Chapter 55 Moving into The Stone Manor
Alaric had just finished talking with Delphine and stepped out of the hospital room.
Janet saw Alaric, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Alaric," she called out, her eyes fixed on him.
Alaric gave her a cold glance and walked right past her.
Janet hurried to catch up but then remembered why she had come to the hospital. Reluctantly, she stopped, turned around, and headed back to Delphine's room.
As Alaric passed by Cordelia's office, he slowed down.
He glanced inside.
Cordelia was focused on the papers on her desk, her delicate brows slightly furrowed in concentration.
Sensing someone watching her, she looked up just as Alaric passed by her door.
Alaric kept his eyes straight ahead and continued walking.
Cordelia's gaze softened as she returned to her work.
Janet stayed in Delphine's room for only a few minutes before leaving.
She hurried out of the room and quickly left the hospital.
Alaric's car was already gone. She looked at the other parked cars, feeling a pang of sadness.
After work, Cordelia went to Delphine's room to chat for a while. She stayed until Allan arrived with dinner for Delphine, then she left.
As she exited the hospital, a familiar black car pulled up in front of her.
The back window rolled down.
Alaric's striking profile came into view.
"Get in. Dad wants us to come home for dinner."
Cordelia hesitated, remembering that Donald still didn't know about their divorce. She composed herself and got into the car.
Though she sat next to Alaric in the back seat, there was a noticeable gap between them, enough for another person.
Alaric remained silent, so she spoke first.
"I'll find time to tell my dad about us."
Alaric didn't respond. Cordelia glanced at him. He was leaning back in the seat, eyes closed, looking tired.
Even exhausted, his elegance remained.
She watched him quietly for a long time.
When they arrived at The Stone Manor, Robert spoke first.
"Mr. Hughes, Ms. Stone, we're here."
Alaric opened his eyes.
His deep gaze was tinged with bloodshot and weariness, showing he had indeed fallen asleep.
Cordelia looked away, opened the car door, and got out.
Allegra heard the car pull into the driveway and came out to greet them.
Seeing Cordelia and Alaric get out of the same car but keeping their distance, she felt a bit helpless.
"Mr. Hughes, Cordelia," she greeted.
After politely greeting Alaric, she took Cordelia's hand and sighed.
"Mr. Stone's depression flared up last night. He barely slept and took some sedatives today, then napped for a while."
"When he woke up, he started preparing dinner and called Alaric, asking you both to come home."
Cordelia had planned to tell Donald about her divorce with Alaric, but now she suddenly felt unable to speak.
Feeling heavy-hearted, she glanced at Alaric.
Alaric looked back at her, his expression unchanged.
Cordelia bit her lip. "Alaric."
She had just started speaking when Alaric interrupted her sharply.
"I know."
Cordelia sighed in relief. "Thank you."
Alaric's expression remained neutral. "No problem."
Allegra watched the sudden politeness between them, unsure how to react.
Inside the house, Donald had already prepared the dishes.
Alaric walked in, took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and started helping Donald set the table.
Donald quickly stopped him.
"Alaric, you don't need to help. You and Cordelia should rest for a bit. It'll be ready soon."
"Dad, are you worried I can't handle this little task?" Alaric's gaze was calm as he placed the soup on the table.
Donald smiled and let it go.
As the three were seated, Evelyn arrived.
During dinner, Evelyn casually mentioned, "I'm moving back tomorrow. Since the company isn't too busy right now, I can spend more time with you."
The Stone Group was undergoing a transition, so it was far from not busy.
Cordelia immediately spoke up.
"I'll move back instead."
No sooner had she spoken than Alaric, who had been quietly eating, nodded in agreement.
"The Stone Manor is closer to Sunrise Valley Hospital. It would be convenient for Cordelia."
Cordelia paused, unsure of Alaric's intentions.
Donald didn't want to disrupt Cordelia and Evelyn's work, so he tried to dissuade them.
"You both don't need to move back. I'm fine, don't worry."
Cordelia had already married, so it wasn't appropriate for her to stay long-term at her parents' house.
And Donald didn't want Evelyn to juggle between the company and The Stone Manor.
Cordelia insisted on moving back.
With so many people committing suicide due to depression each year, and Donald having just been saved from the brink of death, she was genuinely worried.
Seeing her stubbornness, Donald sighed, his face showing some frustration.
"Cordelia, you're married now. Can you stop being childish? Alaric is busy with work every day, juggling The Stone Manor, the company, and The Hughes Manor. It's exhausting."
Since marrying Cordelia, Alaric had never stayed overnight at The Stone Manor.
So Donald naturally didn't consider having Alaric stay there.
"It's okay. I can stay at The Stone Manor too."
His voice was calm, as if stating something ordinary.
Cordelia and Donald were both stunned.
Evelyn was more composed. She paused while picking up some food, smiled lightly, and continued eating.
Donald was still stunned. "Are you sure that's alright?"
Alaric's expression remained neutral.
"It's fine. I take Cordelia to the hospital every day. It's convenient."
His face remained unchanged as he spoke, then he looked at Cordelia.
Cordelia was about to speak when Donald, delighted, nodded enthusiastically. "It's settled then."
"Allegra, go prepare Cordelia's room."
Allegra nodded and left the dining room to get Cordelia's room ready.
That night, Alaric had Robert move his belongings to The Stone Manor, making it clear he intended to stay for a while.