“You can ask around and see if you can get a finished pair of guardian gargoyles like that for three million dollars,” Celeste retorted. With that, she turned and strode off, not sparing Damien another glance.

“Are you suggesting that I got a bargain? Where do you get that kind of confidence?” Damien’s voice rang out behind her, but she didn’t bother answering and continued to walk away.

She began examining Alaric’s condition the moment she entered his room. “Alaric, do you feel a little better today?” she asked, taking his pulse while gazing at his kind and gentle face.

Alaric nodded slightly. “I’m much better. I can walk around, and my breathing feels better.”

“That’s great! I’ll provide you with a new prescription for a few days, in addition to the acupuncture treatment. I’m certain you’ll recover even faster.”

“Alright. I’ll follow your instructions.”

As Celeste packed her things, he suddenly asked curiously, “Lucian called me today and said you had a young girl with you. Is that true?”

Upon hearing this, her hand paused mid-air. She tried so hard to keep it under wraps, yet she’d forgotten about her son. She had nearly forgotten how close Lucian and Alaric were—close enough for Lucian to confide in him often.

Just as she was about to respond, a familiar voice beat her to answering the question. “That’s Uncle Adrian’s child. Celeste is just helping him look after her for now.”

Startled, Celeste turned toward the door. Damien was leaning casually against the doorframe. At some point, he had come and watched them with a calm and aloof expression. However, Celeste could still see a glimmer of provocation in his eyes. He had just warned her not to let Alaric know, but now he was exposing it.

Alaric’s eyes widened in surprise, and his voice was full of disbelief as he asked, “Damien, what are you talking about? Adrian doesn’t even have a wife. How can he have a daughter? And why is Celeste the one taking care of her?”

“That’s his illegitimate child. I hadn’t planned to speak up, but having Celeste care for Uncle Adrian’s child doesn’t sit right with me. I thought you should know and decide what’s best.”

“Damien!” Celeste’s voice boomed out, both deep and harsh. It was enough to startle Damien. He stopped talking and merely looked at her.

“Celeste, what’s going on? Why are you taking care of Adrian’s daughter?”

Adrian had never walked her through a solution for this type of situation. Damien might’ve bought the excuse that Adrian was too busy to care for his daughter, but there was no way Alaric would believe it.

Alaric quickly grabbed his phone from the bedside table when he saw her hesitate. “Celeste, please help me find Adrian’s number. I’m calling him now to get the truth!”

“Alaric…” Celeste was at a loss for what to do.

“Are you refusing to even listen to me now?” Alaric’s expression darkened.