nearing thirty, especially as the CEO of his company, surrounded by women constantly, never dated?
“I said none, believe it or not,” Alaric repeated, his voice unyielding.
“And you call me the hypocrite?” Galatea muttered under her breath. “Where did your son come from if you’ve never dated?”
Before Alaric could respond, Silas Moon knocked and entered, holding a folder. “Mr. Knight, we’ve invited bids for the entertainment complex. Over ten companies have submitted their proposals so far.”
Alaric had embarked on a grand project to build an entertainment complex, inviting construction firms to bid for the contract. Naturally, large companies were eager to secure such a lucrative deal.
“Keep busy, Mr. Knight. I’ll take my leave.” Galatea made a quick exit, knowing work matters were calling.
Once she was gone, Alaric sifted through the folders, scanning the profiles of the bidding companies. His eyes narrowed when one particular profile caught his attention.
“Isn’t Far East International the same as the former Foster Consortium?” he asked, a note of suspicion creeping into his voice.
“Yes,” Silas confirmed. “They rebranded about seven years ago.”
“I don’t remember them having a construction division,” Alaric mused aloud, his thoughts turning over the situation. “Far East International has always been focused on manufacturing and exporting electronics. Construction is new territory for them. To bid on this? Bold move.”
“Yes,” Silas agreed, his tone indicating that he understood the weight of Alaric’s words.
Alaric handed the document back to Silas, giving instructions. “Bring this back to me after the bidding deadline.”
“Understood, Mr. Knight.”
A sudden thought struck Alaric. He glanced at the clock and grabbed his car keys. He was heading out—Caspian had been living with Uncle Cormac for a while, and now that he wasn’t boarding at school anymore, it was time to bring him home.
When Alaric arrived to pick up the boy, Cormac looked reluctant. “I’ve been enjoying Caspian’s company. Now you’re whisking him away?”
Cormac had always enjoyed a lively home. Living alone, Caspian’s presence had been a welcome change.
“Like kids that much? Go find a lady, have your own, and stop fussing over my son!” Alaric retorted before scooping Harry up in his arms. “Caspian, since you’re not staying at school anymore, let’s head home, alright?”
“Wait, Dad, aren’t you seeing someone?” Caspian asked, his tone cautious. “If I come back home, won’t I be in the way?”
Alaric paused, confused. “Who told you I’m dating?”
“Aren’t you and Galatea involved?” Harry asked, sounding somewhat offended. “I heard from Cormac. Galatea is your personal doctor, and you’re always with her. How can you not be dating?”
Both Alaric and Cormac were stunned by Harry’s assumption.
“Caspian, I’m baffled. I understand why you wouldn’t want to be around Orion if she wasn’t good to you, but you’ve barely met Galatea. Why are you so attached to her? She’s known for being bad luck.”
Frustration flashed in Harry’s eyes as he glared at Cormac. “You’re not going to bad-mouth her, too, are you? If that’s the case, I’ll leave right now.”
“Caspian, I’m your uncle, and Galatea is a stranger. Are you really getting mad at me for her?” Cormac asked, his voice rising with disbelief.
“She’s the mother I’ve chosen. To me, she’s more important than anyone else. Anyone who speaks ill of her loses my respect,” Harry declared angrily, his words resolute.
“Good heavens, what kind of spell has that woman cast?” Cormac muttered, clearly exasperated.
Alaric observed the exchange, his thoughts turning inward. “Caspian, if you’re old enough to make your own decisions, then don’t listen to others’ nonsense. And look, if you want to stay here, stay. Just call me when you’re ready to come home.”
“I hope that by the time you come to get me, Galatea will already be my mom—legit and all!” Harry grinned.
Alaric smiled back but said nothing.
After leaving Cormac’s home, Alaric found himself mulling over Harry’s hopeful declaration. “Blending a family is tough,” he thought. But could the kid’s enthusiasm be a sign of better things to come?
The next few days were consumed with work. One day, after a meeting, his assistant Silas approached him with a report.
“Mr. Knight, Mr. Gavin from the board of Far East Construction, a subsidiary of Far East International, would like to have lunch with you tomorrow. What do you think?”
Alaric glanced at his calendar. “Tell him I’m booked.”
Silas glanced back at the calendar. Tomorrow was Wednesday—the day Galatea came for his physical therapy sessions. Was that the appointment Alaric was referring to?
“Spread the word. I’m not meeting with any bidder’s representatives before the tender is opened,” Alaric declared firmly.
“Understood, Mr. Knight.”
Rumor had it that Gavin had flown back from abroad just for this. It seemed like he had miscalculated.
At the end of the day, Alaric found himself staring at his calendar again, oddly looking forward to the next day.
However, life had a way of being unpredictable. Tomorrow could bring blessings—or surprises.