Chapter 328: Can’t Say
“Alison, I…” Aidan stammered.
“Why did you hide this from me?” Alison asked.
“It’s a man-to-man thing.” He hesitated, deciding to keep it hidden.
“Fine, from now on, I won’t ride in your car,” she said while getting out of the car, furious.
“Alison, I didn’t mean to. We were just practicing some moves.” He grabbed her arm.
“Huh? Was that supposed to impress the police? You two are really actors!” She objected, struggling to get out.
“I’m sorry, Alison,” he said nervously. “Please forgive me, there won’t be a next time. Get in the car. Mr. Bates is still waiting for us.” He said softly, giving in.
Alison slid into the car with a cold face.
Aidan started the engine and drove toward the office.
“It was all my fault. I lost my temper. When I saw you sitting on Gabriel’s motorcycle, so close to him, my heart broke,” he blurted out.
“Sorry, Aidan. You should find your true love. I don’t deserve you,” she replied.
The car suddenly slammed on the brakes and pulled over.
“Don’t say that! Gabriel can’t make you happy. Only I can give you what you want. I’ll take good care of Sophia and Ethan,” Aidan insisted.
“Aidan, I know, but I truly don’t…” Alison trailed off.
He fell silent — her words showed there would be no future between them — he had lost to Gabriel.
Yet, inside, he was still struggling.
No, I can’t give up.
The symposium proceeded as scheduled. After about two hours, all agenda items were concluded successfully.
After signing the new agreement, Bates turned to Alison.
“Miss Fairchild, I have some personal matters I’d like to discuss with you. Would now be a convenient time?” he asked.
Alison glanced at Aidan.
He nodded.
Then she and Bates remained in the conference room.
She glanced at the laptop on the table and smiled at Bates.
“Mr. Bates, please sit down. May I take a look at the computer?”
She wanted to check if the photos were exposed.
“Go ahead. This is now a purely private meeting. I actually wanted to tell you last night, but I hesitated. After thinking it over overnight, I still feel I should tell you,” he said.
“Mr. Bates, please continue.” Alison paused her clicking.
“Do you remember that time you nearly got kidnapped when you first arrived in Paris?” he said after clearing his throat.
“Yes, I remember.”
“Jack and I discussed this. We rescued you because someone intervened and located you as quickly as possible. He always forbade me from telling you the truth, but his death might be connected to the organization that sought to harm you.”
Alison’s heart began racing.
“Mr. Bates, what exactly is this organization?” she asked nervously.
“It’s a transnational drug and human trafficking syndicate. They operate with a tightly structured, full-service model. I’ve heard they have a presence in S City, one of the key strongholds,” he replied.
“Could it be the Polar Bear Alliance?” Her heart sank.
Bates nodded. “Maybe. While Jack was in Paris, he relentlessly pursued that matter. He actually knew more than I do. Unfortunately…”
She smiled bitterly, recalling Jack’s countless acts of kindness during his lifetime. Maybe he had already discovered something, sensed what was about to happen, and later it all came to pass.
“Thank you for telling me.” She smiled at him, her eyes glinting with gratitude.
The more she learned about Jack, the more she regretted not being more attentive to him during that time.
“Miss Fairchild, there’s actually another thing. I’m not sure whether I should mention.” Bates hesitated before saying.
“Please go ahead. I want to hear everything concerning Jack,” she said.
“Do you know who the top figure in the Paris Polar Bear Alliance is?” Bates asked.
The question caught Alison off guard. She shook her head.
“That person’s surname is Winston,” Bates said.
It sent a chill through Alison — Rock!
Her heart filled with disbelief, though the scene of him and Emily gazing at each other with deep affection on the yacht forced her to face reality.