Chapter 35: Alistair Said He Loved Her

Mr. Vaughn: [Today is Saturday. Has Ms. Ashbourne gone home?] Agnes: [Yes.]

Mr. Vaughn sent Agnes a screenshot of a money transfer.

Agnes: [But Ms. Ashbourne brought a man home today.]

Mr. Vaughn panicked and sent a sixty-second voice note. Agnes replied: [OK, I’ll take a picture and send it to you.] Mr. Vaughn sent another screenshot of a transfer and replied: [Thanks a lot.]

The so-called "Mr. Vaughn" Agnes chatted with was Preston Vaughn, a suitor of Caroline. Preston was madly obsessed with Caroline, tossing and turning nightly due to unrequited love. He even bribed someone near Mabel to relay information about Caroline.

Learning that the usually aloof Caroline had brought a man home for the first time, Preston panicked, asking Agnes to secretly photograph Alistair. He wanted to investigate who dared to take a woman from him.

Mabel, usually lenient with the nannies' mistakes, was furious when she learned someone betrayed their family's privacy. She immediately ordered Agnes to pack and leave. Agnes tearfully begged for mercy: "Madam Ashbourne, Ms. Ashbourne! I was wrong. I shouldn't have betrayed you for a small favor. Please forgive me; it's my first mistake. I swear I won't do it again!"

One betrayal was enough. Mabel was not easily swayed on such important matters. Seeing no room for negotiation, Agnes left sadly. Mabel was furious. "Blacklist that Vaughn guy and never allow him to set foot here again!" The housekeeper replied, "Yes, Madam."

Mabel began to apologize, "It's your first day here. I'm sorry for what happened…" Caroline interrupted, "Grandma, he's not a stranger. Why are you being so polite to him?" Mabel was speechless. She still looked at Alistair with loving eyes, her expression different from when she was with Caroline, as if unsatisfied with the man Caroline had married. "Alistair, thank you. Otherwise, we'd keep such a treacherous person in the house, and it would be a disaster sooner or later."

Mabel felt uneasy about someone spying on them. Even if the intentions were benign, she felt terrified. After this incident, Mabel reconsidered Alistair. Maybe I should let go of my prejudice. Excellence shouldn't be reflected solely by academic qualifications, family background, etc. This young man Carol likes is not only good-looking but also insightful. Isn't this an advantage others don't have?

Everyone looked at Alistair. He looked at Eloise, who remained by his side, unwilling to take credit. "In fact, it was Eloise who made me alert." Eloise's nervousness and timidity around Agnes had subconsciously alerted Alistair.

Caroline was extremely annoyed. This happened the first time I brought Alistair back. Will it leave a bad influence on him? What if he feels that entering a wealthy family is terrible, or mistakenly thinks that I'm flirting with others…? Caroline saw two more obstacles on the road to Alistair's heart. The composed CEO wanted to clarify, but knew it wasn't the right time. She wished she could cut Agnes into pieces. Agnes pleaded to leave tomorrow. Mabel remained unmoved.

Under the housekeeper's supervision, Agnes went to her room to pack. As she left, she seemed to glance at Alistair unintentionally. He caught her gaze, and his heart inexplicably raced. Unrest surged. He had a bad feeling something was about to happen. The wind carried a familiar scent. Caroline walked beside him. "What are you thinking about?" Alistair shook his head. "Nothing." It was just vague intuition, lacking evidence. What if I'm just overthinking it? Caroline's mood dropped slightly. She frowned. There's obviously something going on, but he just doesn't want to tell me.

Caroline tucked her hair behind her ears. "Alistair, luckily there are only two of us now; otherwise, they would have figured out something was up." Alistair was stunned. "Sorry, I—" Caroline replied, "Real couples won't apologize all the time." Alistair didn't know how to respond. He felt she was harsh; after all, they weren't a real husband and wife. Even if they were, they'd only known each other for a few days.

Caroline explained, "Don't get me wrong. I just want to remind you to be careful with your actions in front of my grandma. If we are too polite to each other…" She leaned in and whispered, "My grandma has very sharp eyes. If we are not careful, she may find out the truth, and then all our efforts will be in vain." Her breath on his face made the air feel thin. He wanted to step back, but someone passed by, so he held back. "Okay, I'll be more careful." He was nervous. He couldn't imagine if their relationship was exposed… He'd become addicted to this fake family life. If this were a dream, he hoped to maintain it forever and not wake up so early.

Caroline added, "I don't even know what that guy looks like." Alistair's brain couldn't keep up. "I mean that man named Mr. Vaughn. I have nothing to do with him. Don't think too much about it." Finally finding an opportunity to clarify, Caroline hurried to explain. She felt as if she'd washed off mud, and the depressed feeling dissipated.

Alistair looked around. Eloise was on the swing, Mabel reading to her. Julian had disappeared. Except for Mabel occasionally glancing up, Alistair was sure no one noticed them. He wanted to say, "You don't need to explain this to me," but paused. Would a real husband not care if his wife is pursued by another man? Considering the one-million-dollar payment a month, I really need to learn from Caroline and get into the role so as to avoid being seen through accidentally.

He followed her lead and pretended to be relieved. "Really? Then I feel relieved." Caroline blinked. "So, honey, have you forgiven me?" Alistair wasn't used to "honey." He was unsure how to respond. Accepting it would seem like he was taking advantage, but refusing would be unprofessional. Ultimately, it was because he had the wrong mindset and too many messy thoughts. Caroline, however, was calm and open-minded, not as shy as him, so she could easily call him "honey." However, he had no idea Caroline had ulterior motives from the first moment she saw him.

Alistair replied, "It's not you who did anything wrong." Caroline said, "Honey, why are you so considerate? I love you even more!" Her smile made the blossoms pale in comparison. Alistair's heart stopped, his mind a mess. "Uh, I–I…" Caroline waited patiently. He couldn't finish a sentence. Caroline moved closer. Her skin was smooth under the sunlight. Her expectation made Alistair feel that continued hesitation would make him unforgivable. He decided, "I love you too!"

It was like a sharp blade piercing Caroline's heart. She stared blankly. Her blood seemed to coagulate, her mind blank, the world a backdrop; only Alistair was in her eyes. Alistair was embarrassed, her surprised reaction leaving him at a loss. Could it be that I'm too immersed in the role and don't know how to control myself? The word "love" is so sacred and noble. How can we say it casually? But Caroline can say it, and why can't I…?

Caroline quickly recovered. Her absentmindedness seemed like Alistair's illusion. Caroline asked, "That's all?" Alistair stared, confused. She added, "Remember to add the word 'baby' next time, otherwise, who will know who you really love?" Alistair was speechless. After her serious instructions, she looked away as if nothing had happened. A blush crept onto his face. Even though she knew Alistair said it under her "force," and it wasn't his real thoughts, Caroline didn't care. Alistair said he loved her.

Mabel watched them huddle and whisper. She felt full of contradictions. When Caroline was alone, Mabel worried. When Caroline found her ideal husband, Mabel felt uncomfortable. It all happened too suddenly; she had no time to prepare mentally. No one would be used to it.

Caroline stroked Eloise's face lovingly. This is a poor child, but she is also very lucky to have met Caroline. Mabel asked, "Eloise, do you like your dad?" Eloise nodded vigorously. "Of course I like him. My dad is so nice!" Mabel smiled. "Well, as long as you both like him." The only thing Mabel could do was send her blessings to them.