Chapter 432

"Hey, you're home early today."

"Yeah, with New Year's coming up, I figured everyone could use a break."

Lewis shook off the cold and walked over with a smile. "How much is left to do?"

"Not much," Aria replied, glancing behind him. "Where's Justin?"

"Justin went to drop off some supplies at the orphanage. He'll be back later."

Simon chimed in, pretending to be jealous. "Why do you always ask about other guys when you see me?"

Linda's mouth twitched as she tried to suppress her laughter.

Who would have thought that Lewis, who was so commanding in front of others, could be so childish in front of Aria?

Aria sighed and closed the contract she was holding, smiling warmly at Lewis. "My bad. How should I make it up to you?"

There were many ways to make it up, but none of them were appropriate at the moment.

Lewis's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, his gaze on Aria intense and hungry.

He didn't say anything, but his eyes spoke volumes.

Aria looked away, already seeing things in Lewis's eyes that were not suitable for public display.

As for Linda, she had already sensed the shift in atmosphere and discreetly left, leaving the living room to the two of them.

With no one else around, Lewis grew bolder, but even then, he only kissed Aria.

His usual self-control seemed to vanish around Aria, and he feared he might do something he couldn't take back.

His kisses were gentle and filled with affection rather than passion.

He carefully placed his hand on Aria's stomach, caressing it gently. "Isn't there a check-up in a couple of days?"

"Yeah, we need to run some genetic and pathological tests to make sure the baby is healthy."

Aria sighed softly. "It's been a while since I dealt with biomedical stuff. It's a bit overwhelming to think about it now."

Lewis tightened his hold on Aria, remaining silent.

It wasn't just biomedical science; Aria had so many roles and responsibilities that it often felt surreal.

Sensing Lewis's unease, Aria patted him gently. "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking, what if one day I'm not good enough for you?"

He wasn't joking; he was serious.

Aria was exceptional, standing out effortlessly wherever she went, far surpassing him in many ways.

Aria looked into Lewis's eyes, speaking earnestly. "You're amazing and talented. You've never been less than me, so don't belittle yourself."

They gazed at each other, the atmosphere growing intimate, as if something more should happen.

Just as Lewis was about to say something, a loud voice came from near the door. "I'm back!"

The voice shattered the intimate moment.

Aria opened her eyes, looking at the excited Simon at the door, unsure of what to say.

This kid.

Simon, oblivious to what he had interrupted, continued enthusiastically. "I bought a ton of food today. Come on, let's eat together!"

"There's already food being delivered for New Year's. Why did you buy more?"

"No, no, no. Delivered food is cold and impersonal. You only get the real New Year joy when you buy it yourself."

Lewis stayed quiet.

The food he ordered wasn't impersonal; it had nothing to do with flattery.

Simon didn't catch the meaning in his uncle's eyes and continued to look at them with bright eyes. "Are you coming with us this afternoon?"

"No."

"Why not? It's really fun."

Lewis looked at Simon's crooked tie and the footprints on his pants, speaking sincerely. "I'm a loner and socially anxious. I can't handle enthusiastic crowds."

Simon fell silent.

Yeah, right.

Aria couldn't help but laugh.

Before they could continue, Lewis's phone rang.

Briar's kind face appeared on the screen. "Lewis, are you coming back on the 1st?"

"Yeah, it's crowded tonight, so we'll wait until the 1st to come back for a few days."

"Great!" Briar beamed. "You have a few friends, right? Bring them along. The Windsor Manor is big enough for everyone."

"Sure, I'll ask them."

Compared to the Windsor Mansion, the Windsor Manor had more rules, and his friends valued their freedom. They might not want to go.

After a brief conversation, they hung up.

Justin and Linda returned with Becky, discussing how to hang New Year decorations at the door.

Seeing Lewis's gaze, they quickly shook their heads, not giving him a chance to speak.

Lewis said, "I just wanted to ask..."

"No need to ask. We appreciate Mrs. Briar Windsor's invitation, but we won't go."

They finally had a few days off and didn't want to spend them in a place with strict rules and schedules.

Their refusal was so firm that Lewis couldn't find a way to continue.

Fine.

If they didn't want to go, they didn't have to. There wasn't much fun to be had anyway.

The trip to the Windsor Manor was canceled before it even began, and Aria smiled with her eyes.

Lewis couldn't help but grumble as he hugged her. "What are you laughing at? You're definitely coming with me."

"Should we tell them about the pregnancy?"

Since Aria got pregnant, Lewis hadn't told his family for safety reasons. The Windsor family still thought Aria wasn't working because she was unwell.

Lewis paused, then said quietly, "Let's not tell them yet."

He wasn't worried about most of the Windsor family, but there was Bob.

Since Bob and Irene returned, they had been quietly buying up Windsor Group shares.

Now, most of the scattered shares were in Bob's hands, and even some small shareholders had secretly switched sides. The support for Bob's shares was nearing fifty percent.

Lewis's eyes were deep, his thoughts unreadable.

Aria sensed something was wrong and tried to look at Lewis's expression, but he didn't let her.

He whispered in her ear, "Go rest. They're too noisy."

"What about you?"

"There's an issue with the overseas platform. I need to discuss it with Leroy."

Aria raised an eyebrow but agreed.

Watching Lewis leave the room, Aria took out her phone.

"Check if there's any recent activity with the Windsor Group."