Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Charles's voice was deep and commanding, leaving no room for argument.

Alvin froze in his tracks, his body stiffening as he felt the anger radiating from the man behind him.

Patricia noticed the tension and gave Charles a look. "Take it outside."

Charles understood and dragged Alvin out of the hospital room.

They walked to the end of the hallway, where it was quiet and free from the hustle and bustle of patients and nurses.

"Tell me how you plan to fix this," Charles said, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, his gaze icy. "Don't try to dodge the issue."

"I... I wasn't trying to avoid it. I just felt cooped up in there," Alvin stammered, his head down, unable to meet Charles's eyes.

He had always been afraid of Charles. Charles was more of a father figure to him than Ruben ever was, and every time he messed up, Charles was the one to set him straight.

"Cooped up?" Charles scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Thea's in the hospital after an accident, and you reek of another woman's perfume?"

Alvin's face turned pale, and he was at a loss for words.

He had just gone out for a drink, and those women at the bar had come on to him. What was he supposed to do?

"Charles, it's not what you think."

Charles wasn't interested in his excuses. He stepped closer, his presence intimidating Alvin into retreating. "Give me an explanation, Alvin."

"Charles, you don't understand the situation between Thea and me..." Alvin clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up as he thought about the recent turmoil at home.

"Then get a divorce," Charles said bluntly, leaving Alvin stunned.

"Divorce? That's impossible!" Alvin protested. "Thea's pregnant. How could I divorce her now?"

Charles crossed his arms, his tone unwavering and clear, as if he had already mapped out Alvin's options. "I'll convince her to leave the child with the Anderson family. If you don't love each other enough, then end it."

This wasn't the first time Charles had suggested divorce. Alvin was taken aback; he had never seriously considered leaving Thea.

"You're not a good husband," Charles continued. "Don't drag her down."

"I'm not dragging her down," Alvin said through gritted teeth, feeling like no explanation would suffice. His face showed his pain. "You don't know anything about our relationship, Charles."

"I don't need to know," Charles replied calmly. "Alvin, I don't want to hear about your personal issues. Either treat her well or get a divorce. I don't want Patricia worrying about your problems."

Alvin opened his mouth to say something, but then he saw a nurse knocking on the hospital room door, catching snippets of her conversation with Patricia.

"Ms. Thea Ellis's test results are back. The baby is fine, but she needs to stay for observation. We need a family member to sign."

Patricia nodded. "Alright, I'll be right there."

She glanced at Alvin and gestured for him to go, then turned and closed the door behind her.

Charles watched Patricia's actions, feeling a pang of sadness as she didn't even spare him a glance. He turned back to Alvin.

"Have you thought about the divorce?" Charles asked, his voice heavy with pressure. "Don't waste time."

Alvin looked up, his eyes red and filled with despair, collapsing to the floor. "I never really wanted a divorce!"

"I'm a mess, I drink and wander aimlessly, not because I don't love Thea, but because she doesn't love me! She only loves the Anderson family's money!"

Charles's eyebrows twitched slightly, his expression curious as he looked at Alvin.

After a few moments of silence, he spoke slowly. "What makes you think she only loves money?"

"Why else?" Alvin laughed bitterly, tugging at his wrinkled tie. "She approached me because of my Anderson family status. If not for money, then what?"

He knew exactly how he and Thea had gotten together. He wasn't particularly capable or handsome compared to Charles and Bruce. Thea had been a sought-after model; why would she choose him?

If it wasn't for the money, if it wasn't because he was an Anderson, she wouldn't have married him.

"It was my fault she fell, but thinking she might only be with me for the child and the Anderson family's wealth makes me miserable!"

Charles listened quietly, not saying a word.

The hallway lights cast shadows on his face, making his emotions unreadable.

After a long pause, Charles spoke again, his tone still firm. "Talk to Thea. Decide whether to divorce or reconcile. Otherwise, don't blame me for using the Anderson family's rules to discipline you."

Alvin knew Charles meant what he said. If he threatened to use the family's rules, he wasn't bluffing.

Seeing the cold determination in Charles's eyes, Alvin nodded quickly. "Charles, I understand. I'll talk to Thea."

Charles said nothing more, giving Alvin a long look before heading back to the hospital room.

Alvin stood there, his legs still shaky, watching Charles's retreating figure.

He rarely had such conversations with Charles. It was rare for Charles to listen to him vent like that.

Alvin composed himself, straightening his wrinkled suit, and prepared to sign the necessary paperwork.

When he returned to the room, he saw Charles sitting with his legs crossed, watching him, while Patricia was peeling an apple for Thea.

Thea looked better than before.

Patricia glanced at Alvin, who nodded respectfully and addressed her. "Patricia, I'll take over here. Charles, Patricia, you both should rest. I'll stay and take care of Thea tonight."

Patricia was surprised by Alvin's sudden change in attitude. She turned to Charles, puzzled.

What had Charles said to him to make him so responsible all of a sudden?

But seeing Alvin willing to take care of Thea, she felt relieved. "Alright, we'll leave it to you. Let us know if anything comes up."

After Charles and Patricia left, the room fell silent.

Alvin clenched his fists, replaying Charles's words in his mind.

He was ready for Thea to start yelling at him, but instead, her voice, trembling slightly, caught him off guard.

"Alvin," Thea called softly. "I saw Adeline today."

"How could you? You must be mistaken."

"She can't be here. Grandpa sent her abroad a long time ago." Alvin's face changed instantly, and he stood up abruptly.

"I didn't see Adeline herself, but I saw a child who looked a lot like her," Thea said, her voice uncertain. "And he looked a lot like Charles. Do you think he could be Charles's son?"

Given Glenn's age and the revelation of a son as old as Charles, it wouldn't be surprising if Charles had a secret daughter with Adeline, right?

"Are you crazy? Charles only has Emily. There's no way he has another child!" Alvin scolded her for the absurd idea. "If he did, Grandpa would have known and brought the child into the Anderson family. Don't forget, Patricia was also found by Grandpa's people."

Thea felt a bit relieved by Alvin's words, but still said, "But that girl really looked like Charles. How could it be such a coincidence?"

Alvin fell silent.

He had grown up with Adeline and knew how Charles felt about her. They had almost become a couple.

Five years ago, when Adeline was accused of embezzling from the Church Group, Charles had defended her, even against his mother.

After a long silence, Alvin finally spoke. "Don't mention this to anyone, especially not Charles or Patricia. I'll look into the child's identity."

He knew that after Adeline was secretly sent abroad, there had been no news of her.

It had been five years, and her sudden return couldn't be a good sign.