What Happens Next?
Jack's gaze was fixed on her rosy lips. "Go ahead."
Alison was taken aback.
She hadn't expected him to be so indifferent.
"No comment." She walked toward the glass door.
"Sir, the food has warmed up a bit. You can start eating. I'll bring out the rest of the dishes as I go." The housekeeper chimed in.
"Oh, okay." Jack turned around and sat down at the dining table, looking sullen.
Lunch was a lavish spread, half his favorite dishes and half Alison's.
He couldn't fathom Caden's intentions.
He couldn't tell whether Caden was his enemy or friend.
If he were an enemy, why would he hand him drugs in person?
If he were a friend, that wouldn't feel right either.
Instead, Caden seemed to be interested in Alison.
Alison drove to YD.
She hadn't worked in a long time; she felt eager and excited.
While driving, her Bluetooth suddenly rang.
She looked down and saw that it was Emily's number.
"Emmy, how come you have so much free time today? Did you finally remember to call me?" She knew Emily had recently gone through rehab, and the process had been excruciating.
"Alison, are you home? I'd like to come over and see Lyla and Tyler," Emily said.
Alison frowned. "I'm out and on my way to YD, Emmy. I've started working again."
"Working? Then what about Lyla and Tyler?" Emily asked, sounding worried.
"I hired a nanny to look after them," Alison replied.
"Have they had their formula yet?" Emily asked again.
"No. I pump breast milk every day and store it in the fridge. Lyla and Tyler are still breastfeeding," Alison explained.
"Is that even possible?"
"Yeah, it's fine," Alison confirmed.
There was a moment of silence, then Emily whispered, "Alison, if that's okay, could you let me take care of Tyler?"
Emily had always loved children.
She had told Alison and Jack that she wanted to adopt one.
But Jack disagreed. He said that all his children were treasures, that he wanted to raise them himself, and that Emily should get clean and have a child of her own.
Alison knew Jack was trying to motivate Emily to get clean.
Alison's heart ached.
She said, "I'll ask Aidan what he thinks."
"Great! If he doesn't agree, I'll figure out something else. If all else fails, I'll even ask Grandpa for help," Emily said.
Alison could almost feel her joy through the phone.
"Okay," she agreed readily before hanging up.
Alison parked her car in the underground garage, walked into YD, and headed straight to the Foreign Trade Department to check in.
"Hello, Ms. Fairchild," someone greeted her.
Alison smiled.
She threw herself into her work soon.
After just one afternoon, she felt completely revitalized, as if she'd been reborn.
"Ms. Fairchild, it's time to clock out," someone reminded Alison.
Alison looked up and realized that everyone in the office was leaving.
Looking at the quote she'd only half finished, she shook her head. "You go ahead. I'll finish this, email it to the client, and then I'll leave."
"Okay, I have a date, so I'll head out first."
Alison nodded, picked up the desk phone, and dialed a number.
"President, it's me, Alison," she said.
"What is it?" A cold, detached voice came from the other line.
"Well, there is something. I'm working on a quote. Once I'm done, I'll come up to see you, and we can talk then—is that okay?"
"No need. Just tell me over the phone."
"Hey, here's the thing. Emily loves children and wants to raise Tyler. What do you think?"
"No way. My son needs to be breastfed." Aidan cut her off.
Alison pursed her lips, took a few deep breaths, and then suggested, "Tyler could still be breastfed if he goes to Emily's. I can pump the milk and have someone deliver it. Besides, I'm not taking care of Tyler and Lyla right now. I'm at work."
"Alison, I know you hate me, so it's only natural that you hate my son. Fine, then I won't bother you. I'll pick Tyler up myself and take him home." Aidan's voice was as cold as ice, making Alison shiver.
"Aidan, that's not what I meant. I don't hate you or Tyler. It's just that Emily..." Alison grew flustered.
"That's it, then. I'll drive over myself to pick up Tyler tonight."
Aidan didn't give her a chance to explain. He'd already hung up, leaving only the jarring dial tone on the other end.
Alison hurried to finish the quote, send the email, and tidy up her desk.
She headed straight for the CEO's office on the top floor.
The office door was ajar, and Alison caught only a glimpse of Aidan's profile as he sat with his head down, intently reviewing company documents.
After much internal deliberation, Alison finally made up her mind and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Aidan's voice was the same as always—devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
Alison pushed the door open and tiptoed inside.
Aidan was reviewing documents.
Without looking up, he asked, "What is it?"
"Emmy really likes Tyler, and she'll take just as good care of him as I do. But if you don't want her to take him away, he'll stay with me. Don't worry. As long as you don't give your consent, I won't just hand Tyler over to anyone, Aidan."
Aidan slowly looked up and said in a deep voice, "You're working now, so it makes no difference whether Tyler stays at your place or mine. Let's leave it at that. I have work to do. I'll come by later."
"Aidan..." Alison hesitated, her heart brimming with resentment.
"Go ahead if you have something to say. If not, please leave."
"You..." Alison clenched her jaw. "Fine, have it your way."
Furious, she turned and walked out.
Aidan lifted his head, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure.
He sighed, shaking his head.
His mind was no longer on the files on his desk.
After a moment, he tidied up, grabbed his briefcase, and headed home.
Stepping into the CEO's private elevator, he made a call as it descended. "Have you found a nanny yet?"
"Yes, we've found one exactly as you requested. She's received excellent reviews from previous clients—you can rest assured."
"Good. Have her come over tonight."
"Right now?"
Aidan stepped out of the elevator and checked the time. "Ten o'clock."
"Yes, Mr. Winston."