Chapter 324: The Young Lady
“Miss Fairchild, you may attend tomorrow’s symposium. If this project moves forward, I’d like you to be involved,” Bates said with a hopeful smile.
“Sure, as long as Aidan agrees, I’m fine with it,” Alison replied.
“I’ll call him shortly. It’s been a pleasure working with you,” he said.
“Thank you for your trust, Mr. Bates. It’s getting late. I should head back and prepare; otherwise, I might miss tomorrow’s symposium.”
She offered a reasonable excuse.
“All right. The hotel limo will take me back. No need to trouble you, Miss Fairchild.”
Alison bid farewell before hailing a cab back to the office.
Back at YD, most people had already left.
Alison returned to her office, where she found the compiled materials for the event — over a dozen pages — on the desk.
She burned the midnight oil, gradually forming a plan for the next day’s proceedings.
Glancing at the clock, it was already midnight. She should go home.
Before leaving, she replied to the email.
[Aidan and I are just friends. I won’t date him. As for the photos, do with them as you please.]
She typed each word carefully and reviewed it repeatedly.
After sending it, she exhaled in relief.
Then, she quickly typed a new message:
[I’d like to arrange a time to meet with you.]
After sending it, she waited quietly for a reply.
Then, the desk phone rang.
“Still working late, Alison?” Aidan asked.
“Mr. Bates invited me to attend tomorrow’s symposium, so I need to work late to review our collaborative project,” she explained.
“Don’t overdo it. I’ll be there too.”
“Well, I need to understand the project details first.”
“Finished reading it now?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m getting ready to head home,” she replied.
“I’ll pick you up,” he offered.
“No need, Aidan. I’ll already be home in a taxi by the time you arrive. I’m leaving now.” She declined.
“Wait for me. I’ll be there soon,” he insisted.
“It’s really okay. I can get back on my own,” she said.
“Then be careful on your way home,” he replied, giving in.
“Alison, is your phone dead? I couldn’t get through,” he added.
Alison rummaged through her purse and pulled out her phone, only to find it was indeed dead.
“Oh, right. It’s dead. Aidan, don’t worry. I’m really fine.”
She soothed him before hanging up.
Then she called home.
“Are the kids asleep?”
“Yes,” the nanny replied.
“Good. I’ll be back soon. You should go to bed early, too. No need to wait up for me,” she instructed.
After hanging up, she felt somewhat reassured.
Her gaze shifted to her inbox — a new reply.
[Alison, you’ll regret this. See you tomorrow on every major website.]
Alison felt a flutter of panic, praying nothing would go wrong tomorrow.
If they really release those photos… what will happen to the children? To me?
She decided not to take the children to kindergarten tomorrow.
[Whatever]
She typed the word before shutting down her computer and leaving the office.
When she reached the elevator lobby, she noticed that all the elevator indicator lights were off.
She returned to the office and called security to inquire, only to learn that the elevator was under repair.
She’d have to take the stairs.
She descended floor by floor.
Lights flickered on as she passed each level, then went dark again.
Only the echo of her footsteps filled the stairwell.
After climbing the final flight, she sighed in relief and felt utterly exhausted.
She rested her hand on the door, ready to push it open into the hall.
Suddenly, the door was violently pushed open from the outside.
A figure darted into the stairwell.
The lights flickered on, and she recognized him instantly — it was Gabriel.
Alison froze, utterly stunned.
He grabbed her arm and pulled her into a dark corner.
He clasped her waist tightly and pressed her body against his.
Then, his kiss overwhelmed her.
“Mmm…”
She tried to struggle, caught off guard by the sudden kiss.
Just then, the sound of the door opening came from behind them, followed by a series of hurried footsteps.
She heard them but couldn’t make a sound.
Only when the footsteps gradually faded away did he stop kissing her.
Her breath came in sharp, uneven gasps, the scent of him — leather, wind, danger — still clinging to her lips.
What are you doing to me, Gabriel…?